Irrationally Angry?????

[miacat]

I'm sorry I really just want to rant but I'm absolutely fuming!!!!! I called work this morning to let them know that unfortunately I would not be able to make it in (again!) as the roads are still too icy where I live (very rural) and it's too dangerous (with young children in the car) work has been closed for the last 12 days and is re-opening ofr the first time today as main roads have been cleared. My boss' response was "well so and so lives near you and she's here, you might at least make the effort" now, in some ways I appreciate what she's saying but....maybe so and so has a 4x4 or she doesn't need to take her kids with her or she lives just off the main road and has no problems with icy hills!!! etc etc. The more I think about it the more upset I get - I can't seem to let it go - am I being unreasonable?

[B00]

Yes, sorry.

[mccfluff]

you don't have to kill yourself to get into work, but you do need to appreciate from your bosses point of view, that if others have made it in then perhaps you should off as well.

I would discuss it with them when you're next in and make clear the issues you had.

[ummmm]

I think so...sorry.

I think your boss has every right to expect you to make as much effort as possible.

[jd_1984]

There are a few factors for the employer to consider here before making that statement. Not so black and white as "so and so lives nearby"! Seems a bit rash. If you can provide a legitimate credible reason why you could not attend work, that can not be disputed, surely the employes can make allowances.
There are ofcourse factors for you to consider such as, is there public transport running that could get you in to work, albeit might get you in a little later, but at least you have shown willingness? I obviously dont know your area or the nature of your job/employer.

[miacat]

Fair enough! Thanks for your advice - I'm really not "that person" who doesn't make the effort and haven't had any other time off AT ALL since I started. Also, I based my decision on whether I felt it was safe rather than whether I thought other people could get in but I genuinly appreciate you comments - I shall take a deep breath, grow up and discuss this rationally (hopefully) tomorrow when I can get in. Thanks again.

[bednobs]

have to agree with b00. While i can see that you don't want ot put yourself in danger, your workplace has not been able to function for 12 days and now they want to start, so i am not surprised they want you in, and if everybody else is able to make it in that they question why you can't. it's not like she demanded you came in

[jd_1984]

Further to this, just been chatting with a friend who is with me. Somebody at his work was formally disciplined earlier this year as they didnt attend work for 3 days, giving the weather as the reason. The employer discovered that the employee lived 500 yards from a railway station that ran a direct train to the town centre and this train was unaffected by the snow/ice etc...

[bednobs]

whoops none of the answers were there when i started posting!

[miacat]

Thanks jd_1984. The public transport (including the school buses - I work in a school) are not running. The council is aware of the problem and, as the council ARE my employer I expected a little more understanding, cest la vie......

[miacat]

Bednobs, I see what you're saying but - frankly not wanting to put myself down, I make sandwiches in a school kitchen, I'm not a heart surgeon, the kitchen has 12 other staff, 10 of whom live within walking distance.

[mccfluff]

i understand your problems Mia, you just need to speak to them about it and explain your reasons, however you need to understand its a difficult time of year and there is a culture of 'if others can get in then so should you'. I'm not saying you're skiving but you may be percived as doing so, Although they would never admit that....

Where i am, i can walk so i have no excuse!

[jd_1984]

Perhaps employer (I assume headteacher if working at a school) is frustrated at the 12 day closure and all the catch up work that is inevitable. You are surely not the only one in this position. So if despite EVERY EFFORT ,you feel you cant get in, your conscience should be clear.....

[B00]

I'm sure if you go in tomorrow and explain, your boss will beo k about it miacat.

In the meantime, slap your PJ's on, get on sofa and watch This Morning :-)

[miacat]

I think it's more the thought that my (new) boss clealy feels like I'm lying and I JUST WOULDN'T it's so not me - I feel more hurt than anything else. Perhaps I should just forget about it - I do feel slightly guilty but only because I'm not used to having time off - not because I could get on - I really can't risk it.

[trt]

'' The kitchen has 12 other staff ''

Blimey, it sounds like a big school!!!

[miacat]

Thanks boo, you're right, no point being in a bad mood all day!

[ummmm]

Don't worry about it. That was probably just her instant reaction..

[miacat]

It is a VERY big school, over 1000 pupils, half of which won't be in because of transport issues!

[miacat]

Thanks ummmm, for all I know she's sitting at work going over in her head and thinking we both could have handled that better - my overreaction is calming, thanks guys.

[B00]

maybe your boss had a stack of emails and crap on his her desk or cooker or something to deal with due to their absence too, probably took it out a bit unfairly on you.