I work a retail job in an area where most of the people are elderly/at high risk of getting COVID. Both my parents, who I currently reside with, have tested positive. I tried to be responsible and text my bosses the night before to explain the situation, and asked them if they wanted me to still come in. I said I’d wear a mask. They both said as long as I was negative, I should come in. Fast forward to today, I feel like utter crap, I’m wearing a mask and I brought my cough drops – only to find out that one of my coworkers spread a rumor that I was “planning” an exit from work, that I was essentially playing hookie. Spoke to my one boss who essentially said “yeah I see you’re sick but there’s nothing I can do”.
I feel like crying, honestly. My job is insignificant to everyone and despite doing the best job I can, I just feel like a criminal anytime I get sick. Apparently they did the same thing to me behind my back when I got COVID for the first time back in April.
I don’t play hookie from work. I’m not a deceitful person. If I need time off, I take time off, and am upfront about it. If I had any prospects beyond this job, I would quit and walk out today. I’m beyond disgusted with the way I’m treated, especially by management.
Apologies for the vent, I just feel so alone right now.