Let's Call In Sick

Today's journal entry is brought to you by our guest writer, my best friend and co-Diva, Stacy.  I think we can all learn something from this.

Let's talk about calling in to work "sick".  We've all done it. Sometimes we wake up and just don't feel like getting up and going in.  But sometimes we premeditate the crime.  As an employEE, I've done it myself, but as an employER, I feel everyone should know that us bosses are on to you and it's your own fault.

Over the years, I've seen all the "warning signs".  Constant rubbing of one's stomach throughout the afternoon, a cough that just doesn't seem to "produce" anything, holding one's head as if it hurts so bad it's going to split open, and laryngitis that seems to come and go at will.  Sometimes we place bets on whether you'll be calling in the next day. We're usually right.

If you do plan to call in sick, may I offer this advice? 

Don't announce to everyone that your husband is coming back in town after being away on business for several days and then begin rubbing your stomach.  We all know you will be calling in tomorrow so you can pick him up at the airport and spend the day together while the kids are at school.

Don't tell us your feel "bronchitis" or "food poisoning" coming on, call in sick, and then come back in to work the following day seeming just fine. These conditions usually require a trip to the doctor and they don't go away in one day.  A headache or just a plain old "upset stomach" is better.

If you really are sick, please stay home.  I don't want to catch it, and neither do your coworkers.  But if you are faking it, please spare us the drama.  We're all on to your "warning signs".