Let’s Talk Work and Health!
Let’s put it all out on the table. You and your health are more important than your job. I know it may seem controversial to say, but if you work under a company, regardless of the claims of a “team” or “family” you may have or think you have at work: Your. Wellbeing. Matters.
As someone who has been immunocompromised for a while now, I have fully accepted that not all jobs will be accommodating towards daily/weekly/monthly struggles. In the past, my mental/physical health would decline and then I would be asked if I even wanted to be there or I would be let go. An insult truly.
In the past I would set aside my basic needs for the sake of my job. If I needed to go to urgent care, I would contemplate and feel bad or put myself down for my absence. This thinking is harmful and incorrect. No matter if you are having a poor mental health day, or you have to go to the hospital, your health should be your priority and your job or other people should not dictate that.
I understand that many have bills. I myself and my husband both live paycheck to paycheck. But we know now if we are treated poorly or unfairly at work, or are spoken to because we wanted extra time to heal from being discharged from the hospital, that it’s okay and a job shouldn’t make us feel bad for wanting more time to heal. We still work. We still show up. But if we do not feel well it shouldn’t make us fear we would get let go. That isn’t right.
To finish, all I hope is that those working realize that if they are sick, or they’re treated poorly, they do not have to stay. You don’t have to stay, and it’s alright! And if you enjoy your job but you aren’t feeling well and need time to get back to yourself so you can do your job better, then it’s completely alright to take time to heal.
Basically, you shouldn’t have to suck it up for a job or your boss when you’re drowning. Take care of yourselves! 🍋
(I wrote this about myself recently. I, already being immunocompromised, was diagnosed with chemical pneumonitis from inhaling a chemical at my job by mistake. It was created from poor ventilation and too many tasks going on at once with chemicals. I had to go to the ER, but I didn’t go the moment I had symptoms because I had a mandatory meeting. I know now that it doesn’t matter and my health is more important than a meeting. Anyways, I was put on steroids and now I have an inhaler and I’m supposed to go back tomorrow but I don’t feel ready yet to jump back in. I refuse to be coerced into getting back into the regular grind if I am not ready. Do not let anyone push you around when it comes to YOUR health. Stay safe out there 🍋❤️)
It's easy to say 'your health comes first,' but actually living it, especially when bills are piling up and work demands feel relentless, is a whole different ball game. I've been there, truly believing I was indispensable, pushing through sickness and exhaustion. It took a serious health scare for me to realize that no job is worth sacrificing my well-being. But how do you actually make that shift from just thinking about it to truly embodying it? For me, it started with small, intentional changes. I began by consciously creating a more supportive desk setup. Instead of just a keyboard and monitor, I added elements that reminded me to breathe and take care of myself. Think about your own space – can you make it a sanctuary? I also started keeping a planner, not just for work tasks, but for scheduling in my breaks, a quick walk, or even just five minutes of mindfulness. It sounds simple, but seeing 'hydration break' or 'stretch' written down made it feel just as important as any work meeting. One of the biggest lessons was learning to listen to my body, something I used to ignore. If I felt a headache coming on, I wouldn't just chug coffee; I'd get a glass of mint water and step away for a moment. If I was feeling overwhelmed, I'd allow myself a few minutes to engage in a calming hobby, even something as simple as a few rows on a knitted item I'm working on. These little acts of self-care aren't distractions; they're essential recharges that help you show up better for your work, and more importantly, for yourself. Balancing work and self-care isn't about quitting your job or becoming less ambitious; it’s about recognizing your limits and advocating for them. It means setting boundaries, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. This could be as simple as not checking emails after a certain hour, or taking your full lunch break, away from your screen. For those of us with chronic health conditions or who are immunocompromised, these boundaries are even more critical. We might need extra rest, different accommodations, or a more flexible schedule. It’s not a weakness to ask for what you need; it’s a strength, demonstrating respect for your own well-being and a commitment to sustainable productivity. Remember, your energy isn't infinite. Constantly running on empty eventually leads to burnout, lowered immunity, and a significant decline in both physical and mental health. I've learned that truly prioritizing my health means actively protecting it, day in and day out. It’s a continuous journey, but one that is absolutely essential for a life where you thrive, not just survive. Don't wait for a crisis to make this realization. Start small, be kind to yourself, and remember that taking care of you is the best investment you can make. So, take that break, drink that water, engage in that hobby – your well-being is your most valuable asset, and ultimately, it benefits everyone around you too.