Help! I'm suffering from "Presenteeism"

Sick staff at work - Responsibility is the culprit.

On Sunday (25th Sep), my flu and cough got worse. The phlegm got thicker by the day, despite 2 weeks of self-medication of piriton (flu pills) and tonnes of liang teh. No fever though, but no signs of recovery too. Yes, i need to rest - MC!

But I cannot afford to! Why?

Mon: I have 7 periods of Math and Science with my form class. I really have a lot to cover in this short 3 weeks before the final exams!

Tue: I have an important course on Classroom Management to attend at HQ.

Wed: I need to submit the monies paid by my students for the school's Musical on this day!

Thu: There is the first and final rehearsal for the Children's Day concert!

Fri: It's Children's Day celebration and I want to be with my kids!

Yes, you may say that I ask for it. Coupled with almost 12 hours of work everyday and I'm still not throwing in the towel, I sure am looking for trouble. It didn't help that the doctor told me I may need an X-ray if things still don't turn well.

Call me responsible, but I just do not want to procrastinate work. Neither do I want to leave my kids in the "lurch" while I can still stand on my feet to teach.

I guess my main motivation is that I know my effort is being appreciated, not by my supervisor, but by my kids. I don't ask for more in this world but to be appreciated for the things I do. And after almost 7 months with them, getting countless gifts and cards, plus the many sessions of "talking cock", sharing "secrets" and several email correspondences with them, I know my effort is being appreciated.

That is why I go into teaching. And that is what that keeps me going. I thank them for believing in me too. Thank you class! ;)

P/S1: To my course mates today, I am sorry to have put you through the trauma of hearing my wheezing nose and "bubbly" coughs for 8 hours. :8"p

P/S2: On hindsight, I am not just doing harm to myself, but also to the kids and colleagues in school too. :o