by Sandra Elizabeth

Created on: May 22, 2009   Last Updated: May 29, 2009

We've all been there. Whether the ailment is a headache, a stomachache or a backache, after turning off the alarm clock , we have all (at some point) rolled over and contemplated calling in sick. We consider the workload that awaits us that day and what or who depends on our attendance but we also take under consideration how many sick days we have left. In many instances, the amount of sick time we have left trumps the weight of the workload because when the loss of money factors into the equation, most get out of bed and go to work regardless of their aches and these (sadly enough) are the majority of times we should stay home.

The need for money drives us to work. If the ailment happens to be, any of the three mentioned above and germs are not involved, then most of us usually though grudgingly "carry on" in order to be paid. This becomes a problem, when these same people (on occasion) apply the same justifications for "carrying on" to germ related illnesses because then, it is not just their ailment, it becomes every one else's. In understanding the need for money, living from paycheck to paycheck, it is understandable why these troopers muddle through their days however, there are many reasons to counter with why they should not.

The first one being that, not everyone is a trooper. Some can be quite infant like when it comes to getting sick (ask any wife). Perhaps they are living paycheck to paycheck as well and don't have the stamina that you have to "carry on", forcing them to lose wages. Maybe some of the people you spread your germs to are mothers, who then pass them along to their children and now an entire family has fallen ill because of your perseverance. While you may not have lost a day's pay that day (by looking out for yourself instead of looking after yourself) you may have caused several other people (who are in the same financial boat you are) to.

The second reason you should reconsider and call in sick is that ignoring problems, be it a back problem or a sinus infection, can lead to bigger problems down the road. For example, if you had just stayed in bed and rested for a couple of days, maybe your stuffed up nose wouldn't have turned into such a hacking cough. Maybe your bright red tonsils wouldn't have developed white spots all over them and you might have avoided the perils of strep throat. When warning signs go ignored, something tends to flare. Ironically, muddling through one day could cost you a

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