Ok, I can’t not gripe about this any more. It’s really driving me nuts…
The other admin girl, who sits right by me, has been sick with a cold. It’s gotten better and worse again, and I think we’re on the 3 bought of being on the worse end – she’s been sneezing, coughing, and blowing her nose all day for 3 days. It’s at the point where a) if I had enough work to keep me busy at home for 2 days b) if I didn’t actually have to be in the office for the next two days to take care of things and c) if I didn’t feel like this would be too bitchy, I’d ask my manager if I could work from home for the next couple of days because I’m afraid I’m going to get sick again.
Don’t think I’m a little wuss who can’t handle a cold – I had one last month and am still feeling the effects of it slightly. Anyone who uses his/her body a lot – for singing, or for major sports activities I’d assume – will still feel the crap that’s left over from a cold for a few weeks after the cold. I think that this week is actually the first time since last month I’ve felt completely clear. If I get sick again it will put singing on hold again, bad because then I won’t feel prepared for an audition I’ve got in February.
Now, besides feeling like a bitch, I also feel bad for getting so irritated because of her situation. Maybe I’m too bleeding heart, but part of the work environment situation here is that we don’t get sick days. She’s got two kids, so if she stays home she either doesn’t get paid, or she has to deal with her kids while she’s trying to work remotely, which means she really doesn’t get anything done so she’s not getting paid. Her boyfriend (their not being married actually makes their financial situation much better, which is why they’re not married) just graduated from chef school, so he’s working on finding a better job, but he currently doesn’t make much either.
She’s also having HMO issues: she switched medical groups and is between them now, so she can’t actually go see a doctor without taking an entire day off of work - she doesn’t have a car so with the El and 2 buses you lose some time. Should I mention this is the girl who uses the homeopathic medicine, too? I realize that’s probably not the issue – the issue is that she just needs to get rest to overcome this thing…but then the cycle starts over again.
I don’t think it’s too selfish of me to not want to get sick, but on the other hand, if she doesn’t work, she doesn’t get paid and will have trouble paying rent. She’s incredibly nice and very easy to work with, and very considerate – she’s been using hand sanitizer and stuff all day. I think the last reason that I feel bad is that I knew if Trey and I had a kid, and I got sick like this, it would be the same for me, although having a car would make it easier.
Ugh. Anyway, thanks for letting me vent. No need to respond, I just needed to get that out.
About Me
- Viki
- I'm a singer by night, HR person by day, have some super cool kitties, and love coffee, chocolate (99% cocoa rocks!), wine, and cheese. My current favorite musical works are Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto #2, and Handel's Let the Bright Seraphim.
My avatar
11 comments:
wow. this is a tough one. how many days will you give her before tryign to work at home?
Hadn't considered that - I figured I'd wait it out this week and I guess I assumed it would be better next week. God, what do I do if it's not better next week?
I don't care the situation. She should not be permitted at work. I don't care that she may not get paid and that will also affect her. That does not mean she can get others sick. Who knows, their situation could be worse (what if you had an infant at home? or a 98 yr old grandmother living with you? It'd be dangerous to get them sick). I know a lot of people take advantage of sick days, but legitimately sick people need to stay away and NOT infect others. Obviously a pet peeve of mine. Then again, I rarely get sick. Besides, if she would just stay home and rest, she'd be over it sooner than pushing herself and getting exhausted. Therefore, I support anyone who wants to stay home to get AWAY from all the sickies...
yea....that's my rant for the day....
Suggestion: be that person with the purell, air "sanitizer", and lysol wipes to clean EVERYTHING - desks, phones, copier, etc. Being "that person" drives in that you are trying to prevent sickness, considering it's SO close and she's being so inconsiderate by sneezing on you and wiping her snot on the desk.
She has absolutely no incentive to stay home when she's sick. In fact, as you pointed out already, your company's policy encourages her to come into work sick. Therefore you have limited options. A) confront the company about the policy, basis of argument probably being about how spreading infection decreases productivity and if it leads to medical attention increases insurance costs. B) the people around sick girl can gather up your own money and pay her her "lost wages" to stay home and not infect you all. Neither of which I'm guessing you were hoping to hear! Any other ideas?
Giver her some real medicine (not the hippie stuff) and make her stay in bed for a day.
AIRBORNE!! That's all I'm gonna say. I had to call my ped the other day to see if it was ok to take while nursing... yup :-D There are just way too many people who come to work sick because their lives depend on their jobs. It sucks! Can we move to Canada where its better?
Thanks all for the comments - I've decided that if she comes in today, I'm leaving early and finishing up my work day at home. Probably I'll just ask my boss if I can finish up my day from home and not give an explanation (they're pretty lax about that kind of thing here) unless he asks about it...
I've heard good things about Airborne, though I haven't had the need to try it yet. Good luck not getting sick!
Hello! Thanks a lot for passing by on my blog. I read your post and am so glad that I work in Austria! We can take up to six weeks of paid sick leave. Also, we can just stay at home (legally!) two days each month without having to prove that we were really ill. On the other hand, you get paid way more...
I am looking forward to your pictures from the Trachtenball!! Good luck with your colleague - try to sneak her some real drugs.
Update - I left the office at noon today. Turns out admin girl's kids both have ear infections (the boyfriend took them to the doc this morning).
I told my boss that I wanted to work from home because I was trying to not get sick - he laughed and asked how I was not going to get sick sitting where I was sitting. I told him that's why I wanted to go home.
If she's at work tomorrow and still isn't any better, I'm doing the same thing.
you and Karen got the same random poster....???? Or does someone know Katrin?
Post a Comment