I’ve felt like crap these past couple of days but reading this story almost made me wanna “shake it off” and get to work… almost!

Meet the world’s most dedicated employee, Deborah Ford.

Ford retired from the U.S. Postal Service in Detroit yesterday (January 31, 2013), after 44 years of service…. but wait!  How ’bout Ms. Ford worked all those years without ever using any of her sick days!!?!!

Not a one!

Born and raised in Detroit, Ford, 64, retired from her job in payroll and timekeeping management for the city’s main post office and she doesn’t see what the big deal is, stating:

“I was trying to do the best I could, and that just evolved into working all my scheduled days,” Ford said.

Details + CNN video coverage of Ford’s retirement party below…

VIDEO: Debora Ford Retires After 44 Years – Never took a Sick Day!

Ford said when she was sick, she would simply “shake it off.” For her doctor’s appointments, she would simply use her accrued vacation days…. but no sick leave was ever taken… in 44 years!

“It’s going to be tough to replace her – not only her attendance but her knowledge of the years she has done timekeeping,” said Tony Carnagie, a financial programs compliance manager, who has worked with Ford for more than 15 years.

Most of Ford’s co-workers already knew of her track record. The USPS awarded her for 30 years of service 14 years ago where they acknowledged her dedication.

Ford said she got it from her 86 year old father, who also never took a sick day in 30 years.  Her dad also doesn’t see what the fuss is about.

“It’s just part of our work ethic,” she said.

Ford said she is looking forward to retirement but doesn’t have any specific plans, besides spending more time with her father.

“I’ll rest up and see where life takes me. Do some volunteer work, take some enrichment classes – the usual stuff,” she said.

For now, she is training someone to do her job, which she says, she won’t particularly miss.

“You don’t miss the brick and mortar,” she said. “I’ll miss the people, the lives you touched and the lives that touched your life.”

Just for the record, Ford leaves a sick-leave balance of 4,508 hours, which will allow her a 5 percent increase in her pension. (source)

What do you think of Deborah Ford’s work ethic?

Do you work when you’re sick?