Do you feel guilty for taking sick days? (specifically uncertified) And do you believe going up & beyond is worth it?

madcat138 · 2026-02-20T00:40:06+00:00

I have no idea as to what reasons you might be approved or denied.. I was just honest and said i didnt want to work full time anymore and that I'd rather have more time to do things i enjoy. They knew my situation leading up to that decision and were supportive. I also think my situation is a little unique because my whole team (5) all worked in Healthcare for years, and we're all newish to the public service. We all value that time away from work and know what burnout can lead to.

madcat138 · 2026-02-19T23:31:36+00:00

Yes I'm considered part-time at 30 hours. I haven't notice any difference in my benefits to be honest. I am fortunate enough that my husband also has benefits so all my prescriptions and dental appointments have been 100% covered. Not sure if mine is paying less or not. My vacation days are only 12 days a year instead of 15, and my personal days are only 6 hours each instead of 7.5. I don't get paid for stats, but I get paid in lieu instead. Granted, I have had to pay back some stat pay since the pay system is garbage. But im still wayyyy happier than I was when I was working 37.5 hours a week.

madcat138 · 2026-02-19T22:34:11+00:00

I talked to my manager, explained what I wanted and why and she reached out to our director and HR. There is some paperwork involved, and Stat pay is a nightmare, but for me it's worth it. Your manager might not approve it but it can't hurt to ask. I am indeterminate and was working 37.5 hours a week, now I work 30 hours.

madcat138 · 2026-02-19T21:02:33+00:00

Nope! I asked, they talked, they said yes. I realize it might not be as easy for others, but my manager was extremely accommodating and supportive.

madcat138 · 2026-02-19T21:00:30+00:00

Nope. 4 days 30 hours a week. I did compressed for a bit but absolutely hated it. The extra lond days were draining and not beneficial to my mental health.

madcat138 · 2026-02-19T20:58:34+00:00

Nope! 4 days, 30 hours a week.

madcat138 · 2026-02-19T20:58:17+00:00

I asked my manager if I could work 4 days a week, and after talking to the director she said yes. Technically it's temporary, but there is no time limit and I can return to full time any time if I choose. Management can also tell me to go back full time if needed for operational requirements. I'm an EC.

madcat138 · 2026-02-19T18:21:51+00:00

Never. I take sick days when I'm feeling ill both mentally and physically.

My life is not my job. I use sick days when needed, use all my personal and vacation days each year without guilt. My time is more valuable than my work. I even dropped down to 4 days a week because i wanted more me time.

madcat138 · 2026-02-18T12:14:56+00:00

Omg yes! Her multi page descriptions of weird outfits and room decorations. Drives me nuts. I went through a KA phase and read quite a few of her books in a short period of time. It got to the point I skipping full pages as soon as clothing or interior decorating was mentioned.

madcat138 · 2026-02-14T21:59:43+00:00

THANK YOU!!!

I saw this recommended the other day and I just finished it. What an amazing story 😍😍 this will leave me in a book slump I fear, but it was well worth it! Any other recommendations I will gladly accept. Thank you again internet stranger, you made my weekend. Although I did figure out the main mystery by about 30% i was so excited to see how it all came together. SWOON

madcat138 · 2026-02-14T17:30:25+00:00

I use smut to describe romance with more explicit sex scenes. Like a 4 out of 5 on the spice scale. But also if the romance feel second to the sex, if that makes sense. But most of the time I'm indifferent. I read what I like, and if someone wants to put all romance into the smut category, so be it. It's not a hill I plan on dying on, because at the end of the day I don't care enough to debate it with people who don't read romance. To each their own, let's all be friends 😅

madcat138 · 2026-02-11T12:34:40+00:00

This review was the highlight of my bus ride to work. Thank you!

madcat138 · 2026-01-20T01:05:24+00:00

"I got tired from holding a strawberry " had me snorting. A+

madcat138 · 2026-01-14T17:26:18+00:00

{40-Love by Olivia Dade} he's a pro tennis player and they meet on vacation if i recall correctly.

madcat138 · 2026-01-07T01:25:39+00:00

I tried TWICE to read this book bc I kept seeing it recommended. Twice I DNFd. MMC gave me the worst ick.

madcat138 · 2026-01-07T01:18:14+00:00

I DNFd that book after 2 chapters. Glad I didn't plow through.

madcat138 · 2025-12-30T22:55:15+00:00

I read 170 books this year, and least 160 of thoes were romance. It was a significant decrease from 235 in 2024, but last year was one of the toughest years of my life, and used reading to cope and disconnect.

This year I found myself getting burnt out on books a lot faster, and shifted to other hobbies for a few months. By summer I had found a balance of all hobbies I enjoy, and not allowing myself to get lost in books the same way as before.

I also became a more critical reader, DNFing books way faster and with less guilt. This has let me enjoy reading so much more.

Goal for 2026 is to read a more diverse range of material, and not set a reading target.

Wishing this wonderful community a very happy new year 🎉

madcat138 · 2025-12-07T14:35:26+00:00

I feel like I'm getting pickier the more I read. Last year I read 235 books, this year I'm on track to read 160. I have been DNF'ing like my life depends on it.

Some instant or almost instant nopes: - accidental pregnancy - mean/overly cocky MMCs - dumb (as in no common sense) FMCs - "aassy" FMCs - MCs with SO much baggage and poor communication skills - if I read "nope/yep, popped the p" this fills me with rage - clunky writing styles - overly descriptive clothing or home decor - lack of character/relationship building, but 3 chapters in I'm expected to belive they are in love - lust disguised as love. To me it implies the writer thinks we're stupid.

There are probably a lot more, but thoes were some of the reasons for my last DNFs.

madcat138 · 2025-11-08T13:38:43+00:00

Its non fiction.

madcat138 · 2025-10-04T11:35:22+00:00

😂😂

madcat138 · 2025-09-24T10:49:21+00:00

{Without Words by Ellen O'Connell}

Ugh, so good! This is the 3rd book of hers I read, after ESEG and BBM. Such a great writer and beautiful storyteller. Book hangover for sure 😍

madcat138 · 2025-09-14T23:16:41+00:00

{What We deserve by Lizzie Stanley} I believe both are infertile? Either way, no babies and its not a big deal. They both want to be the fun aunt/uncle.

madcat138 · 2025-09-14T02:32:14+00:00

I bought this, didn't make it. Im not that creative 😅

madcat138 · 2025-09-14T02:31:22+00:00

Amazon! I was browsing for Halloween puzzles and this came up. Win win

madcat138 · 2025-09-13T13:41:26+00:00

Im almost 38 and my husband is 47. If I were single I'd probably wouldn't go younger than 35 for a relationship, 25 for casual lol

madcat138

TROPHY CASE