Returning to work

[Dreamingof139 3]

I drove three hours to the airport Wednesday after work, flew to Cancun on Thursday, had surgery Friday (early evening), flew home Saturday and drove home from the airport on Sunday. I went to work on Monday and just said that I was under the weather. They had no idea that I had surgery - they knew that I was out of town for the weekend because of how I had to request the time off.

Everyone is different, but my personal views/work ethic do not allow me to call out or take time off from work unless I am very ill and/or unable to work. I have a desk job - very easy on the body. I do take vacation, but it was not a good time for me to be away from the office, so I wanted to get back as to not put out my coworkers - small office and only two people do what I do, so it does put a strain on when one of us is out.

One of my coworkers has been out for almost two weeks and management is very unhappy with her. I am not saying this is right - when I was in management, I was very understanding with illness, but in this work environment and living in an area where unemployment was very high before the economy tanked, I am VERY thankful to have a job and will do what I need to keep it. I get about three weeks off a year - that is my sick and vacation time combined - we do not have sick time that can build up, unless you want to not take very much vacation.

Everyone is different - if you have had surgery before, you may have an idea of how you will be feeling. You may be someone who would be miserable at home and would prefer to be working, even light duty. Others actually give their bodies the rest that they need... something I could be better at.