A quick note to you all about sick time
A few times over the last couple years the subject of "excessive" sick time accrual was discussed. Several Redditors told stories of employees having over 1000 hours of sick leave on the books, and said it was foolish to not take random days off for mental health breaks.
My counterpoint was that one day an illness or accident could easily eat up a meager amount of sick time, and having a large amount saved would be beneficial.
It's natural to feel invincible when you're young and in good health. I know I did. Welp, my invincibility came to a screeching halt.
I've been diagnosed with cancer.
I'll be ok. I'll live. It's quite curable but I will be taking a lot of time off. Time I'm thankful I have. Even after recent medical appointments I'm just under 1000 hours. I have the time on the books and I'm not worried I'll be replaced. I can't imagine another job where this would even be possible.
So I say to you, yeah, take the occasional mental health day. Take the time off for dental and medical appointments. Just don't use it like it's vacation time. One day, you might not be invincible anymore.