Bit upset about phone call I just received about absence from work

Anyone had long term absences? How did your workplace take it?

This is very normal, unfortunately. In one of my first jobs (operator for BT), I received the news on shift that my grandad, who'd pretty much raised me, had died. Obviously I was in bits, told them what happened, went home. This was a Friday evening. The following Friday was the funeral, so I told them I wouldn't be in. They said I had to be, because they don't give compassionate leave for grandparents. I said that there was no way I was missing the funeral of the man who was a father to me, and no I wouldn't be in afterwards because there would be no way I could take 999 calls in that much of an emotional state. So, they said OK.

The Monday after the funeral, I was called in for a disciplinary hearing. They told me it was "very suspicious" that my family circumstances required me to take two Fridays in a row off...

Seriously ? It would've been nice if they were sympathetic towards you. And it's not 'suspicious' that you've had two Friday's off to grieve for some who's related and very close to you!

It was rough times, and they were a horrible company to work for, at least via an agency. I'm still, years later, sore that they intruded on my grief like that and have never been a customer of theirs!

But on the upside (well... sort of), I had a much better employer some years later when my mother-in-law died. They let me take all the time I needed, no questions asked. Even sent a card and flowers. But they're not all like that, not by a long shot, unfortunately - so if you're ever lucky enough to find a company or boss that good to work for, reward them with your loyalty!

It was rough times, and they were a horrible company to work for, at least via an agency. I'm still, years later, sore that they intruded on my grief like that and have never been a customer of theirs!

But on the upside (well... sort of), I had a much better employer some years later when my mother-in-law died. They let me take all the time I needed, no questions asked. Even sent a card and flowers. But they're not all like that, not by a long shot, unfortunately - so if you're ever lucky enough to find a company or boss that good to work for, reward them with your loyalty!

Applied for a job at Pizza Hut about an hour ago. Hopefully I'll get it! I would really like a new job. I don't want to go back :/

Would they rather you came in ill and infected everyone? Don't think so.

I used to volunteer in a charity shop and phoned up the day before to see if I could come in; as I'd been ill the previous day. (I had d&v type problems) I was told not to come in and they'll see me next week.

I'm not sure if it's different because I was unpaid.

Good move and good luck! Yeah, once the trust in the working relationship is soured, no point in hanging around, in my experience!

Yeah I'm going to quit I think. I have a question though...I am off again thsi Saturday, so I go back next week. I need to give one week's notice. I am just worried about the implications of going back after a month off sick and then quitting straight away. Surely that looks awful? Maybe I should give it some more time?

Ooooh, yes, give it a bit more time in case you need a reference - gives you a chance to look for another job too!

She also said I need to tell them today if I am going to be in on Saturday. Personally, I think five days is a long time to predict how I'll feel.

Thanks for your advice! It's a bit awkward now because I've been off for a month already and my doctor has signed me off for another month on my new sick note! My parents have suggested if I want to quit, I should do it when I ring them up telling them there's another month yet. I'm phoning her tomorrow.


Posted from TSR Mobile

She sounds like a right piece of work If you're signed off, then don't quit for now... she might try to make things awkward for you when you get back, but I *think* this kind of behaviour from her would be frowned upon from her bosses. Is there anyone higher up than her that you would trust to be fair with you?

Hi
You sound like a good employee and I can understand why you're upset, but I think you need to take a step back and not be hasty. If everything else is ok with the job you would be better off putting this behind you. Your parents are right - this sort of thing happens in the working world. The district manager (or who ever it was) will spend a lot of time dealing with staff who let them down at short notice because they had a heavy night the day before, or because they can't be bothered and unfortunately she will be very cynical. You've been signed off for another month - send the sicknote in and use the time to get better. They can plan staff cover because they know what's happening. Looking for another job with a a poor absence record and indifferent reference would be doing yourself a disservice.