Taking an un-sick sick day can save your sanity

From the Community…

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  Posted by SilverFlower123 Fri Jun 20, 2008 10:35pm PDT

  In my job as a dental receptionist,my bosses are pretty cool about it as long as someone covers for you and vise versa, they have no problems. No questions asked.

  So yes, we all need that "Me myself and I" day....or with the kids... or our sweethearts...mmmmm idea.. Well you all get my point. Enjoy your day off everyone.

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  Posted by fools_and_sages Sat Jun 21, 2008 5:33am PDT

  When a company doesn't offer personal time, there is usually an unspoken and unwritten policy that allows paid sick days to be used for personal needs as well. So. . .the mental health day, the party planning, going to a graduation, packing to move, traffic court, etc.-- those all count as personal time. Most companies understand that people don't want to spend vacation days doing mundane things and they allow sick time to be used as such so people can actually use vacation time ot get away with their families for an extended period of time. So nobody here is really breaking any rules because the unwritten rules compensate for the actual written policies.

  The company I work for does not have personal days. We get one paid sick day per month. We can bank up to 60 sick days (5 years worth of sick time). Once we get 60 sick days saved up, they become "use them or lose them" and we don't get to bank anymore until we are under the 60 day limit. With that kind of policy, it's obviously a "use as needed for whatever reason" policy. The only real stipulation is that a doctor's excuse is required for missing five days in a row and the supervisor can ask for an excuse at any time.

  Funny thing is I used several of my sick days to go on an out-of-town job interview for three days. I got the job. And now I'm using my remaining paid sick days (in blocks of two) to pack up so I can move out of state. I'll "cash in" my vacation time to get a sort of "bonus" when I leave the company. I think it's rather ironic that the system is set up in way that allows employees to easily "play it" for all it's worth. But it helps that my boss uses sick time to take long weekends every other month too.

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  Posted by heartland canuck Sat Jun 21, 2008 8:58am PDT

  Once I needed a few days off badly. We short-staffed, so were working double shifts to cover, losing more staff to burnout, etc etc. I was tired and short tempered. Finally, I went to my doctor and was prescribed to take a few days off for mental health. When co-workers saw me shopping for groceries and putting quarters into the local pub's juke box while on sick leave, I was covered.

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  Posted by Shalvia Sat Jun 21, 2008 6:50pm PDT

  Where I work I am lucky to be able to take a (unpaid) sick day even if I'm sick! Paid time off has to be requested, in writing, no less than 2 weeks in advance and if they can not get coverage for your requested time don't expect it off.

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  Posted by Mollie Sun Jun 22, 2008 9:58am PDT

  My company offers a a number of PTO days each year- it lumps vacation/personal/sick/etc into the category of "Paid Time Off" and the employee can use them how we choose. I love this system - I love the flexibility it offers. I mean, we're all responsible adults and make important decisions everyday at work, why shouldn't we decide how to use our own PTO?

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  Posted by green eyes Sun Jun 22, 2008 10:29am PDT

  I take 2 fridays off every month and i love it . It helps you feel human again. it works for me cause we make our schudule 1 month in advance.

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  Posted by DeAnn Sun Jun 22, 2008 4:51pm PDT

  I work where I get 9 hrs of "personal leave" to use how I want each month. Granted, there are days I'm not allowed to miss, but they are very few. So, whether I'm sick or not, I take what time I need for what I need it for. Stop feeling guilty! Your company has unlimited sick days for a reason. 1) It keeps co-workers from catching each others' colds and therefore increasing overall productivity, and 2) it fosters work-life balance. Be honest with yourself and with your employer. Be thankful that they are so attentive to work-life issues that you can take a day off to get things done and that just increases your loyalty to the company.

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  Posted by teacherpam Sun Jun 22, 2008 9:56pm PDT

  I think taking the occasional day off is essential and not just for a mental health day. Family always comes first and many places I do business with (such as the dentist and the car guy) do not accomodate my schedule as a commuter. I am lucky to be given these personal days from my employer and do not abuse them, but do take them once and awhile.

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  Posted by Jessica Mon Jun 23, 2008 6:51am PDT

  hi,im jessica i have a problem with my boyfriend i don't love him anymore and he still inlove with me and i don't feel the same anymore i don't know what to do and i told him how i feel...

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  Posted by Renaissancegirl Mon Jun 23, 2008 11:48am PDT

  I took a day off work last week and loved it. You have to have time for yourself, and sometimes your regular days off just aren't enough.

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