My school used to have individual awards for perfect attendance kids. It always made me feel bad for not sucking it up and going to school when I was sick. I think a traveling trophy is pretty stupid. Methinks they should focus on other achievements.

I have a sick at work story. This was when I wasn't strong enough to say "that's it, this is ridiculous."

I worked at a place that served food. One day I was sick and had been guilted into going to work. While I was there I just kept feeling worse and worse and was constantly telling the manager that I shouldn't be there with people's food and handling money.

No one listened until finally I was making a drink and a guy at the counter said "Hey! Are you sick? Are you making that drink?"
"Yes."
"I don't want a sick person making my drink"
I said "THANK YOU!," threw the drink in the garbage, walked to the back room, and told the manager "That's IT I'm leaving" and went home to lay in bed.

Going to work sick can be irresponsible. I understand why some people go, though. And I think ignoring some illnesses just makes them last longer and reduces productivity in the long run anyway.

I hope when I have kids one day, perfect attendance won't be worth going to school sick for.