Admitting defeat

[Gemma1986]

My pain has been really bad recently, so I'm going into work next week to speak to my manager to cut my hours down as I just can't cope anymore with the pain and work load, I just slightly worried just because of what people will say as you don't 'look poorly' I'm sure everyone has experienced this. ❤️

[Hidden]

I get grief off my co-workers all the time for taking random days off when I 'didn't look ill the day before' or for sitting down on the job when I've done less hours than them and had more breaks. If you need the hours cut, then do what's best for you, I'm sure your body will be thanking you in the long run. I'm on a full time contract that can't be changed which suuuuucks, and I think all the time about going part time and the money situation but if you're in pain and it's what you want to do then go for it! Good luck with it all! x

[Gemma1986]

It's not a massive drop in hours it's 39 to 33, but my job is pretty heavy work and it's 12 hour days, so I just can't cope anymore, so gotta do what's best for me and my health xx

[Starry in reply to Gemma1986]

Hey. X You are doing the right thing. It's a positive proactive decision to help sustain your health and ability to keep working, try not to view it as a defeat.

I recently cut my hours to 32 hours over 4 days as well to give my body a change to recover from Chronic fatigue.

I was very worried as I'd not been long promoted to a new team. My boss was actually great when I explained things properly to her signed off the change and she has been incredibly supportive since. I made clear I had a disease that had caused a benign tumor that caused internal inflammation , scarring and had glued my internal organs together, which was causing pain and exhaustion, along with the need some serious medical treatment with evil side effects. ( Zoladex half killed me). I avoided mentioning "painful periods" or my menstrual cycle at all, which I think can trigger prejudice.

I did struggle to stay on top of work with reduced hours but no one said anything at least not to my face, I know I won't get a bonus or outperforming grade at year end but stuff that.

At the same time I also wrote a little email to my immediate team colleagues so they knew enough to know I was properly ill. I didn't name the disease or give any specific details, but said I was starting a hardcore medical treatment for a serious condition and asked for their understanding if unexpected side effects hit me. I think to a man I got supportive responses and even an arch enemy replied and said how brave it was to disclose that much.

I'm worried about returning to work and whether the CFS will be better and if I will cope, but I've no regrets about how I handled telling people.

[Gemma1986 in reply to Starry]

Thank you for you encouraging reply xxx

[ashleighb93]

I have the same with my work and everybody asks where I have been or why I am off again. But you do not need to explain yourself to them, you need to be selfish and put your health first. I hope you start to feel a little better once you drop your hours ❤️ Xx

[Janeynic]

I cut my hours and it was the best decision ever made (aside from less money!) Life is so much easier now and I cope so much better at work. You need to do what's right for you. For most people a full week at work isn't 'burning the candle at both ends' but for us it can be too much is so giving yourself a break and taking care of your health is the best decision you can make x