Called in sick on Friday when I really just needed to decompress. Spent time with my kids, took a long walk, didn't think about emails. Monday was so much better. Feels silly to take a day off but I think we all need it sometimes. Anyone else ever do this?
Mental health days are not a waste, they're necessary maintenance. I finally took one after months of saying I would and my entire perspective shifted. Your kids probably appreciated having you present instead of stressed out too.
You did the right thing. Mental health days aren't laziness, they're maintenance. Bet your kids noticed you were more present too.
Totally get this. Between school chaos and everything else, sometimes you just need to hit pause. Sounds like you needed that walk and time more than you realized.
This is real and important. I've learned that taking care of yourself actually makes you a better dad and better at work. You came back stronger on Monday because you actually recharged.
Totally valid. Taking care of yourself IS taking care of your family. You probably came back to work way more productive than if you'd pushed through another week of burnout.
That's what people don't understand about mental health days. It's not slacking, it's actually preventing bigger problems down the road. Good for you for recognizing what you needed.
Sign in to join the conversation.
This is exactly why I've been considering asking for that hybrid arrangement. Sometimes you need a reset button before everything breaks. Smart move calling it in when you needed it.