can I go to a concert when off work sick ?

System

Also another reason to sign you off work is you cannot cope with a long working day, either mentally or physically.

In the summer of 2013, I had 11 weeks off work as I had my gallbladder taken out then 4 weeks after that, my bile duct.

Two weeks after I had my bile duct removed, I went on a coach trip to London to tour the Houses of Parliament and lunch on a boat on the Thames. It was booked around 3 months before I became ill and on a scheduled day off. Most of the day was sitting in the coach. Sat at every opportunity when possible in HoP. It was painful to stand or walk for long periods. My work involves being on my feet.

With regards to the concert - it depends on how far away the venue is. Plus you can say seeing this musician, band at the concert will improve your mentality.

devilivus

I don't see the problem.
You are signed off of 'work'. You aren't able to 'work' at the moment.

I assume you're allowed to watch TV? I don't see why you cna't go to a concert.

However, don't do anything silly like take pictures and upload them on facebook! In fact, you shouldn't ever have anyone from work in your facebook friends in my opinion..

System

Having Facebook friends at work is OK, providing you don't do what devilivus says, mention anything about the concert etc on it. Also don't slag off work, reveal secrets etc.

If any of your friends post about the concert - ignore it. You could send a PM to them if they are not colleagues.

Sinhanada

Going to a concert when you are signed off with depression \ anxiety due to a bereavement should not be an issue for your employer. Without knowing who you work for (Private \ Public Sector) it is more difficult to provide advice - what I will say though is there are some people on here who have it spot on. Depression \ Anxiety is not the same as being off ill with other physical illnesses and is not (And should not be) treated in the same way

JustOnce

bluenoseam wrote: »

It was one poster's opinion that if you're well enough to attend a concert then you may be well enough to consider returning to work.

Is that what he said? Oh sorry, then I over reacted. I didn't realise he offered a maybe and a consideration - I thought he offered a juvenile response "if you are well enough..." to someone who is suffering from depression.

cool-dog wrote: »

If well enough to go to a concert, then you are well enough to work.
Sorry to be blunt but...

I_Can_Haz_Job?

sorry about your mum OP.

For what it's worth, I've got bipolar 2 and went through a very bad patch of depression in 2009 - I'm only just out of outpatient treatment at the psychiatric hospital (I developed an eating disorder and was not a healthy bunny). When I got particularly bad I would hide under my duvet and became extremely isolated. My shrink always told me to take myself out for a walk, go and look at art or something - anything to get out of the flat and amongst people. In her view, getting out and about was vital to recovery. Work aside, base your decision on what you think you're up to. A huge stadium gig with pyro and thousands of people might be a bit too much for you to handle but a little pub singer gig would be gentle and quite tame.

If you're really unsure, it wouldn't hurt to ring work and just say that you wanted to get their blessing before doing anything. Explain that it's not going to be getting blasted on Jagerbombs and raving but just a little dose of normality after a horrible time. You could say you were dragged out by friends to cheer you up, perhaps?

Hope you enjoy it xx

mustang121

I think it depends on the reason you are "sick". If you are off work due to an actual virus related illness then it may be hard to justify you being well enough for a concert but not for work (should you somehow be discovered).


The last time I was "sick" was due to a high fever around during Christmas holidays. I couldn't ever bare to sit-up in bed without feeling dizzy. Then fortunately I just about recovered enough for work...


If you are off sick due to mental illness rather than physical illness then going to a concert could be an relief and help you recover?

pmlindyloo

As someone else has said, if you have not been working for an employer for 2 years then you can be dismissed quite easily.

The debate about attending a concert when you are off work for depression is neither here nor there if you are under the two year qualifying period for claiming unfair dismissal.

You say you have only one more week on your fit note which suggests that your depression was linked to recent events rather than a long time disability?

It is possible that your employer will not know that you have been to a concert or even care. However, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that they will find out (social media is usually the culprit) and use it as an excuse to get rid of you.

Much depends on your previous employment record and your relationship with your employer. Only you know the ins and outs of where you work.

superbigal36

Bit I don't understand from all those saying it is okay to go to the concert due to it being an unfit to work note etc.

Why then would it be an issue plastered all over twitter or facebook ?

You dont have an unfit to plaster social life over facebook line either ?

Whats the difference ?

JustOnce

I_Can_Haz_Job? wrote: »

sorry about your mum OP.

For what it's worth, I've got bipolar 2 and went through a very bad patch of depression in 2009 - I'm only just out of outpatient treatment at the psychiatric hospital (I developed an eating disorder and was not a healthy bunny). When I got particularly bad I would hide under my duvet and became extremely isolated. My shrink always told me to take myself out for a walk, go and look at art or something - anything to get out of the flat and amongst people. In her view, getting out and about was vital to recovery. Work aside, base your decision on what you think you're up to. A huge stadium gig with pyro and thousands of people might be a bit too much for you to handle but a little pub singer gig would be gentle and quite tame.

If you're really unsure, it wouldn't hurt to ring work and just say that you wanted to get their blessing before doing anything. Explain that it's not going to be getting blasted on Jagerbombs and raving but just a little dose of normality after a horrible time. You could say you were dragged out by friends to cheer you up, perhaps?

Hope you enjoy it xx

I think this really depends on the relationship OP has with the employer to be honest.

Case in point - a couple of years ago I took three months off my PhD with depression. I was paid for the PhD as I also had teaching duties. About a week after I was signed off, my PhD supervisor saw me working in the university library (as a member of staff - I'd basically gotten a new job the following week). He was completely fine with this.

Less fine were when people from my department saw me come into uni to grab stuff to do with my PhD from the office, whilst I was signed off sick.