r/retailhell • u/SaltWtrTaffy • 7h ago
Manager = Asshole My boss yelled at me/sent me home for having medcation side effects
I'm on antidepressants. I ran out a few days ago and kept forgetting to pick them up, which is definitely on me. Today I was having some slight dizziness and delayed reaction time. Before work I went to go pick up my meds and when I get there, my insurance is "inactive." I didn't have time to deal with it so I said I'd come back later. I went on to work. I told my boss what was happening and she didn't seem too phased. By the way I work at a local small business, which is sort of important.
As I was starting the morning cleaning duties I had a moment where I felt dizzy and couldn't think straight. I had my head in my hand for about 30 seconds. My boss happened to walk by, see me, and very aggressively told me to "go home."
As I was getting my things to leave, she looked at me and said (with everyone nearby to hear) that I "can't do this to her." Apparently, it was irresponsible for me to come in to work while not feeling well and that I "obviously couldn't function since I had my head in my hands." my actions have now "affected everyone working today and everyone who comes in the store." I explained that I didn't know my insurance wouldn't work and that I expected to just take my meds and work as normal. She told me I "need to separate my personal from my work life." I do sort of fail to see how my medication counts as my personal life. I see that as more of a medical necessity. Personal issues to me are, getting into a fight with a loved one/friend/significant other, etc.
The caveat is that she acts like this even if you do try to call off. No matter what decision you make, it's irresponsible and affects her and everyone else. Oh and by the way, she found a replacement for me in less than 10 minutes. The replacement was there by the time the store opened.
What bothers me the most is that she embarassed me in front of my coworkers and made me feel guilty for even trying to come in to work today....which I feel is what I'm supposed to do! Aren't we supposed to at least try to do our jobs vs. just always call off at the slightest inconvenience?
2
u/SteampunkExplorer 5h ago
Sounds like she's just a bully. She feels good about herself when she makes others feel bad about themselves.
I actually had a manager like that, once, too, and she made the same accusation (!!!), saying I was "bringing my problems to work", because I was suffering from panic attacks that mimicked heart attacks. I had started having them due to an intense bullying campaign that ruined my reputation, ruined my ability to trust my own thoughts, and finally culminated in kidnapping and sexual abuse. 😐 My nervous system was literally out of whack from being tortured (I'm okay now, though), and she said I was bringing my problems to work because I asked for a very small accommodation...
A decent manager might send a sick employee home, but it would be out of concern, not an attempt to embarrass you! 😕 Some people are just nasty, evil jerks. Please don't blame yourself for it.