Growing up, being sick was not an excuse. And perhaps, schools were not strict then and didn’t send students home. I always went to school with a runny nose or cough. I dealt with it and carried the habit to today.

As a result though, I have become more conscious of the effect of a sick person. Or as others would call it, a walking biohazard. Accustomed to being sick (frequently), I dismiss the sickness similar to a minor insect bite. It never slows me down and, more often than not, I am always at the top of my game.

But I realize the benefits. I can sleep more at home if I don’t go to work. I can force someone else to make decisions in my absence—decision that could have been made without me. In some way, although it may be diluting my effectiveness, that’s what it is. What a company should be—a company that has a backup plan for everything. For being human and legitimately ill.

For now, though, my raspy voice will stay with me in my room. It’s silent, but right now, I hear my voice loud and clear.