Going to work with a cold

[Anonymous]

I was off from work last week for the holidays and caught a little cold -- nothing horrible -- just a running nose, hoarse voice. This is the first time I have been sick since becoming a nanny two years ago. I feel fine to work, of course. My charge is 15 months old and healthy. I don't get paid sick time off so I really don't want to lose the money either.

Do I email my employers and tell them that I have this cold before I show up to work tomorrow? Should my employers be the ones to decide if I should work tomorrow or not?

[Anonymous]

Yes, let them know now and let them decide. It's really not wise for them to give no paid sick leave. If they want you to stay home without pay, you might want to consider getting more reasonable employers. Rest up and get well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, let them know now and let them decide. It's really not wise for them to give no paid sick leave. If they want you to stay home without pay, you might want to consider getting more reasonable employers. Rest up and get well.

OP here and thank you for your response. I actually do feel fine and more than just not wanting to lose the pay, I really want to see my charge after being away for 10 days. Should I still let my employers decide even though I feel fine?


As for the paid sick leave, it is being addressed in my annual review at the end of next week.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes, let them know now and let them decide. It's really not wise for them to give no paid sick leave. If they want you to stay home without pay, you might want to consider getting more reasonable employers. Rest up and get well.

OP here and thank you for your response. I actually do feel fine and more than just not wanting to lose the pay, I really want to see my charge after being away for 10 days. Should I still let my employers decide even though I feel fine?


As for the paid sick leave, it is being addressed in my annual review at the end of next week.

Would they see that you have a cold?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes, let them know now and let them decide. It's really not wise for them to give no paid sick leave. If they want you to stay home without pay, you might want to consider getting more reasonable employers. Rest up and get well.

OP here and thank you for your response. I actually do feel fine and more than just not wanting to lose the pay, I really want to see my charge after being away for 10 days. Should I still let my employers decide even though I feel fine?


As for the paid sick leave, it is being addressed in my annual review at the end of next week.

Would they see that you have a cold?

My nose is running and my voice is hoarse.

[Anonymous]

Then give them at heads up today... like "I've got the sniffles, but I feel fine. Can't wait to see Charlie."

[Anonymous]

Your employers are assh*les for never having given you paid sick days from day one. Go to the pharmacy and ask the pharmacist for Mucinex D (it's sold behind the counter and you need to show your drivers license to get it) - it masks all minor cold symptoms. Your jerk employers won't know you have a cold and if the child gets your cold, it won't kill him. If your employers get your cold they deserve it.

Why should you lose a day's pay if you feel good enough to work?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Your employers are assh*les for never having given you paid sick days from day one. Go to the pharmacy and ask the pharmacist for Mucinex D (it's sold behind the counter and you need to show your drivers license to get it) - it masks all minor cold symptoms. Your jerk employers won't know you have a cold and if the child gets your cold, it won't kill him. If your employers get your cold they deserve it.

Why should you lose a day's pay if you feel good enough to work?

+1. Your MB/DB are jerks and deserve to catch your cold. Do not tell them and hide it when you are around them. I never heard of Mucinex D but that is a great idea if it works.

Wash your hands frequently so the charge doesn't get it.

[Anonymous]

I agree bosses are jerks for not offering it but OP is not blames less because she just accepted it. Bosses will continue to take advantage if nannies don't stand up for themselves.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree bosses are jerks for not offering it but OP is not blames less because she just accepted it. Bosses will continue to take advantage if nannies don't stand up for themselves.

You must admit, however, that employers and employees are rarely on equal footing, hence the existence of labor unions.

[Anonymous]

Go to work. The sniffles could last for two weeks, or you could have a day you feel a lot worse. Even if I had PTO, I wouldn't use it for a minor cold.

[Anonymous]

I agree, go to work tomorrow and don't mention your cold. Most MB/DBs are so self-invovled I doubt they would notice.

[Anonymous]

Don't lose a day's pay trying to protect your douche-bag employers from catching your cold.

But take all precautions that the little doesn't catch it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree, go to work tomorrow and don't mention your cold. Most MB/DBs are so self-invovled I doubt they would notice.

+1 Just wash your hands a couple times each hour and don't kiss your charge or cuddle too much with your face near his/hers. The baby doesn't deserve your cold but the parents do.

[Anonymous]

If they don't pay sick time, they lose the right to decide whether or not you work.