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Earlier you mentioned that you haven't taken a sick day in a decade.. I think you should start taking a few. I personally use up all my sick days even if it's a minor illness. Life is short.
But I’ve not been sick. Not really tbh.
In the UK we get 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (another 8 or so).
Sick days just mean I have more work to do when I get back. No one does my work if I’m not there.
 
Earlier you mentioned that you haven't taken a sick day in a decade.. I think you should start taking a few. I personally use up all my sick days even if it's a minor illness. Life is short.
If they pay your sick days, then use the unused ones. But only if you use it for 'unexcused' reasons like going out for a sports game or concert, etc.
 
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Clearly we have different types of trip. I was being sarcastic. I’d much rather be at home than doing unpaid overtime and clocking up miles on my car.
It was enjoyable as our boss made overtime fun by giving us an observatory tour and look at actual stars in telescopes. We had one shift where we also got out of the office and visited tech companies which is also the core values of NASA's collaboration with international space/industry partners, and in between tours enjoy lunch at the beach and get fresh air. I had to stretch the battery life on my AW though; we had to move around alongside hours on our desk.
 
If they pay your sick days, then use the unused ones. But only if you use it for 'unexcused' reasons like going out for a sports game or concert, etc.
I mean thanks for the advice, but this isn’t how it works. If you take sick days they form part of your record. So if I was applying for a new job the information my current employer has to pass on is how long I’ve worked there and how many sick days I’ve had.
In the US I know it works differently. But in the UK sick days are supposed to be when you are sick. Not going to a concert.
I don’t go to concerts or even sports these days. I don’t like the crowds.
 
I mean thanks for the advice, but this isn’t how it works. If you take sick days they form part of your record. So if I was applying for a new job the information my current employer has to pass on is how long I’ve worked there and how many sick days I’ve had.
In the US I know it works differently. But in the UK sick days are supposed to be when you are sick. Not going to a concert.
I don’t go to concerts or even sports these days. I don’t like the crowds.
Agreed.

Sick days are for when you are actually ill.

However, I learned - the hard way - that if ill, then, you really aren't fit to go to work.
 
I mean thanks for the advice, but this isn’t how it works. If you take sick days they form part of your record. So if I was applying for a new job the information my current employer has to pass on is how long I’ve worked there and how many sick days I’ve had.
In the US I know it works differently. But in the UK sick days are supposed to be when you are sick. Not going to a concert.
I don’t go to concerts or even sports these days. I don’t like the crowds.
Yes, in the United States, your previous employers are not obligated to transfer your work experience and leave benefits to your new company. The decision lies solely with the employer. They only verify your employment with your previous company if you are requested to provide a reference from your former employer. This is usually done when they need to confirm specific information.

During my NASA internship, which was 2/3rds remote, I only had to call off once. In the second phase, when I had to work a few day shifts from home, I had to call off one day because I had a full day of classes and a significant midterm exam that conflicted with my work schedule. To inform my company about my absence, I sent an email to my supervisor and manager, explaining that I could not attend meetings and delegating the paperwork responsibilities to another team member.
 
Yes, in the United States, your previous employers are not obligated to transfer your work experience and leave benefits to your new company. The decision lies solely with the employer. They only verify your employment with your previous company if you are requested to provide a reference from your former employer. This is usually done when they need to confirm specific information.

During my NASA internship, which was 2/3rds remote, I only had to call off once. In the second phase, when I had to work a few day shifts from home, I had to call off one day because I had a full day of classes and a significant midterm exam that conflicted with my work schedule. To inform my company about my absence, I sent an email to my supervisor and manager, explaining that I could not attend meetings and delegating the paperwork responsibilities to another team member.
Internships are slightly different from my position tbh. They didn’t even exist when I left school as far as I’m aware. The world of work has changed a lot during my career. Not usually for the better. I wish I was a bit closer to retirement tbh. Can’t wait to pack it in.
 
Internships are slightly different from my position tbh. They didn’t even exist when I left school as far as I’m aware. The world of work has changed a lot during my career. Not usually for the better. I wish I was a bit closer to retirement tbh. Can’t wait to pack it in.
While internships have become much more prevalent in modern day, the idea of apprenticeships is a very old concept.
 
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While internships have become much more prevalent in modern day, the idea of apprenticeships is a very old concept.
Apprenticeships were strictly controlled and regulated by guilds (and/or governments), which meant that both the guild - and the apprentice - had rights and responsibilities.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of internships.
 
I mean thanks for the advice, but this isn’t how it works. If you take sick days they form part of your record. So if I was applying for a new job the information my current employer has to pass on is how long I’ve worked there and how many sick days I’ve had.
In the US I know it works differently. But in the UK sick days are supposed to be when you are sick. Not going to a concert.
I don’t go to concerts or even sports these days. I don’t like the crowds.
fascinating.. I had no idea that sick days were added to some kind of record that follows you wherever you go. In Canada you have them, and if you don't use them you don't get paid out for them and they just reset the subsequent year and so most people make a point of using them even if they're not ill.
 
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I think I’d depends on your career path. Apprenticeship are very common in the UK. Especially for building trades etc.
Apprenticeship is also common in the building/construction business in the US as well. I was an apprentice electrician--for a few months--back in my twenties. I got scared off after hearing about the numerous ways you could die if you screwed up--most of them hurt the entire time you're dying.😬
fascinating.. I had no idea that sick days were added to some kind of record that follows you wherever you go. In Canada you have them, and if you don't use them you don't get paid out for them and they just reset the subsequent year and so most people make a point of using them even if they're not ill.
Taking a mental health day is a perfectly valid reason to take a sick day. I wouldn't want a co-worker on the brink coming into the office and going postal.
 
Apprenticeship is also common in the building/construction business in the US as well. I was an apprentice electrician--for a few months--back in my twenties. I got scared off after hearing about the numerous ways you could die if you screwed up--most of them hurt the entire time you're dying.😬

Taking a mental health day is a perfectly valid reason to take a sick day. I wouldn't want a co-worker on the brink coming into the office and going postal.
I couldn't agree more. Mental health is still health. Furthermore, I'm taking my sick days. No matter what, life is too short and I am confident that once I'm on my deathbed I won't be saying "man, I should have really gone in that Thursday". That being said I work for a large government org. where the work can wait, and nobody is truly inconvenienced by my absence.
 
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Sat in the hotel bar waiting on food. On my second pint (not the best idea on an empty stomach!).

Alarm went off at 4 am. 4 hour drive including a charging/coffee stop.

Work trips are so rewarding aren’t they. End up doing extra hours, being out of pocket and away from my better half for the night.
Im telling you man.. just ONE sick day.. take ONE!
 
Im telling you man.. just ONE sick day.. take ONE!
But still no. I’m not sick. Why would I take a sick day rather than book a holiday day? I’m not going to change the way I live my life.
I think in the US you get a lot less holiday days that our 33 days so maybe that’s why you need to use them.
 
Internships are slightly different from my position tbh. They didn’t even exist when I left school as far as I’m aware. The world of work has changed a lot during my career. Not usually for the better. I wish I was a bit closer to retirement tbh. Can’t wait to pack it in.
Really so it is different in 🇬🇧?
 
But still no. I’m not sick. Why would I take a sick day rather than book a holiday day? I’m not going to change the way I live my life.
I think in the US you get a lot less holiday days that our 33 days so maybe that’s why you need to use them.
From what I understand, labor laws in the U.S. are quite weak. Fortunately, they're currently undergoing reforms, seemingly driven by the impact of COVID. Hopefully, workers can regain some of their rights.
 
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