My co-workers are upset at me after I vomitted on the corpse at my co-workers mom's funeral. Should I quit?

Question

Long story short, everyone was urged to attend a co-worker's mom funeral because she used to be active in the company before I worked there. I never met her. Anyway the morning of the funeral I felt really sick. I felt it was the right thing to do to go anyway. I got there & got in line to view the casket. When I got up there, I looked at the body and felt very sick. I felt dizzy & I grabbed onto the side of the casket. I leaned over inside it, just by instict I think, & threw up all over the body. Everyone started cursing & got really upset. I ran into the bathroom & cleaned myself up. After that I left.

I called work & left a message I am taking a few days off. My boss called me back & told me he won't fire me over the ordeal but off the record, he wouldn't come back if he was me. So I asked him if he would fire me so i could get unemployment. He said no and that he thinks a very large appology is in order being they had to postpone it due to re-preparing the body.

Answer 1

I'm sure you feel horrible!



Apologizing means you didn't mean to do it. It was an accident, and something you didn't mean to do, so yes, you should apologize. (If you meant to do it your apology would not be sincere). A short letter of apology would be appropriate.



Whether you return to work or not is up to you. Are you confident enough to tolerate the feelings that will be aimed your way? Can you do your job without worrying about what other people think? You do understand that even after the anger wears off (and it will eventually), this will become the thing to tease you about, right? Will you be able to face it with humor and laugh along?



If this is a job you're otherwise happy in, and you'll be able to handle doing your job without letting this incident bother you, then keep your job. If not, move on. (Your boss would probably be willing to write a reference for you).



~Kyanna

Answer 2

Oh wow...well your boss can't fire you over that incident. It would be against the law. It was an accident and while it was really really awful timing, you couldn't help it. I would definitely apologize, let everyone know you feel awful about it, but that you couldn't do anything about it. If you do go back to work things will be awkward for a while. Give it a shot and if it's unbearable, start looking for a new job. Good luck...man that's bad.

Answer 3

Of course you should apologize. Why would you feel the need to even ask? And then, that very moment, resign from your job. An accident, yes, but it was a co-worker's dead mother's funeral! You are done there. Leave with as much dignity as you can muster, and be prepared for the incident to affect you for quite awhile to come.

Answer 4

I'm not sure you should apologize for being sick. Illness is unavoidable. Surely no thinks that you actually vomited on the dearly departed deliberately? It was unfortunate and gruesome for everyone, I'm sure. First, call the family and express your regrets that such an awful and disruptive thing happened, that your illness was unavoidable and you hope they have all recovered from the shock of it. Then, go back to work, explain to your coworkers that you were ill and that it has proved to be one of the worst events of your life, and that you'd appreciate it if as little were made of it as possible. Then let time heal it.

BTW, when you've recovered sufficiently from the embarrassment of it, you're gonna howl!

Answer 5

You never should have gone to the funeral in the first place if you weren't feeling well. Find somewhere else to work because you'll obviously never be able to show your face at your current one again. Also, your boss won't fire you because he/she knows that if they do, you could sue. Just quit.

Answer 6

People apologize for accidents all the time, but you think you don't need to?



Nobody wants to see their dear departed vomited on...If you are not pulling our chain here, I would think that you feel some real sorrow that this occurred, accident or not, any normal person would.

Answer 7

WTF? She was dead. The barf isn't going to hurt her. What are they all upset about?



Just tell them that the image of her being dead just made you sick. You felt ill that a woman of her accomplishments could be taken from this earth so soon. They will find that endearing.



Go back to work and demand a raise and better treatment or you will file a hostile workplace lawsuit. I'm serious.

Answer 8

If this is indeed true, (sorry, but it is a bit hard to believe) apologize sincerely and quit, you will never be able to live this one down.

Answer 9

Forgive me if I am being morbid.



That is just funny!



I was laughing until I cried reading your story.

Answer 10

you should apologize and face the consequences. anyway it was not intentional right?Quitting? you discuss it with your personnel manager.

Answer 11

I don't blame you.

It would be difficult to show up.

In time you'll feel better.

Answer 12

Go back, they will fire you anyway. Then you can collect unemployment.

Answer 13

sounds unbelievable .



ummm , IF it really happened





OF COARSE you should apologize

Answer 14

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH I would find a new job, and probably move out of the state. LMAO

Answer 15

what's there to be sorry for? she was dead...right???