I Still Have a Job.....For Now
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
United States
October 10, 2017 12:24pm CST
My meeting with my supervisor went well. Although she was not sure how to address my absenteeism. Yes, I agreed that it was something that I too was worried about. She said she understood my reasons for being out, but said we needed to find a solution to the problem.
Well I laughed about that. She asked if I would like to take a leave of absence. I said I wish I could afford to do that. Unfortunately I have bills to pay.
I explained to her that it wasn't as if I had planned to be out of work for 4 days in a row. I had only planned on being out on Monday. Then my granddaughter became ill and I was forced to stay home with her.
She asked if I had a back-up plan for a sitter should she become sick again. I explained that the only people I know that can watch her are working or have health problems that would keep them from being able to help out.
So, as it stands now, we are playing it by ear. Hopefully Little Miss won't have another bout with illness any time soon. Otherwise, my job employment status would change.
19 people like this
21 responses
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
11 Oct 17
I always call the office to let them know when I have to be out. If I know ahead of time about needing time off they always are alerted.
@BarBaraPrz (47706)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
10 Oct 17
Good to hear that you still have a job. Will you be looking for a backup sitter, or just hope the situation never comes up again?
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
10 Oct 17
I really don't know of anyone that I could bring her to. I have a friend who offered, but she is constantly on the road. I don't want that for Little Miss. Most of my friends work or live out of the area.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
11 Oct 17
@BarBaraPrz I don't see them.
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (47706)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
10 Oct 17
@ElusiveButterfly Ask the other moms at the daycare what they do in such a situation.
3 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
10 Oct 17
I guess all I can hope for is that little Miss won't become sick and I won't become sick either.
4 people like this
@Shellyann36 (11384)
• United States
13 Oct 17
I know that dreaded feeling. I faced it many times when my older boys were young and I was a divorced parent. I was fortunate that in real emergencies I could count on my parents. I really feel for you and the situation you are in right now. I wish you the best.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
14 Oct 17
@Shellyann36 I know that whatever happens we will get through it.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
14 Oct 17
@Shellyann36 this is so very true. I try to keep looking for the bright side of things too.
1 person likes this
@Shellyann36 (11384)
• United States
14 Oct 17
@ElusiveButterfly I always remind myself to just keep counting my blessings because someone else has things far worse than I do.
1 person likes this
@Happy2BeMe (99380)
• Canada
10 Oct 17
It is a tough situation to be in when you have a little one to tak3 care of. I hope she won't get sick again for awhile.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
10 Oct 17
I have forgotten what it takes to care for a sick child. I stayed home with my kids until the twins were 4 years old. Then I took classes at our local college. A friend of mine watched them for me when they were sick and on vacation days. They also went to Head Start.
2 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
12 Oct 17
@Happy2BeMe, I can't wait to retire.
1 person likes this
@Happy2BeMe (99380)
• Canada
12 Oct 17
@ElusiveButterfly Yes it is different when you have little ones that you are responsible for. Not all bosses are understandable about the situation.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
11 Oct 17
There aren't many I woul trust with her care. Overprotective grandma.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160996)
• United States
11 Oct 17
It is very hard. I hope things level out and she stays well.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
11 Oct 17
I can't put her in a plastic bubble and hope for the best. I will deal with whatever comes down the pike.
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
11 Oct 17
When life hands you lemons.....
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
11 Oct 17
My supervisor said she would be okay with 1 or 2 days off, but 4 days in a row was unacceptable. Truly not something that I planned on happening.
I'll just have to see what cards I get and play them where they fall.
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
11 Oct 17
Is it possible for you to look into hiring a babysitter (maybe find one on Care.com) to use as a backup when Little Miss gets sick and has to stay home? That might be difficult though because then that sitter would have to be available as needed, which would be hard to guarantee. Hopefully she won't get sick again anytime soon, but your employer should be more understanding about the situation.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
11 Oct 17
That is the problem. I have had people say they would watch her then when I ask for help, they always have something to do. Who wants to watch a child who is sick and may also have something that is contagious?
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
11 Oct 17
@Srbageldog I have told my husband that it may come down to my going part time or just finding something else. He understands, but I don't think he is fully prepared to having the loss of income just yet.
1 person likes this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
11 Oct 17
@ElusiveButterfly Yeah, that also makes it hard for you. It's a difficult situation you're in. I wish your employer was more understanding about it.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
10 Oct 17
She had been Dianne, and said she is sympathetic to my problem. However, they can't run a business if there is nobody to perform the work. I understand that as well.
I am trying to find someone who can step in when she is sick. Unfortunately, most of my family and friends work too.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
11 Oct 17
@DianneN You are too kind. She likes to go shopping!
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247184)
• United States
10 Oct 17
@ElusiveButterfly I know how tough that must be. I was so lucky in that I had 15 sick days per year which accumulated as well as 3 personal days. My husband was usually able to stay home unless he had a meeting. I hope you find someone you can trust. Too bad I didn't live closer. I could gobble up Little Miss in a heartbeat! lol
1 person likes this
@Courtlynn (67080)
• United States
10 Oct 17
I'm glad you still have the job. But they really shouldn't be able to fire you if you cant make it in due to no sitter.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
10 Oct 17
She wanted me to take a leave of absence. Um, for how long? I can't afford not to work. I was going to suggest that I work per diem, but even so, if Little Miss is sick, I have to call out.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
11 Oct 17
@Courtlynn I am going to start the process, can't hurt to look.
1 person likes this
@Courtlynn (67080)
• United States
10 Oct 17
@ElusiveButterfly its ridiculous all around. I'm ao sorry. But least you have job for now. Mayne look into another one ?
1 person likes this
@fishtiger58 (29820)
• Momence, Illinois
11 Oct 17
That is a problem with you being the only caregiver of your grandchild. I hope she stays healthy and it becomes a non issue.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
11 Oct 17
Once the new year comes around, my husband will get more vacation and personal time. He could take a day if need be.
2 people like this
@fishtiger58 (29820)
• Momence, Illinois
11 Oct 17
@ElusiveButterfly That helps.
1 person likes this
@LovingMyBabies (85288)
• Valdosta, Georgia
11 Oct 17
I hope y'all stay healthy so you don't have to worry about it. =(
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
10 Oct 17
Said that she would have to look at the situation again if it should arise. Said I missed 20 days. Yes, this is true, but a chunk of them was when she was placed with me. I had to take the time off.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61101)
• United States
10 Oct 17
You are rather between a rock and a hard place, but of course, your supervisor needs you at work so she is right, you will have to find a solution. Does the state offer any options?
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
10 Oct 17
It is up to the daycare provider as to what they allow. State regs also have a say in it. If she is running a temp, she has to stay home until she is 24 hours fever free.
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (80884)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
10 Oct 17
I sure hope things work out for you.
1 person likes this
@thislittlepennyearns (62947)
• Defuniak Springs, Florida
10 Oct 17
That's a hard situation to be put in
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
10 Oct 17
I have learned to roll with the punches and if it means that I lose my job because my granddaughter is sick and I got to stay out so be it.
1 person likes this
