I Need a Different Career [VENT]

[McDivitt]

If you haven't already, consider formally discussing your physical limitations with HR. Mention that you’re committed to doing the work but that additional support would help keep you productive and minimize injury. By formalizing it with HR, you’re also adding a layer of accountability on their end.

[RomanR]

As a technician working in surface coal quarry, we're facing same problems as StormWolf01 mentions - as people are constantly leaving (mostly to retirement), we are understaffed, overworked and under-equipped. I'm glad the part in which I worked for so long is closing next year to tell a truth. 

As for OP I would advice to not let his boss under his skin. If she really forced you to work under high fever, I would consult it with HR or union office (if you have one). It isn't arrogant or self-centered, passing a fever like that can develop serious health issues later.

Seeing such stories make me often wonder. As I sit in a bus riding to my nightshift I always see quite relaxed and happy people. Where are they working? At some dream job with a lot of money? Or are they on allowances high enough to not need to work? As a worker I feel like I'm invisible, or behind some invisible dimensional barrier sometimes.

On other hand I'm not suprised that people aren't rushing to such jobs. Words like "nightshifts", "weekends" and "overtimes" will make you flee in an instant.