Worker with 4 jobs and 5 roommates gets sick but managers force him to come in anyway: 'Now everyone has it including [my] managers'

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Ben Weiss • Writer and Editor
Jul 11, 2025 2:00 PM EDT

Living with roommates and juggling multiple jobs at once is a challenge that few people are capable enough to manage. However, no one is impenetrable, and such individuals are bound to experience exhaustion and burnout at a certain point. After all, one should not need to hold so many positions just to afford a cheap room in a cramped apartment with five other adults. If you do not take issue with that fact in and of itself, then we might be beyond help.

The author of this story unfortunately got sick despite trying as hard as he could to avoid a stomach flu brought into his apartment by one of his roommate's kids (yes, there are even kids in this crowded place). Although he was able to call in sick at two of his jobs, the other two were less accommodating. Those managers forced him to come in since he didn't have a doctor's note that he could provide. Well, let's just say that backfired for everyone he came into contact with at work…

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    Cheezburger Image 10527845120
    via Unsplash+ (Natalia Blauth)

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • While we are sorry for the author's other coworkers who caught the same ruthless stomach bug, we are not sorry for the managers for not believing the author in the first place and forcing him to come in anyway. In fact, we hope that they learned their lesson the hard way. Maybe they should practice what they preach and force themselves to come into work too!

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    About 2 weeks ago my roommates kid came home with a "little stomach flu", which despite my best efforts I caught. I tried calling out, and 2 of my jobs. let me, but the other 2 managers told me nope,
    via Retired_DG_Key
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    doctors note, I had to find a replacement, and it will be a no-show. So I came into work. Spent half the day in the restroom, and now
    via Retired_DG_Key
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    everyone has it including both managers that forced me to come in. One complained to me how everyone in her house has it and how it's my fault.
    via Retired_DG_Key
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    We really need some sort of mandatory sick leave. I hate how I infected some of my coworkers, but how much illness could be prevented if we did.
    via Retired_DG_Key
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    via Campaign Creators

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

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    Stillwater-Scorp1381 1 day ago I hate the demands for a doctors note. Office visits cost me $200-250 with my insurance carrier. It's such an absurd expectation from employers.
    via Retired_DG_Key
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    Your managers are at fault for the whole office getting infected. You tried to do the right thing.
    via Retired_DG_Key
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    Used_Examination_3 49 1 day ago The fact that you have to work four jobs is the real crime.
    via Retired_DG_Key
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    Piratepizzaninja . 1 day ago And still needs a roommate
    via Retired_DG_Key
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    WordWord1337. 1 day ago SOs for your coworkers, but for your employers this is just the predictable consequences of their own policy coming back on them. I hope it is as expensive a lesson for them as possible.
    via Retired_DG_Key
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    Retired_DG_Key OP 1 day ago I feel really bad about one of them, since she did cover one of my shifts letting me rest some.
    via Retired_DG_Key
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    The managers may think twice next time someone calls in sick, but I doubt it.
    via Retired_DG_Key
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    Ben_Lahnger 1 day ago Here's how I would have responded to this: "One complained to me how everyone in her house has it and how it's my fault."
    via Retired_DG_Key
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    No, It's YOUR fault for making me come in. I told you I was sick and shouldn't come in, and you MADE me come in. You said, I don't care
    via Retired_DG_Key
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    if you're contagious; you come in, and I as well as all of our teammates will just take our chances. This was YOUR call!
    via Retired_DG_Key
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    RachelTyrel 1 day ago No, YOU did not infect your coworkers. Your managers did that. Don't take the blame for their f○ up.
    via Retired_DG_Key
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    Dommccabe. 1 day ago Excuse me but am I reading this right?? 4 jobs?????????
    via Retired_DG_Key
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    Jassida 1 day ago What kind of a nightmare is this? Roommate? 4 jobs? Forced in to work sick?
    via Retired_DG_Key
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    quast 64 1 day ago Then you aren't the cause, the managers that forced you to come in are the cause.
    via Retired_DG_Key
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    You did as you were told, enjoy the 'I told you so' moment.
    via Retired_DG_Key
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    RachelTyrel⚫ 1 day ago Oh please, Boss, tell me I need a doctor's note. I will get the doctor to take me in off work for at least a week.
    via Retired_DG_Key

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workplace-stories toxic-manager work stories toxic-workplace manager job sick day work toxic-boss Horrible Bosses sick toxic-work-environment
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