Navigating the Final Days: Should You Call in Sick During Your Notice Period?
Hello readers,
Today, I want to explore a tricky situation that many of us might face at some point in our careers. Picture this: you’ve handed in your notice, and with just a week left until you transition to an exciting new role, stress levels are through the roof at your current job.
Here’s a bit of background. I submitted my resignation three weeks ago, with the intention of wrapping up my responsibilities in seven days and embarking on a fresh journey starting April 23rd. Since announcing my departure, my work environment has taken a drastic turn for the worse. My boss has started piling on unrealistic expectations and daunting deadlines, necessitating 12-hour workdays, a far cry from the usual 8-hour shifts I’ve always adhered to.
Today reached a boiling point during a meeting. My supervisor reprimanded me for neglecting tasks that, amidst fulfilling a critical request from the department director, slipped through the cracks. Despite placing the department director’s urgent request as a priority, my boss insisted that I should have juggled both responsibilities. The conversation escalated, leaving me overwhelmed and stressed.
With my new job only a week away and references already in hand, I find myself at a crossroads. Company policy allows self-certification for illness for up to eight days—enough to carry me through to my end date. Given my mounting stress and feelings of illness, I’m contemplating calling in sick. However, I’m concerned about any potential repercussions, particularly regarding my new role, which, by the way, falls outside of NHS management.
Would stepping back now be unprofessional, or is it an understandable move given the circumstances? I’ve always upheld a strong work ethic here, but the hostile environment post-notice doesn’t reflect my overall experience.
I’m reaching out to see if anyone’s navigated a similar situation. Would you stick it out, or is self-care the more responsible option? Perhaps your insights can shine a light on the best way forward.
Until next time, take care of yourselves!
Cheers!
2 Comments
Hello there,
I completely understand how challenging and stressful your current situation must be. Navigating the final days of a job under these circumstances is never easy, especially when you’re faced with unrealistic expectations and a hostile work environment. Let’s break down your options and consider some practical steps you can take.
Self-Care and Wellbeing: Your health and well-being should always be a priority. Experiencing stress, especially in a toxic environment, can have serious consequences on both your physical and mental health. Since you’ve mentioned feeling ill, it would be prudent to genuinely assess your health. If you are feeling unwell, it’s legitimate to utilize the self-certification policy to take sick leave.
Document Everything: It may be helpful to document all interactions, tasks assigned, and any incidents of unprofessional behavior from your manager. Even if you decide not to formally report this behavior, having a record can be useful should any issues arise in the future.
Communicate Transparently: If you choose to take sick leave, ensure that you communicate professionally and transparently with your employer. Briefly explain your situation without going into excessive detail. Avoid getting into confrontations, and maintain professionalism in all communications.
Consider Your Long-term Career Goals: Since your references have already been processed and your new job is with a different organization, the immediate risk to your new employment is minimal. It’s essential to weigh the stress and potential burnout against the benefits of fulfilling the remaining week of your notice period.
Seek Support: If possible, consult with a trusted colleague or HR representative within your organization. They can offer advice or possibly intervene to mediate the situation with your manager.
Reflect on Legal and Professional Obligations: Although uncommon, employers can legally challenge a notice period where essential tasks are left unfinished. Given your role within the NHS and the expectation to fulfill handovers, consider this when making your decision.
It’s entirely reasonable to want to leave a work environment that has become detrimental to your well-being. Make the decision that best supports your health and future, and do not hesitate to seek out professional support if needed.
Wishing you the best of luck with your new role and a smoother transition ahead.
Take care,
[Your Name]
It’s commendable that you are considering the implications of your actions during such a stressful time. First and foremost, it’s important to prioritize your mental well-being—workplace toxicity can have lasting effects on your health. In situations like yours, where you’re facing hostility and unrealistic demands, calling in sick could be a reasonable choice, particularly if you’re genuinely feeling overwhelmed or experiencing stress-related symptoms.
However, before making that decision, consider a few factors:
1. **Open Communication:** If possible, have a candid conversation with HR or a trusted manager about your current workload and the hostile environment. Documenting your experiences might help support your case, should the situation escalate.
2. **Transition Plan:** If you decide to call in sick, aim to leave behind clear instructions or handover notes for your colleagues. This not only demonstrates professionalism but also ensures your team is not left in the lurch, which can mitigate potential negative feedback.
3. **Reflections on Future References:** While calling in sick may be within your rights, think about how it could be perceived by your former employer. If you plan to maintain a professional relationship (especially in a tight-knit field), being transparent about your situation—while still protecting your own well-being—could ultimately serve you better in the long run.
4. **Self-Care:** Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of self-care. Taking a mental health day can not only help you recharge before starting your new job but also allow you to enter your next role with