There's a couple beneficial ways to look at it Mark
1. Your mental health is a important as your physical health. If you can afford to take a day away from work and get your head in order, then taking the day off is a good thing. The only thing I'd recommend is avoiding the 'fights'. It enables those asshats to shift the outcome of their unproductive day from their idiotic management styles to you - the guy they'll label as 'the uncooperative dude'. So, just go with the flow and get sick. The reported reason should be ANYTHING other than THEM.
2. The second approach is just roll with it. Do what the jerks want and take your money. Doing so takes the spotlight off of you and puts it where it belongs - on them. Of course that doesn't apply if you're getting piece work, but, if you're paid by the hour, then every hour pays the same. Just do what you do to the best you can under the circumstances and your conscience is clear and payday comes around just the same. It may sound contrary to what you were taught about committment and loyalty, but it isn't as long as you're holding up your end of the bargain. You can't fight them, all you can do is let them expose themselves. Someone, somewhere, someday will see them for what they are.
In either case, avoid the arguing and fighting. It only hurts you.
I hope tomorrow is a better day.
