Ask An Irritable Person: Sick days humbug
Scathing Replies to Letters From Fictional Americans
Dear Irritable Person,
I recently joined a small company. I’m glad for the job, I was out of work for a long time. But I’m a little unclear about the company’s policy on sick days. There’s no company handbook, we’re too small for that. And when I ask my fellow employees about taking a sick day, they get jittery and run away. For this reason, I am afraid to go to the boss, who seems to live here.
I’m asking because I started feeling sick on Day 3 of working here, and it’s now Day 46. This head cold just doesn’t seem to be clearing up by itself. What would you suggest?
Sincerely,
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A Little Flu-y
Dear Flu-y:
Obviously, if you’re able to stagger into work, then you’re well enough to work. Leave your poor boss alone. He has enough problems trying to keep all of you employed and provide excellent value to his customers, all while eking out a modest profit margin for himself.
“Work till you drop” became a catchphrase for a reason. It’s not a subtle metaphor. It’s a directive. It’s a code. It’s a way of life.
Sincerely,
Irritable Person
P.S. I hope you wrote to me during your lunch break, or I’ll report you to your boss.
