I started working exactly 17 years ago. The next time I call in sick to work will be the first time. (Its not going to happen, so don't hold your breath.) I'm pretty sure there is nothing in this world that I fell more strongly about.

For the first several years, I didn't even think about it. I showed up to work, because that was what I was supposed to do. For the last 4 or 5 years, it has become an obsession.

I am no where near perfect, but my attendance is.

The nice thing about doing computer work is you can be going from both ends and still get 8 hours of work done.

Since I've had laptops with my work on it, I haven't missed a single day. Before that, I've missed plenty. I get sick once a year, at least.

Hats off though. You must have an 18 Constitution.

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17 years. That is pretty sick. Is there a record for this stuff?

And that is also the curse of working in the IT field.. you never seem to detach yourself from it. Every night I pop on for at least 15 minutes to check out the network or I get up in the middle of the night with the "right" way to write that code to shave off a couple milliseconds of processing time ...

I love the ability to "work" from any location.. but like all things good.. it has its draw backs.

I don't have the track record of IM.. but it is rare that I don't work a day.. it just might not be in the office so to speak.

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I admire people who never miss.

I don't know if it's different priorities, or just that it's been a while since I loved my job, but I can't imagine not missing a day in 17 years.

But good job, IM.

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Or perhaps its because I end up working at least one day most weekends, even in the summer when everyone thinks we teachers are "off."

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I have been thinking about that for a while now.. how to fall in love with my job again.. and I have come to the conclusion it won't come back. I have been in the profession since 1995.. I have seen a number of things change within the field and some provide a little "fun" again.. but overall.. the attraction is gone.

And it definitely impacts your performance on the job.. and your desire to be there fired up every day. Some of that I think is the lack of daily interaction with people.. more so leading people.. the last 5 years have been a one man gang.. which has its perks but also that human element.

Problem for me.. is I don't want to move and the opportunities in the sticks are limited with the type of coin I wish to pull in..

While IM's record is outstanding.. I am more impressed with those that love their jobs and truly are married to it.

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I'm with you on that one Wade. As an elementary PE teacher I saw all the kids, and the ones with the colds and runny noses were always the ones who wanted a hug or really had something important to tell you.........right in your face.

It's a wonder I didn't drop over dead from all the viruses and bacteria spread all over me. Parents don't keep their kids home today........the schools are built in babysitters, come hell or high water.

I missed plenty of days and I'll bet Ironman would too if he was an elementary teacher. You just can't do a good job and be fair to the kids and school when you feel like crap. Stay home and get well.

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The thing about a streak like that, after you hit 3, 4 and then 5 years ... suddenly no illness is worth knowing inside you head you would have to start all over again. That thought makes the pain subside and much more tolerable.

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I've only been working since 1999, but I've never missed a day of work (that I've been employed) either. I remember during my tours in Iraq, sometimes soldiers would come to me with minor complaints, looking for an excuse to get off work, and I'd feel like my guts were tearing from the inside out or I'd be swaying on my feet with a migraine, but I'd still be plugging away 16 or more hours a day, trying to make them feel better. It's a point of honor with me. The only days I've missed have been the days the army forced me to miss due to taking narcotics for oral surgery and the like.

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