Signing off sick, help please

[xlouloux]

Hello everyone, I'm just looking for some advice as I have never been in this situation before.

I have been with this company for just over two years, financially it isn't very rewarding but I have done extremely well and worked my way up to senior. We recently got a new boss, my old one was absolutely fantastic and we got on great. My new boss however is an absolute nightmare, she has become power hungry and all the staff have noticed. She is sarcastic, nasty and speaks down to people. I just got on with my job as I don't like to create any drama at work and prefer to keep away from gossip at all costs.

However yesterday I got back from my annual leave and had my supervision, and out of nowhere she completely attacked me over some very minor, petty things. She was vile to me, and I have never ever been spoken to in such a manor by anyone. We did argue, and I decided to give as good as I got back as I wasn't going to let her humiliate me like that, and ofcorse I was reduced to tears and the issues were definitely not resolved and things were left on a sour note.

I considered walking out (as you do in a bad situation) but I wouldn't like to see all my hard work go to waste, however now I am extremely stressed out, dread going to work and can't stand the thought of talking to her without wanting to bite each others heads off. Things at home aren't great either to add to the stress, money wise we are in a lot of debt which is holding off on us ttc, and that's a whole other problem itself amongst other things.

I have spoken to family, friends etc and they all say I should sign off work sick with stress but I have not done it before. It sounds ideal, as I am at breaking point and crying on a daily basis. My mom told me to ring the doctor first thing and get an appointment, is that all I do? Do I just explain to my doctor why I'm stressed and ask him to sign me off? I keep hearing that it is difficult to get a sick note, I really don't want to go through the trouble of trying to see a doctor if nothing is going to happen.

Any advice will be appreciated, as I said I am at breaking point and can't cope anymore

 

[Pearls18]

I really don't think this is a health issue but something that needs resolving at work, (well of course your stress is a health issue, but time off work isn't going to help you in the long term, sorting out that woman will) are you in the UK? Have you lodged a formal complaint against her? Have you approached HR? I understand this is awkward, maybe you will need some time to yourself if going down this route, but taking some time off isn't going to help if they haven't been made aware of the situation and she's there doing exactly the same when you return. But yes it will be your GP. Hope you sort everything x

 

[Pearls18]

(You can sign yourself off work for 1 week, after that you will need a GP's note)

 

[Wannabe Mommy]

You should contact HR or your managers boss and request to raise a formal grievance. You'll have the opportunity to explain what happened and request changes to support you in having a more comfortable work environment.

The problems with signing off sick are
A) the problem will be there when you get back
B) there could be financial implications dependant on how long you are off and how much paid sick leave you're entitled to
C) there could be work place inplications if you hit a sickness trigger leading to action against you which would add to your stress

Best to try to address it professionally, assertively and reasonably with your workplace.

 

[Andypanda6570]

I think you should go back to work, face the bitch and excel like you always have..XO

 

[mum140381]

just go to the docs explain and they should sign you off i have never had problems getting a sick note x

 

[suzib76]

The doctor won't sign you off until you have self certified for a week.