The last time I was sick was earlier in the year, when my wife and I became ill over food poisoning. Because we rarely get sick, both of our jobs were both understanding and very supportive. We lost weight and missed a few days of work between us. I realized how much people pay attention in the workplace when I am out. Even though I felt supported, because I am the head of the department it felt as thought it was expected I do not miss days even if I am sick.

When my wife is sick, which is very rare I try my best to support her. Because she never complains about pain and she has a high threshold, I take it very serious when she becomes sick and misses work.

In conclusion, I believe that because of our positions at work my wife and I are looked at differently when we miss work. My wife is front line staff and I am in management(different company). I believed that managers sometimes have to suck it up and come to work, even when they are not their best and front line staff are expected to take and use their allotted sick time. The impact for both my wife and I are felt as we hate taking work off but for different reasons. As I am worried about what others may say and my wife is more concerned with the work itself.

My name is Chauncey Jackson and I currently reside in Alameda, Ca but was raised in Fairfield, Ca. The pronoun I go by is he. I am married with a two year old daughter and 1 more daughter on the way in January. I am a senior in college but I am 34 years old. I decided to go back to school to enhance my career as a healthcare professional. I am Director of a department at San Francisco hospital and believe this course can help further my knowledge of healthcare and the medical world. I’m a sociology major and look forward to learning new topics that elevate my thinking and understanding of medical sociology and apply it to my job now.