What does it mean to be truly sick? If you are not sure, spend some time with someone battling cancer. That is not just being sick. That is pain, suffering, uncertainty and a level of toughness the rest of us can only imagine — and hopefully never have to experience firsthand.
Meanwhile, the rest of us are occasionally laid low by a headache, the sniffles, an upset stomach or allergies. We act as though we have been struck by a medical catastrophe. Maybe we need a dose of our own medicine.
A 2023 Statista report found that among U.S. adults who worked or attended school, more than three-fourths had taken sick leave during the previous 12 months. That means sick days are pretty common.
Of course, we all know someone who seemingly never takes one.
Several decades ago, I worked with an incredibly loyal man at a printing plant I managed. He never took a sick day. If he was sick, none of us ever heard about it. He took tremendous pride in being dependable to his employer and his co-workers.
I also knew a young man during his senior year of high school who had perfect attendance throughout his entire school career. He was a good student and a good athlete, but he was equally proud of that attendance record. Then he became seriously ill one day and could not go to school. He was devastated. Not because he was sick, but because he had missed school.
That kind of commitment is admirable. But somewhere between “I never miss work” and “I have a sniffle, so I am taking three days off,” there has to be a reasonable middle ground.
COVID-19 certainly changed how many people view staying home when they are sick. Workplace policies have changed, too. Some people believe today’s employees are simply more willing to use their sick time. Others believe we have become a softer generation that needs an excuse to stay home. And, yes, we all know people who seem determined to use every sick hour they have. “I earned it.” “They owe me.” “I am entitled to it.” The problem comes when those same people burn through their sick time early in the year with a series of sniffles, headaches and mysterious illnesses — and then come down with something serious in November. Suddenly, the sniffles look pretty inexpensive.
The U.S. Department of Labor says federal law does not require employers to provide paid sick leave. Still, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 78% of civilian workers have access to paid sick leave. That leaves 22% who do not.
So, if you are fortunate enough to have sick time, appreciate it. Use it when you genuinely need it. Stay home when you are contagious. And if you are healthy enough to go to work, go to work. Because sometimes the best use of a sick day is not using it at all.
Have a fantastic Friday and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Times Vedette digital newsletter
shane@gctimesnews.com
641-332-2707