This hits really close to home for me.
I had severe migraines that would last for days over a 6-month period. I’d suffered periodic migraines from the age of 15 but this was something new where even when I didn’t have a “proper” migraine I still had a constant dull headache.
Nearly lost my job even after seeing the company doctor who noted that allowances needed to be made for my sick leave. Saw a neurologist, got an MRI, kept going to the doctor, and no diagnosis came out of it. I eventually had a seizure for the first time in my life and was rushed to hospital.
Finally, got a diagnosis of chronic daily migraines and was put on medication that has controlled them, but the damage it did to my career set me back by years. I was a high performer prior and then I was suddenly blacklisted from promotions because of my sick leave.
My heart really goes out to people struggling with the same pain who have yet to find something that works.
I work at a company with unlimited sick leave and it’s an absolute godsend for those who need it. Literally no one I know who works there takes the piss. In fact with working from home being a thing most wouldn’t take more than 5 or so actual sick days per year.
But I’ve also seen someone take months of paid sick leave when their child with cancer was getting treatment. It was never questioned, and it gave me enormous respect for the place.
Yeah. I’ve had employees go through mental health episodes, families with cancer, flus, sick kids, multi-week migraines, list goes on.
Not once has the business gone “why have you approved all that sick leave?” In fact it’s been the opposite in some cases “why are you asking me this? We have unlimited sick leave”.