Workus Interruptus
January 30, 2007
Dear Fellow County School Workers (at my son’s school),
Allow me to start by thanking you for calling me today to come get my son, your student, from school today. I understand that he was not feeling well, and that he wasn’t doing much in the way of work. It makes me feel good that your concern for him is so great that when he starts doing less work, you feel the need to call me right away, and implore me to come collect my son so that he may recuperate at home, away from the other students, so as not to infect them with his non-work ethic (and his cold). We are truly blessed that you have such concern for us.
However, did you forget the rule I made that said you don’t call me unless he is dying? Unless he’s coughing up that lung, and you can see it, don’t call me. No blood being spilled? Great! Don’t call me. He tells you he’s seeing double? Look around for twins before you call me, okay? Unless you are calling me to meet the ambulance at the hospital, there should really be no reason I get called out of class to come get my son. Well, unless there is projectile vomit. Then I can make an exception.
You know how hard it is for you to leave your classroom to go get your child when someone calls you? Well, your employer is my employer and even though we are at different locations; the rules still apply. You should have realized this the last time you did this to me and I couldn’t pick him up for several hours. It’s not easy to get coverage in my line of work (you should know this all too well). Oh, and did I mention there is usually a good chance I’m leaving someone in the lurch and calling in a favor just to get out the door? Yep. I’ll be smooching someone’s behind for today, I assure you.
So, in the future if he is coughing and not doing his work, but still able to sit quietly in class… prop the boy up (those binders pull double duty, don’t they?) and let him soldier on, for pete’s sake! Or, try to let me know without raising the alarm at my school; (i.e.: having the office staff page me over the loudspeaker; scaring the begeesus out of me.) and as soon as my workday is over I will come and get him. Don’t make me feel like I have to get there rightnow because he is just sitting in class not doing much. I’ll keep him home tomorrow. Just let me get through today, you know?
Of course you do. You’re in education too.
I’m glad we had this little chat.
Remember – cough: keep him; vomit and fever and gaping wounds: I’ll race right over. I’ll even call 911 for you.
Thanks so much.
Sincerely,
Another working parent like yourself
P.S. I’m just kidding. Seriously. But it IS difficult to leave work to pick up your sick child when you work in education. I’m just grateful the staff at my school are AWESOME and help out in a pinch. Thanks, guys! I’m also grateful for the staff at my son’s school; they do take really good care of him. I just had to write this though, and I’m glad I got it off my chest.
January 30th, 2007 at 10:35 am
yes it is difficult.
try leaving while you are in the middle of placing a PICC line in a 2 lb baby that desperately wants to go to the light.
i imagine many parents, even if they aren’t in education, can relate.
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