Absence from work fears

LignumVitae
LignumVitae Member Posts: 1,972
edited 4. Oct 2012, 12:19 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi Everybody

I just thought I would post this for all those people who often state how worried they are about being away from work/ what people think/ whether the boss minds.

I'm in my third week of enforced working from home, for once not through arthritis but because of a few little complications with Bubble and Squeak and being pregnant with them. I have only worked for the last two weeks and of those, for just five full days (with extra sleeps in them too). By Monday I was having the inevitable worries about what people would be thinking (nobody but the boss and my friend know the reason for this absence), thinking how I hadn't heard from anybody and that one project was possibly now lagging seriously behind. I'm guessing a few of you will recognise those fears and worries. I had a word with myself and stopped the worries turning into paranoias.

Today is Wednesday, I have had a goot chat with my boss who is adament I stay here until everything is settled and appears to have the troublesome project under control or at least was not a slight bit worried about it. Two of my colleagues have been in touch to see how I am, one of them a guy I don't work with lots but get on with terribly well. All the worries of Monday, they were unfounded and I am pleased I stopped them turning into paranoias.

I've just posted this because as I say, I know we all worry about work absences/ not pulling our weight/ what people are thinking/ why there has been no contact but you see, maybe sometimes these things are just worries and really it's all OK.

Enjoy the sunshine today.
LV xx
Hey little fighter, things will get brighter

Comments

  • tillytop
    tillytop Member Posts: 3,460
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello LV

    What a nice positive post. I am so sorry you are needing to be away from work at the moment - but really pleased that you are getting the understanding you need from work so that you don't have to worry (so much) about being away.

    Thinking of you.

    Tilly xxx
  • frogmella
    frogmella Member Posts: 1,111
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi LV,

    Thank you for such a nice post. I know I have been guilty of the paranoia (but just because I was didn't mean they weren't after me!! lol love a bit of nirvana).

    I hope you are taking good care of yourelf and the two little ones too.

    xx
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Aw LV that us such a lovely post, and will put people minds at rest...I do love the names bubble and squeak bless, you keep us updated then we can follow your progress...we did this a few years ago , and it was lovely when the birth was announced :D ...we all felt like aunty's and uncles :lol:
    You take care xx
    Love
    Barbara
  • JuliaHod12
    JuliaHod12 Member Posts: 456
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Great post LV :-)

    I can admit to the paranoia :-(
    I had an awful time with my manager (before and after) the first time i had surgery in 2010 (1st arthroscopy of 3) she was a complete b*tch and not at all understanding.
    2nd time was just the same and 3rd was worse as I'd had a lot of time off work waiting for surgery.

    However there has been a complete sea change with the woman and her attitude (maybe because it was confirmed i have OA and this surgery was more complicated and a last resort) and I am not questioning it!
    This time round i was very relaxed about things and the need for time off post TKR, but nevertheless felt i had to go back to work sooner rather than later for my own sanity!

    As for contact from my colleagues.........well that was sparse as they are mostly men! :roll:
  • merri
    merri Member Posts: 190
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    What a very positive post! I'm so glad to hear that it was a positive update from your boss, and I hope that you're feeling better soon and on the mend /gentle hugs
  • dibdab
    dibdab Member Posts: 1,498
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks for the positivity LV- hope all is well with bubble and squeak- they really do need to be your priority, your boss sounds really understanding.

    I'm also into my 3rd week of absence and my lovely boss today sent me a message to take time to get well before thinking of going back which is going some way to quelling the fearsome guilt complex I have right now. :?

    Deb x
  • EmmaEJS
    EmmaEJS Member Posts: 8
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi LV,

    I'm new on here congrats on the biths of your bubble and squeak that is so cute!

    I am off sick from work/uni at the moment. I am a student nurse and unfortunatly they take into account our sickness and inform future employers. I had an assignment to hand in on Monday but they have given me a deferal which has been very helpful. I am conscious of the effect my sickness has on any job prospects (especially nursing) I qualify in Feb 2013 so need to start looking for jobs now! Sadly its the last thing I feel like doing :?

    I was upset that I may not be able to get a job let alone perform well at it but I am coming to terms with this now. I am sure there will be a place somewhere for me I love community nursing. I am not one to give up easily!

    I understand that feeling of guilt its almost as bad as being ill and causes some stress Deb!

    I am so glad you have an employer who looks after you LV!

    Emma x :)

    Best wishes Emma x
  • LignumVitae
    LignumVitae Member Posts: 1,972
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Bubble and Squeak are a long way off being born yet Emma, they are still in the early stages but are very very good at making their presences known!!

    Have you considered being a rheumy nurse? I reckon you could probably be pretty amazing at that and it would play up your problems rather than playing them down?

    I had similar concerns when I was finishing my research at university (I started with arthritis as I started my research). Two things - get to the disability support unit if you haven't already and secondly, I think a lot of employers would be lucky to have somebody with your insight and knowledge so be ready to see it that way. I know even in my role with very limited working with people aspects, I am always seen as one of the better people because I have a bit more understanding and when running consultations I always get the disability groups and support groups involved. Turn a negative into a positive I say!!

    Thank you everybody, I think reading the posts on here in the past were what helped me recognise on Monday that my concerns might just be concerns rather than actualities, I'm glad I gave myself that talking to, saved me a lot of stress!
    LV xx
    Hey little fighter, things will get brighter
  • villier
    villier Member Posts: 4,426
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Lovely post LV, hope you and bubble and squeak(love it) are doing a bit better now......tc.......Marie xx
    Smile a while and while you smile
    smile another smile and soon there
    will be miles and miles of smiles
    just because you smiled I wish your
    day is full of Smiles
  • EmmaEJS
    EmmaEJS Member Posts: 8
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Ah LV sorry got a bit ahead of myself!

    I love your nicknames for them adorable! Thanks for that have considered that I have had a lot of experience as I was a substance misuse/criminal justice drug worker at one time also have done a great deal of counselling. So I just hope that I can put my experience to good use.

    You have helped give me some hope! Thank you!

    xx