Anxious and confused with mixed messages at work...

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I've been very stressed at work for the past 2 months, finally today I called in "sick" wanting to just relax and take a personal day. I've had this job for over 4 years and every now and then have called in "sick" for a personal day, it's never been a problem before.

A while ago another employee decided to take advantage of the call in policy and ruined it for all of us. A memo went out stating that all call in's now have to be accompanied by a doctors note. (my boss said that memo only applied to problem employees and I didn't have to worry)

This morning, after calling in, received a text message from a supervisor saying that if I am going to call in I need to provide a doctors note the next day or disciplinary action would be taken. Last week I talked to my boss about that policy, just to be sure, and was told that calling in one day i wouldn't need a note, but two or more or calling in on the weekends would... makes sense to me. So I texted my boss telling him what the supervisor said and wanting clarification, an hour later I received another text from the supervisor stating that "[the boss] forwarded me what you said... the doctors note policy is no joke!"

I'm very anxious now and just spent about 15 minutes crying and rocking trying to calm down. I can't go into work, my husband has the car. I did end up calling the doctor and will have a note, but that's not helping with the anxiety and confusion.

I'm not sure if I even have a question here... I'm just confused and anxious and would like people to talk to.

Is there any way you could get a doctor's note?

Do you live in a city with easy access to "urgent care?"

I get what you mean.

In virtually all cases, I would go by the "official" policy as laid out in emails/texts, anything in writing. When somebody doesn't put something in writing, I don't trust it. Especially in a work environment, especially in this economy, especially if you're a person with Asperger's.

I think your supervisor probably thinks you're all right--but, in this case, she might have been superseded by HER boss.

I'm sorry you had to spend the money for a note--but I'm glad you were able to get the note.

That sucks that people have to abuse the call in sick policy that places would have to require a doctor's note. Not everyone can afford to see a doctor because not everyone has health insurance so that would mean they would have to go into work sick and hope to be sent home after their boss sees how ill they are. Are you sure that other person didn't have a legitimate reason to call in?
Like some people say, "I can't afford to be sick."

Here is a rule I always go by, do not listen to what co workers tell you, only listen to your boss. If you hear anything from someone, ask your boss about it to make sure the rumor is true. That way it avoids confusion and getting into trouble. This is what someone taught me when I lived in Montana. Another employee told me she had that same issue too I was having (being told one thing by a boss and then another co worker would contradict it) so she started to only listen to our boss instead of to other workers.

You're smart, Shylah. This is why you're an Aspie who's able to make a living.

This policy doesn't even make sense. Who spends the money to go to a doctor for a short term illness? Suppose you have a stomach bug...You are throwing up every where... now you should get in your car, somehow drive to the doctor without yakking in the car, pay the copay or fee.... for a note? Thats ridiculous and something you can probably argue through HR if you have an HR department. Where I work we only have to provide a note if it's more than a few days. Thought is if it's more than a couple of days you SHOULD go see a doctor. It's more about getting you to seek medical attention because you probably need it than it is about the note itself.

I don't like the fact that you have to spend money for this, either. I really don't!

Neither do I.

I will be talking to my boss again.... it isn't right to require a note for one day.

Maybe some sort of agreement can be made between you and your boss. Something done on professional terms, and with a trusted health provider to help back you up on any necessary issues. You could even get an accommodation regarding these matters, if necessary; if anyone in the work place breaks the accommodation, it's technically discrimination, and that's holdable in court. ;)
I could understand how that could just add to your stress, though.
I just hope everything works out, because wow this is totally not an issue you should have to deal with.

I'm a supervisor - I can say from experience your supervisor appears to be a complete idiot. One size does not fit all from a managing people perspective.

Get a note from your doctor that says you have XYZ issues and may require from time to time a day off sick and that you commit to work with your boss to keep these to a minimum and that your doctor will revisit your health issue a year hence.

Trust me, your supervisor will soon forget about the doctor note issue in a few weeks anyhow and be jumping up and down about the next corporate initiative that comes down the line.

Taks care and good luck

I spoke to the department head yesterday, my bosses boss, she told me that the supervisor shouldn't have done that and that I DO NOT need a note for one day sick. The policy was made for people who make a habit of calling in on a regular basis or call in morethen one day in a week.

She the apologized to me for the inconvenience of having to get a note when it wasn't needed. The supervisor got a talking to.

It would be ideal if you were able to get what the "boss's boss" said in writing--though I wouldn't insist upon it if it wasn't put in writing.