Call in sick?

[Anonymous]

Hi All,

Just wondering how you decide if you are sick enough to call in for the day.

I've got a terrible headache that hasn't gone away for 3 days (Tylenol hasn't helped), and I'm exhausted, as well as being very stuffed up. I picked up this flu from my youngest charge who was sick last week. He was so lethargic, he just needed to be held, poor kid.

I think if I give MB the option, she'll ask me to come in, so I need to decide before I call. What do you think - how sick is too sick?

[Anonymous]

OP here - I'm asking for advice because I feel really guilty for causing extra stress for others, and/or messing up their day.

[Anonymous]

I usually don't call in unless I'm vomiting or other stomach issues that would keep me in three bathroom or if i have a really bad cough and chest congestion

[Anonymous]

You got sick from her kid, call in and say you are staying home. It's their problem to worry about, not yours. They should build paid sick time into your position. If they do, they should expect you to use it at some point. If they don't build it in, then they are shitty employers. They should also have backup care (though I know most employers do not). It's ridiculous to expect you to be their end all be all of their work day. Things happen.

[Anonymous]

If you feel too sick to work, call in! No guilt needed. But where you caught the illness from is really a nonissue.

[Anonymous]

How old are your charges? If they are really young and need you to be at your best, I'd call out. But if they are a little older and you can set them up doing some independent activities throughout the day while you take it easy and supervise I would go in. Still call your MB and let her know you aren't at 100%

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the advice. They are 1 and 3.

[Anonymous]

I'd call into work and let them know that you believe their child gave you whatever germs they had last week and that you aren't feeling well enough to work. If they don't understand then they don't deserve to have a nanny. People get sick, they should always have back up plans even if that means one of them has to take off from work to stay with their children. Don't feel guilty.

[Anonymous]

I'm an MB. If you think a day off would let you rest, recover, feel better etc... then you should take it. We all get sick - it happens. As an MB I appreciate your concern for the stress it imposes on the family - that is real on our side and tough to manage. But one day sick is better than a situation that worsens.

Your concern for the impact on the family speaks really well of you, and hopefully reflects the concern they would have for you also.

[Anonymous]

I'm an MB. I appreciate when my nanny calls in sick. Even if she is 99% sure she has whatever my child had/has, I prefer there not be a chance it's a different virus. I also prefer that she be in the best shape she can to care for my child. Plus I care about her as a person and want her to feel better. So please, if you are sick take the sick day.

Hopefully your family has a way to handle sick days. If you don't think they do and have a suggestion for someone else who could take your place for the day, feel free to offer it up.

[Anonymous]

Not to nitpick, but you don't have the flu. Don't call it the flu when it isn't.

Are you drinking enough water? If you need a day to rest, then take it. Usually I only call out for fever or vomiting.

[Anonymous]

I try not to call out unless I've got a stomach bug or a fever, but you get to make that decision for yourself. I've called out of other jobs for a migraine when I couldn't stand up without vomiting (only those who've had migraines know what I'm talking about), and a three day headache might start to qualify. If you need a day, take it. If you have the option of saying to your MB that you really need a day to rest but you don't want to inconvenience her and could you just have a long movie day with some takeout pizza, do that. Otherwise rest up - wearing yourself to the bone doesn't help anyone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I try not to call out unless I've got a stomach bug or a fever, but you get to make that decision for yourself. I've called out of other jobs for a migraine when I couldn't stand up without vomiting (only those who've had migraines know what I'm talking about), and a three day headache might start to qualify. If you need a day, take it. If you have the option of saying to your MB that you really need a day to rest but you don't want to inconvenience her and could you just have a long movie day with some takeout pizza, do that. Otherwise rest up - wearing yourself to the bone doesn't help anyone.

+1
There have been days when I've come to work sick, and MB/DB are fine with everyone having a 'relaxing' day -- even if that means the kids get extra TV time. Easier than trying to find a sub.

[Anonymous]

You don't have the flu.

That said, if you don't feel well enough to work, call out.

[Anonymous]

If I really cannot work, I call in sick. If I'm not feeling well but can muddle through the day and have a lazy pj and movie day with the kids then I go in. I really don't like to call in sick because I know they depend on me to be there.