But here I sit. Alternating between checking my email and voicemail and administering more medicine and rearranging pillows because they are purposely bothering him. Oh wait, one more thing I’m doing – worrying. I’m worried about being out of work so long; worried what my boss thinks; worried what crises are building; worried that my coworkers are having to step in; and worried that I am a heartless mom because I seem to be more worried about what is going on at work than I am about what is happening at home.
I do accept that as a working mom, I have more people depending on me than just my family, and I live up to that responsibility. But you just can’t truly control getting sick (you can bet I’ve googled plastic bubbles). And although I work full-time and have a pretty demanding job, my husband still “out-ranks” me, making it harder for him to call out sick, so it usually falls to me. And I’ll bet dollars to donuts it falls to you, too. And you, too, fill up on the worry and guilt.
Every time I'm out, I feel massive guilt. Just add it to the pile all working moms carry, I guess. It's bad enough we don't stay late every night with the rest of the gang because we have to do silly stuff like pick up kids, but when we're out on sick leave, we're just positive we can hear the snickers and see the eye rolls through the phone lines.
As I’ve had my fair share of guilt-laden sick days, I thought I’d share some of the wisdom I’ve gained.
Top 5 Tips to Calling Out Sick
You need to call out sick - whether for you, or one of those cute little people that live with you. You can minimize the effect of your absence by remaining professional and demonstrating your commitment level to both your boss and your coworkers. Here is a short list of tips to keep in mind as you make your way through yet another box of tissues:
1. Alert your boss the minute you know you will be missing work. Even if it's three in the morning and you're hoping against hope the tide will turn and you'll make it in, still make that call. The date and time stamp will a) let your boss know that you were up all night and b) let you avoid an actual conversation that you will inevitably bungle in your attempt to ensure she knows you're not faking. (But don't avoid your boss — do call when you get a chance just to touch base and update them on your prognosis.)
2. Call several of your coworkers, too. Sometimes the boss doesn't let everyone know, and your coworkers can unwittingly magnify your absence by asking everyone repeatedly if they've seen you. If you had any client meetings scheduled, if possible, cancel them yourself.
3. Change your voicemail message to reflect your absence. If you'll be calling in for messages, indicate that as well so callers will have a good sense about when they can expect a return call. If possible, also put an auto-reply on your email.
4. Unless you're hospitalized or dealing with a major illness, try to call the office at least once. Make up a reason if you have to, just talk to at least one person on a work-related issue to show you may not be there, but you're still in the game, so to speak.
5. When you return to work, after a one-day absence, or a several-day absence, make sure to personally talk to your coworkers individually and give them a brief run-down of why you were out. Yes, it's none of their business, I agree, but if you're already taking some heat for being out, talking one on one tends to break down that tension and get coworkers on your side. And if there are any particular coworkers that took up the slack in your absence, you owe them lunch and a public thank you (definitely in front of the boss and preferably in front of as many other coworkers as possible).
These tips are helpful whether it's you that is sick, or your kids. Although I still feel guilty for being out, remaining on top of things work-wise gives me some peace of mind and allows me to focus on getting well.
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