Ten Excuses for Missing Work

Taking mornings, afternoons, or even entire days off from work is nothing to be ashamed of. Especially because the base labor in many career fields is becoming abstracted, allowing for the possibility of video-conferencing and telecommuting, there is often nothing wrong with working from home, or putting in a few hours after work one day and arriving late the next.

And yet, it is very important to get on the same page with your higher-ups about what you contribute to your company, and what is expected of you. You probably shouldn’t call in sick on the day of your biggest presentation of the year, right? And if you do need to call in to miss something important, you probably shouldn’t cite a killer hangover, or your dog.

The “feeling ill” excuse is starting to become very unpopular in many corporate environments—if only because people are tired of hearing the same darned excuse every time you want to miss a day. So here’s ten excuses—five smart ones, and five not-so-smart ones—to help you save some face, and learn to come up with your own excuses. The feeling ill excuse is a short-term solution that won’t win you any fans at the office—someone else will have to pick up

Smart Excuses

1. I’ve earned it.
No one can argue with performance. Come in two or three hours early – or stay late – for a week or two. Then negotiate a day off in advance. “Really work when you’re there, so you’ll be able to feel good about taking time off,” says Andrea Nierenberg, president of The Nierenberg Group, a management consulting, and personal marketing practice.

2. I’m visiting with a client.
For this one to work, you’ve got to have a job that requires you to meet and court current and prospective clients. Neil Simpkins, an account executive at Oxford Communications, has used this one successfully. One note of caution: Meet the client; don’t just say you did. Even if it’s for coffee.

3. I have a doctor’s appointment.
This excuse will get you out of work for a half-day or so. Make the appointment first thing in the morning or late in the day, say around 3 p.m. You can leave the office by 2:30 p.m. and get home (hopefully) by 4 p.m. The shortened day will help you recharge, especially if you schedule it on a Friday afternoon.

4. I have cramps.
Before you dismiss this one, think about it: Who can argue? “It’s such an embarrassing topic that nobody will ever challenge it,” says Jennifer Newman, vice president of Lippe Taylor Public Relations. She has used this excuse—and had it used on her—successfully. “It’s one of those things that men honestly have no clue about, and women can sympathize with.” One important point: Don’t use this one if you’re a man. It’ll never work.