Klarinet Archive - Posting 000476.txt from 1998/11

From: "Dee D. Hays" <deehays@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Clarinet playing and fever
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 1998 23:03:41 -0500

Well I have followed this thread with some interest. It really makes no
difference whether you are a musician (full or part time) or follow some
other career. There are always people counting on you. At least in music
there is a possibility of finding some one competant to step in and play the
part even at very short notice. But many of us do not have that luxury in
our jobs. In my position (engineer), no one can step in and do my job for a
day as it would take them months to get up to speed on the projects. So if
I'm out, my work doesn't get done. In the industrial world, this can have a
great impact on winning and keeping business.

However, one needs to evaluate very carefully whether or not to work when
you are sick. You have to weigh the following factors.

1. Can the work schedule be adjusted later to catch up.
2. How urgent are the deadlines.
3. Can some one else cover any meetings.
4. Is it worth making half the plant sick.
5. Is it worth prolonging your own illness. Many times I've worked when I
was ill due to the urgency of the issues but ending up being sick twice as
long.
6. Is it worth getting run down and then being subjected to secondary
infections. For example the people that go into hospitals or die in flu
epidemics actually are victims of secondary infections like pneumonia.

We have all worked when we were ill. However it is nothing to take special
pride in. It is sometimes a necessity but it is not wise.

Dee Hays
Canton, SD

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