u/Big-Pea1678

Honestly, I'm in a bit of a predicament and I really need an outside opinion on this. I'm currently working at a mid-sized investment firm, but I'll be leaving this job in a few weeks.
Just a few weeks before I leave, an unexpected opportunity came up for an amazing tropical trip. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime chance, but I don't have any regular vacation days I can use.

However, I do have a few unused sick days. I thought about calling in sick for a few consecutive days to go on this trip. I know I'll come back a bit tanned from the sun, which might give me away, but this is such a great opportunity.

What's bothering me or making me anxious is that this will definitely disrupt my team a bit and might add a lot of extra work for them. I'll try my best to finish most of my work the week before I leave, but some things can't be prepared in advance.

I'm also almost certain that I won't get a good recommendation from here, which bothers me a bit. But honestly, is there any other way I can take this trip without leaving my job early altogether or missing this opportunity completely?