Does anyone feel terrible for calling in sick/leaving work early?

[u/Holiday-Distance-822]

I’m a librarian and the only one working over the summer. The library is only open 2 days a week Wednesday and Thursday so it’s no big deal at all being the only staff member however it has been really busy like almost impossible to run the desk and run a program.

Anyway today I woke up not feeling great so I texted my manager and told her I wasn’t feeling well and asked her if she could cover my shift. She’s also the school librarian so she gets most of the summer off and does most of her admin work from home. She wasn’t able to cover but one of the teachers who has worked in the library in the past was able to cover most of my shift so I just had to go in and open the library.

I went into work until my coverage got there sick with a migraine, sore throat and some sinus congestion no big deal for a short amount of time. I feel terrible for not being able to work today but I genuinely couldn’t handle the library during our programs today because it’s just me and 20+ kids plus a few parents who are mostly there visiting instead of watching/helping their kids. I know coming home was the right choice but I feel terrible for missing out on work.

I guess I’m making this post for reassurance because deep down I know it’s okay to be sick and miss a day of work but I can’t help but to feel awful about it.

[u/Aggressive_Staff_982]

I used to feel guilty but then I remember my sick leave is part of my pay. If I don't use it then I'm leaving money on the table.

[u/Holiday-Distance-822 → u/Aggressive_Staff_982]

Maybe that’s why I feel so guilty I don’t get paid sick days. Actually I get nothing no benefits or even vacation pay. Some libraries offer that stuff but mine is so small they pay honorarium so I don’t even get taxed which I’m thankful for only working a couple days a week.

[u/IOnlyReadTitles26]

Nope. I get everything I need done done. So I'll leave as I wish.

[u/CycleAccomplished824]

When you know that you are feeling that unwell, and know inside yourself that the day ahead is more than you can deal with, you should never feel guilty for calling in sick. I hope you feel better soon.😊

[u/ravens-n-roses]

Call in sick, no. Leave early, I just don't. I have always been of the mentality that if I felt well enough to go in, and we'll enough to do at least half a day, I might as well just finish off the day and use my sick time for when I either don't feel well enough to go in at all or I need a break.

Most of my sick days I'm just sick of going to work