Thursday, August 21, 2008

A working mom stuck between a rock and a hard place

Last Thursday Jonathan had to stay home from school because he was sick. So of course I have to take a day off of work. I took him to the doctor and she said just give him Motrin and he will be better by Sunday. So I did. And he wasn't. I had Friday off so technically I had to take 1 day off of work. Monday came and J is still ill. I took him to another doctor who took a chest x-ray and sure enough the 1st doctor should have prescribed him antibiotics because he has an infection in his chest. One step away from pneumonia. So here I am on Thursday and I am still not at work and Jonathan is still not at school. I tried, I really did. I brought him to school this morning and as soon as we hit the parking lot he threw-up. I was frightened. I knew my bosses were not going to be happy with me taking yet another day. I was right.

9:00am: My cell rings, it's my boss. She said, this is not good you can't be off this much.

So what is a mother supposed to do? Even if I had a sitter they won't watch a sick kid. Who wants to get sick from watching someone else's sick kid? And Dave can't call into work or he'll really get in trouble. My mom can't watch him for more than an hour at the most.

I run into this problem at least 2 or 3 times a year. How is a full-time working mom supposed to be a stealer employee and a perfect mom?

I honestly don't think the world will ever know.

6 comments:

Rena Jones said...

Man, that must be so hard, Sharon. Give J our love and tell him we hope he feels better soon. We miss you all!

Sharon said...

Thanks Rena. It really is hard. I don't know if all f/t working moms have this problem but I sure do. It's so frustrating and always makes me feel like I should be choosing my employer over my family which I will never do.

Sunshine said...

I hope he's feeling better!! You did what you're supposed to do...you CHILD is SICK...like SICK!

Give J a hug. I have no answers, babe. That is really a hard place to be.

Sharon said...

Thanks Sunshine. It was a tough day to get through. I am sure in my heart and head that I did the right thing. I just gave J a hug from you and Rena.

Jayne said...

that sounds hard going Sharon. I hope he's feeling better now. What an awful situation. You did what you had to. :)

Dee said...

I am sure all working mums have this problem, some may have more sympathetic employers, but its hard all the same. Here in australia, many employers have "family leave" included in sick leave entitlements, but in all its only 10 days a year total, so no real answer either.
I hope J gets better quickly.