What do people do about this??

Fools Motto

Fools Motto

Well-Known Member
Joined
30 June 2011
Messages
6,600
Visit site
I work p/t, today being one of my work days. However, my son is quite ill, so I can't go into work (on a stud). I phoned and left a message much earlier, to give them as much warning as possible. I've just re-phoned my boss's mobile, which had bad signal and all I got was 'I've had a bad weekend', before the phone cut. Now I am feeling terribly guilty and awful that I can't go in, although my son is far more important but hate feeling so torn.

I can't be the only living mother who works, so how do people cope in situations like this? My boss also has children, so she should realise my dilema but it doesn't make me feel any better now. I've never had to take an important day off (yearling prepping at the mo). Sometimes I get family in to hold the kids while I am working, but said family member has just got her own p/t job and the other family have a busy meeting today. Typical.
 
Don't feel bad. I've just been signed off work with stress for more or less the same thing you're talking about. Your son will thank you in 10 years time, your boss likely won't.
By doing the right thing for your son you can't really be doing the wrong thing x
 
It's always so hard being a working Mum - especially if you have a strong work ethic and don't want to let your boss down, because you can so easily be pulled in two different directions and feel bad no matter what you choose to do. Try to rationalise the situation with these thoughts.

!. You didn't catch all of what your boss said on the phone and she may not have been in as desperate a situation as you have interpreted.

3 There is no more imortant job in the whole world than that of being a mother, and as a parent herself your boss will know this deep down - even if it is sometimes a bit inconvenient for her.

4 Ultimately you are an employee, you are expected to give a fair day's work for a fair days pay, and you are expected to be reliable, but you are not expected to put your work obligations above and beyond all other areas of your life. If your employer found herself in such personal circumstances which meant she would have to close her business and leave all staff without a job, she would do so (all be it, with some regret I am sure.) There are just times when work is not the top priority - and believe it or not buisness do survive!

Your son is ill and you are doing the right thing by him by being there. Forget work for today and give yourself a break. (Hope he's feeling better soon!)
 
I often feel guilty about 'letting work down' if I have to take time off to be ill myself :rolleyes:

Don't feel bad, I would do the same if my child were ill and needed me. You can't help that there isn't anyone else to look after him while you go to work and depending on how old he is sometimes your child will only want you there if they are that ill.

Life goes on and you need to think of yourself and your family first.
 
Foxtrotx is right. In 10 years time, which memory would trouble you most ? Missing a day off work or not caring for your son when he needs you ?
The fact that it bothers you so much shows what a good employee you are and an even more excellent mother.

I guess all working mothers need a child sick day plan, but sometimes, even the best plans fall short unless you're prepared to grab a stranger in off the street and I don't think even the most un-child friendly boss would think that was a good idea.

When my children were young I worked nights so my husband was always there to care for them.
Back in the 1960's my mother left me in bed and went to work. A different era when being a working mother meant your children were never seen or spoken of. Thankfully, we have moved on since then. (Although, I was absolutely fine home alone.)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top