Whether you are newlyweds or age old veterans, all married couples have one thing in common i.e. codependence. When one is weak the other becomes strong enough for both, and when one is down they can always see a hand reaching out to pull them back up, to catch them when they fall, dry their eyes when they cry and rush to get a tissue for their beloved spouse.
When your wife is sick, it makes sense that you would want to be by her side and nurse her back to health. There is just one dreaded precursor; the letter to your boss asking for leave.
Luckily, you have access to the advice of one such husband whose written quite a few of these letters in his career so far.
Be Straightforward
No one likes it when you dance around what you actually wish to say. That is usually because they can see right through it. You don’t have to be inconspicuous. Just be honest and tell them that your wife is ill. Give your employer the details of exactly what she is suffering. An attached doctor’s note is always a good thing here.
Cover Your Bases
Always make sure you’re prepared for every possible issue your boss would have if you were to be gone for a day or two. Save your boss the trouble of finding someone to cover your shift and ask one of your friends. Ask if you could cover up with double shifts later. Is your work something you can do from home? If so take it home with you.
Make your Priorities Clear
Work or home, home or work? People have been struggling with that question for entire lifetimes. When your wife is sick how do you take care of her without harming your career? The first and last thing you must do is to clear your priorities to yourself and your boss. Let your boss know that taking care of your wife is very important to you and that you will be back as soon as she is better and you won’t waste a second longer.
Here is a sample letter of a man asking his employer for leave to take care of his ill Wife.
Sample Emergency Leave Letter Due to Wife Illness
William Johnson
Head of Design
Fredtronix
(000) 854-9547
w.johnson @ email . com
November 29, 2016
Mr. Fredrick Cohan
Founder and C.E.O
Fredtronix
4081 Linda Street
Philadelphia, PA 19108
Dear Fred,
I know that you are excited for the upcoming expo as much as I. However, I regret to inform you that my wife who just got back from Dominican Republic has caught some infection. We’re not quite sure exactly what it is, but she’s running a 105 temperature and has been vomiting nonstop. We’ve taken tests, the results of which I will receive tomorrow. I’m unable to juggle ER visits, tests, and work.
Rest assured, I will be able to prepare all the booth designs and content for GITEX, and I am certain I will be able to go to San Diege with you to present it. I know this is one of the most important digital and technology events of the year and we’re lucky to have booked it.
I’ll drop the doctor’s note by you tomorrow on my way to pick up my mother-in-law from the airport. She will be helping me take care of her so that I can get the GITEX work done on time. I’ll be available on Skype and you can have your secretary send me the minutes of each important meeting and any changes in the designs.
I know I can make this work, and appreciate your consideration.
Sincerely,
(Signature)
William Johnson
Head of Design