If you’re sick and can’t make it into work, what are you supposed to do?
That’s a question many Americans wrestle with every day. While many offices suggest that one doesn’t come into work if they’re sick in order to prevent others from getting ill, they also frequently require a doctor’s note, which costs money.
As much of American sick leave is unpaid, this leaves Americans deciding between going to the doctor and losing money or going to work and risking getting others sick. Understandably, many choose the latter; one survey found that 90 percent of American employees worked while sick.
There can be other consequences for taking the day off as well, as TikTok user Gabe (@gabethegerman2) recently learned in a video with over 547,000 views.
Why Did This Chick-fil-A Worker Get Fired?
In his video, Gabe (@gabethegerman2) details what he says is the reason he was let go from Chick-fil-A. According to him, it was because he was spotted outside the house after taking the day off for illness.
Saying he “can’t make this [expletive] up,” Gabe says his termination came after someone from work spotted him getting food, even though he had taken the day off owing to illness.
“Apparently, if you call out because you’re sick, and then someone sees you outside getting food, you’re fired,” he shares. “So, keep that in mind next time, bro.”
In the caption, he declares, “Fired for getting food when I was sick.”
Can You Be Fired for Being Spotted Outside of Work After Taking a Sick Day?
In short, the answer is “yes.”
Almost every state has “at will” employment. This means that employers can fire workers at any time for almost any reason.
While there are some exceptions to this rule—for example, an employer cannot fire a worker for their race or disability—they can fire them for almost any other reason they feel is pertinent to their work.
Regarding Chick-fil-A specifically, it doesn’t appear that they have a specific policy in their handbook about this issue. That said, these handbooks can vary from state to state and location to location, so it’s possible that Gabe’s location utilized a different handbook with varying rules.
Still, this location is likely protected in their decision to fire Gabe for going outside while sick, even if he feels the decision is unjust.
That said, in the comments, he admits that this might not be the only issue that impacted his termination.
“I didn’t take the job as serious as most ppl,” he explained.
@gabethegerman2 Fired for getting food when I was sick? #job ♬ original sound – gabe
Commenters Share Their Thoughts
In the comments section, users questioned the location’s alleged reasoning behind its firing of Gabe.
“Too sick to work means too sick to eat??? HELLLO??” asked a user.
“Who calls out of work?” questioned another. “I got bills to pay and things I want to do. I need money.”
“This is the equivalent to when you stay home from school and your parents don’t let you watch tv or laugh,” declared a third.
The Mary Sue reached out to Gabe via TikTok direct message and comment and Chick-fil-A via email.
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