We’ve all been there. You wake up in the morning, and you just know that there’s no way you’re making it to work. You’re too tired, too sick, or you simply can’t face another day with your boss breathing down your neck.
So, what do you do? You need a good excuse to get out of work.
In this guide to acing your ‘out of work’ excuses, I’ll cover everything from why you need excuses in the first place to the best excuse to get out of work. By the end of this article, you’ll be a pro at coming up with compelling excuses that won’t leave your boss suspicious.
Let’s start by talking about why we need excuses. After all, shouldn’t we just be honest and tell our bosses that we can’t make it in?
Well, unfortunately, it’s not always that simple. Sometimes our reasons for not going to work are personal or embarrassing – maybe you’re dealing with a family crisis or experiencing some health issues that you’d rather keep private.
But even when our reasons aren’t quite so serious, there’s still a lot of pressure on us to show up every day and be productive members of society. Taking a sick day or asking for time off can feel like a failure – like we’re letting down our coworkers and shirking our responsibilities.
That’s where good excuses come in handy. They give us an easy way out – a socially acceptable reason for staying home and taking care of ourselves without having to deal with any guilt or judgment from others.
Oh, and before we get further: This guide is about making up a good excuse to get out of work. If you want an excuse to work from home instead, I have got you covered, too.
So, What are the Benefits of Making up Good Excuses to Skip Work?
We’ve all been there. Sometimes work can be overwhelming and we just need a break. But how do you take that break without getting in trouble? This is where the importance of having a good excuse to get out of work comes in.
- Firstly, having an excuse not to go to work can help you take time off without feeling guilty or anxious about it. It’s important to prioritize our mental and physical health, and sometimes that means taking a day or two off.
A well-crafted excuse can help justify your absence to your employer and coworkers, so you don’t have to worry about any negative consequences. - Secondly, having the best excuse to get out of work can also help you maintain a good relationship with your employer.
Instead of calling out randomly or not showing up at all, using an excuse shows that you respect their time and are responsible enough to give them advanced notice. This way they have time to prepare for your absence and assign tasks accordingly. - Thirdly, sometimes life happens unexpectedly and we need time off without prior notice. Having a few go-to excuses in mind can come in handy during those situations too.
Whether it’s unexpected car trouble or a family emergency, knowing what is a good excuse to get out of work can help ease the stress of the situation. Let’s not forget that using an excuse should always be done ethically and responsibly.
You should never lie or make up excuses just for the sake of taking time off. Your employer is trusting you with responsibilities and it’s important not to abuse that trust.
Only use an excuse to not go to work when necessary for legitimate reasons such as sickness or unforeseen personal issues. Having a good excuse ready when needed can be beneficial in many ways – from taking care of our own health needs while maintaining positive relationships with our colleagues- but it should always be used respectfully and honestly so as not to put yourself -or your job- at risk.
Be Ethical When You Make an Excuse to Not go to Work
When it comes to making excuses to get out of work, it’s important to remember that honesty is still the best policy. While we all experience days where we just don’t want to go into the office or have a long list of things we need to do outside of work, it’s essential not to lie or deceive your employer. Being truthful about why you need time off will ultimately lead to a better relationship with your boss and coworkers.
Of course, there are times when telling the complete truth might be uncomfortable or even inappropriate. For instance, if you have a job interview lined up and can’t make it to work because of this, you may not feel comfortable sharing this detail with your boss.
In these cases, try being vague but truthful. You could say something like “I have an appointment I can’t miss” rather than lying outright.
Another ethical consideration to keep in mind is that sometimes there are consequences for taking time off work. For example, if you’re frequently calling in sick or taking personal days, it might affect how your employer views your reliability and dedication.
So when thinking about what is a good excuse to get out of work today or tomorrow or at any point in the future, consider whether it’s worth potentially damaging your reputation at work. If you find yourself struggling with coming up with an excuse not to go to work that is both honest and acceptable by company policy standards, try talking openly with your boss about how you’re feeling.
Perhaps they can offer some flexibility around hours or tasks that might help alleviate some stress. This could be working from home all the time or working in a hybrid mode.
Examples of Five Types of Excuses You Can Use
When it comes to getting out of work, there are generally five types of excuses that people tend to use. These can range from the tried and true “I’m not feeling well” to the more creative “My cat got stuck in a tree.”
Let’s take a closer look at each of these five types of excuses.
- First up, we have health-related excuses. These are the most common type of work excuses used to get out of work.
Whether you have a legitimate illness or not, calling in sick is an easy way to take a day off without arousing suspicion. Just be careful not to overuse this excuse, as your boss may start to catch on. - Next, we have family-related excuses. These can include anything from a sick child who needs your attention to a family emergency that requires your immediate presence.
While using your family as an excuse not to go to work may seem like taking advantage of their situation, sometimes it’s necessary. - The third type of excuse is related to transportation issues.
This could be anything from car trouble on the way to work or missing your train/bus/ride-share ride altogether. If you live in an area with frequent traffic issues or bad weather conditions, this is definitely a good excuse not to go to work. Or at least to work from home that day. - Fourth on the list are technical difficulties. This could include internet connectivity issues if you’re working remotely or problems with office equipment like printers and computers if you’re in-person at the office.
If you don’t have access to the tools necessary for your job, then it’s understandable why you wouldn’t be able to come to work. - There are personal reasons for needing time off from work – things like mental health days or needing some time alone due after experiencing something traumatic or stressful in your personal life can make it difficult for you to show up at your best when you’re working full-time jobs on top everything else life throws your way every day.
Knowing what is a good excuse to get out of work can be useful, but it’s important not to rely on excuses too often. Using legitimate reasons for taking time off will help you maintain a good relationship with your employer and coworkers, while also ensuring that you don’t burn yourself out by overworking.
Why Do We Have Different Categories of Excuses Anyway?
Truth be told, it’s all about understanding what is a good excuse to not go to work is depending on your situation. Different types of excuses are needed because our reasons for skipping work can vary greatly.
Some people may need to take time off due to their health, while others might have a family emergency that needs attending. And then there are those who just need an excuse not to go to work because they’re feeling burned out or overwhelmed.
It’s also important to note that certain excuses might be more acceptable than others depending on the industry or company culture. For example, taking a mental health day might be more accepted in creative industries versus traditional corporate environments.
Also, if you were to use the same excuse repeatedly, it might raise some red flags and make your employer suspicious.
Examples of Health-related Excuses to Not Go to Work
When it comes to calling in sick, there are a lot of factors to consider. For starters, you want to make sure that you’re actually sick – lying about an illness is never a good idea. But assuming that you’re genuinely not feeling well, what’s a good excuse to get out of work?
Here are a few options: The classic “I have the flu” excuse is always a safe bet. You can also use the “stomach bug” excuse. No one likes to hear about someone else’s illness in detail, so this simple and vague excuse will do the trick.
It’s something that everyone can relate to, and it’s generally considered to be serious enough that your boss won’t question whether or not you’re really sick. If you want to make things extra convincing, mention that your doctor has advised you to stay home for at least 24 hours.
Another option is to cite a specific symptom that will make it difficult for you to do your job properly – for example, “I have a migraine and can’t stare at my computer screen all day.”
This approach can work well if you know your boss understands the impact of certain health issues on productivity. If you’re worried about taking too many sick days and tipping off your boss that something else might be going on (like job dissatisfaction), try using an excuse like:
“I’ve come down with some kind of stomach bug. It’s not serious enough for anyone to worry about, but it’s also not something you’d want to spread around the office.”
If you’re dealing with ongoing health issues and need some time off as a result, don’t hesitate to ask for what you need. You might say something like
“My chronic pain has flared up again and I need a few days off to rest and recover.”
In this case, honesty really is the best policy – just be sure to provide any necessary documentation from your doctor so your employer knows this isn’t just an excuse not to go back to work.
Expecting a Baby? Here's How to Skip Work During Pregnancy
Expecting a baby is an exciting time in anyone’s life. However, it can also be a stressful time, especially when you have to juggle work and pregnancy. In some cases, you might need to take a break from work for a while, or at least take some time off to deal with doctor’s appointments and other pregnancy-related issues.
Here are some tips on how to skip work gracefully when you’re expecting.
- Firstly, be honest with your employer about your situation.
Tell them that you’re pregnant and that you need some time off for appointments or other pregnancy-related issues. Most employers are understanding of this situation and will work with you to make sure that your needs are met while still meeting the demands of the job. - Secondly, plan ahead. If you know that you have upcoming appointments or need to take extended leave for maternity reasons, make sure that you inform your employer as soon as possible so they can arrange coverage for your duties while you’re away.
- Thirdly, don’t use your pregnancy as an excuse not to go to work if it’s not necessary. If there is no medical reason why you can’t work during your pregnancy, then it’s important that you continue working until it becomes necessary for medical reasons or until your due date approaches.
The Go-To Work Excuses When You're Expecting
Here are some of the go-to excuses that you can use when you’re expecting.
The classic morning sickness excuse is always a winner.
You can say that you woke up feeling nauseous and couldn’t keep anything down. This excuse not only gives you an opportunity to stay home but also garners sympathy from your superiors and colleagues.
Another great excuse is needing to attend prenatal appointments or classes.
Make sure to schedule these appointments in advance so your boss knows about them ahead of time. When asking for time off, phrase it in such a way that showcases how important staying healthy for the baby is to you.
You can say something like “I have an important ultrasound coming up” or “I have a birthing class I really cannot miss.”
Honesty is always the best policy, and most employers will be understanding when it comes to pregnancy-related absences. Explain your situation clearly and let them know how much notice they’ll receive if any future absences are necessary.
Remember that being pregnant doesn’t mean you’re not dedicated to your job; it just means that sometimes life throws us curveballs that we need to adjust to. Use these excuses sparingly but effectively so that when you do need time away from work, it’s understood why without resorting to lying unnecessarily – after all, the best excuse to get out of work is an honest one!
When Family Calls: Excuses to Get Out of Work in Family Situations
Whether your child is sick or your spouse needs you to take care of something urgent, there are a few good excuses to get out of work that won’t raise any eyebrows.
The best excuse to get out of work when it comes to family matters is always honesty. If you need to take time off because a family member is sick, let your boss know the situation and explain why you need the day off.
Most employers understand that family comes first, and they’ll appreciate your honesty. If you need more than just one day off, consider talking with your employer about using vacation days or personal time off.
The Family-Related Excuses That Won't Let You Down
Here are some family-related excuses that won’t let you down.
Child’s Sickness: The fever excuse never fails. You can tell your boss,
“My child woke up with a fever and I need to stay home to look after them.”
This excuse is not only believable but also depicts you as a caring parent who prioritizes your child’s health. If you have young kids at home or a sick family member that requires your attention, telling your boss that you need to take care of them is one of the best excuses to get out of work.
Most employers understand that family should come first, and they would appreciate the fact that their employees are responsible enough to take care of their families.
School Events: When it comes to attending your child’s school event, your boss will likely understand the importance of you being there. You can say something like,
“My child has a school play coming up that I can’t miss,” or “There’s a parent-teacher conference scheduled that I need to attend.”
This not only gives you a valid excuse but also shows your commitment to your child’s educational development. Whether it’s a parent-teacher conference or a school play, showing up for these events sends a message to your child that they matter. Your employer will also appreciate the fact that you value education and are invested in your child’s future.
Caregiver Issues: Sometimes, your regular babysitter may be unavailable, or your child’s daycare might be closed unexpectedly. In such situations, you can tell your employer,
“My usual childcare provider is unavailable today, and I need to stay home with my child.”
This excuse conveys your responsibility as a parent and will most likely be understood by your employer.
If there’s been a death in the family or someone close to you has fallen ill, taking time off from work is expected and appropriate. We all need time to grieve and heal when someone passes away or falls seriously ill – don’t hesitate just because it feels like an excuse. Remember though – while these excuses are valid reasons for missing work, honesty is still important.
It’s always better if you communicate with your employer about why you need time off instead of hiding behind an excuse not to go to work.
Transportation and Commute Excuses to Skip Work for the Day
Now, let’s talk about the other common excuses people use when they want to miss work. One such excuse is transportation issues.
Transportation Issues: Public transportation can be unreliable at times. If your usual means of getting to work is delayed or canceled, you can tell your boss, “I’m afraid there’s been an unexpected delay/cancellation of my usual bus/train route, and I’m unable to get to work on time. I’m trying to find an alternative, but it may take some time.”
This excuse shows that you’re not at fault and are trying your best to get to work despite the challenges. However, this excuse can be overused and might raise suspicions if you use it too often. If you’re going to use transportation as an excuse, make sure you have all the details handy just in case your boss wants proof.
Car Trouble: When it comes to mechanical problems with your personal vehicle, you can say something like, “Unfortunately, my car broke down this morning and I’m waiting for roadside assistance. I’m not sure how long the repairs will take, but I’ll keep you updated.”
This excuse implies a situation beyond your control while also demonstrating that you’re taking steps to rectify the problem.
If you’re going to use car trouble as an excuse not to go to work, make sure your story is consistent and that you can explain what went wrong with your vehicle.
Personal Issues and Examples of Excuses to Use
It’s not always easy to come up with the best excuse to get out of work. Sometimes, we’re struggling with a personal issue or just need a mental health day. These are the other reasons we sometimes overlook when trying to figure out how to get out of work.
Important Appointments: When there’s an important appointment that you can’t reschedule, it’s best to tell your boss, “I have a doctor’s appointment (or parent-teacher conference) that I need to attend. It’s very important and couldn’t be scheduled outside of work hours.”
This shows your boss that you’re upfront and have a legitimate reason for needing time off. In this case, it’s best to be honest and let your boss know ahead of time that you won’t be able to make it into work.
Bad Weather: Another reason for needing an excuse is when there’s inclement weather making it difficult or dangerous for you to commute.
During extreme weather conditions, it’s crucial to prioritize your safety. You can tell your boss, “The weather conditions today are extremely hazardous, and it’s unsafe for me to commute. I’d prefer to work from home if possible or take a day off.”
This makes it clear that you’re concerned about your safety, something your employer should respect. Snowstorms, hurricanes, heatwaves, or other natural disasters can make travel treacherous, so if you’re unable to get to work safely due to weather conditions, let your boss know and stay home.
Unexpected Personal Issues: For sudden personal issues like family emergencies, be sure to communicate promptly and honestly with your employer. You could say, “There’s been a family emergency that I need to attend to immediately. I regret any inconvenience caused.”
If this happens, be sure to communicate with your boss as soon as possible and provide any documentation needed.
Mental Health Day: For mental health days, honesty is key. You can tell your boss, “I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed recently, and I think a day off to recharge would be beneficial for my productivity in the long run.”
Most employers understand the importance of mental health and its impact on work performance.
Taking care of yourself is important for maintaining productivity in the long run; just be sure not to overuse this option and communicate transparently with your employer about why you’re taking the day off if they ask for clarification.
Working from Home? Here's How to Skip That Zoom Call
This section is about getting out of Zoom calls, Google Meet, and Skype calls. If you want specific excuses to be allowed to work from home, look here instead.
If you’re working from home, you might think that it’s easier to get out of work-related obligations since you’re not physically in the office. But with remote work comes new challenges, like virtual meetings and Zoom calls. So, how can you skip a Zoom call without raising any red flags?
First and foremost, make sure that skipping the call won’t affect your job or team negatively.
If it’s a mandatory meeting or if your presence is required for an important project or deadline, then it’s best not to skip it altogether. However, if it’s just a routine check-in or an update that doesn’t require your immediate attention, then you might have some wiggle room.
One option is to communicate with your team beforehand and let them know that you won’t be available for the call due to personal reasons. You don’t have to disclose exactly what those reasons are unless you feel comfortable doing so.
A vague excuse like “I have a family obligation” or “I have an appointment” should suffice. Another option is to fake technical difficulties.
You can say that your internet connection is unstable or that your computer is acting up, preventing you from joining the call. Just be sure to test this excuse beforehand so that it sounds believable and doesn’t raise any suspicion.
If all else fails, consider scheduling another time with your team for a one-on-one catch-up instead of attending the group meeting. This way, you can still discuss any important matters without having to attend a large group meeting.
Avoid Them: Here Are the Worst Excuses to Get Out of Work
Now that I’ve talked about some of the best excuses to get out of work, let’s switch gears and talk about the excuses you should avoid like the plague. Using certain excuses can actually do more harm than good, and could even result in disciplinary action or termination.
- First on the list is lying about a family member being sick. While it may seem like a plausible excuse not to go to work, it’s important to remember that karma can come back to bite you.
Plus, if your employer finds out that you lied in order to take time off work, it could definitely damage your reputation at work. Next up is pretending to have a doctor’s appointment.
This excuse is risky because it’s so commonly used that employers are wary of its validity. If you’re going to use this excuse, make sure you provide proof such as a doctor’s note or appointment confirmation. - Another excuse you should avoid using too often is claiming car trouble. This may seem like a good excuse to get out of work since it could happen unexpectedly, but employers have caught on and may ask for proof such as a tow truck receipt or mechanic’s bill.
- Don’t try faking an injury or illness. Not only could this be seen as dishonest by your employer, but it could also lead them down a path of questioning whether they need to file an incident report or pursue workers’ compensation claims.
While there are plenty of legitimate reasons for taking time off from work, using false excuses is never worth the risk. Rather than relying on deceitful tactics, try speaking with your boss honestly about why you need time off and see if there are any alternative solutions available that will benefit both parties in the long run.
Just Keep It Real
When it comes to using an excuse to get out of work, it’s important to keep it real. In other words, don’t make up an elaborate story or exaggerated excuse just to avoid going into the office.
Your employer and colleagues can often tell when you’re not being truthful or genuine. One of the best ways to keep your excuse real is by being honest and upfront about why you need time off.
If you’re part of a team working on an important project or deadline, taking time off may have negative consequences for others who depend on you for support or input. As such, be sure you’re fully aware of how your absence affects others before making any final decisions.
The Excuses That Might Land You in Hot Water
Some excuses for getting out of work might land you in hot water with your boss or even put your job in jeopardy. Here are some excuses that you should avoid at all costs:
Firstly, don’t make up an excuse that contradicts something you’ve said in the past or that can be easily disproved. If you call in sick on Monday and then post pictures on social media of yourself enjoying a day at the beach, it’s likely that someone at work will see them and call you out on it.
This could damage your reputation and make it difficult to get time off when you actually need it.
Another excuse to avoid is blaming someone else for your absence. For example, if you say that your child is sick and needs to stay home from school, but then bring them to work with you the next day because they’re feeling better, it will look like you were lying about their illness.
Avoid using an excuse that could cause legal issues for yourself or your employer. For example, saying that you were involved in a car accident when you weren’t could lead to serious consequences if your employer discovers the truth or if the lie comes back to haunt you later on.
Don’t use an excuse too often or too blatantly. If every other Monday morning there’s suddenly something wrong with your car and “you can’t make it to work,” people will start to catch on.
Wrapping Up: You're Now a Master of the Excuse Game
By now, you should be equipped with a handful of excuses that’ll get you out of work.
It’s not worth risking your job or your professional reputation just to get a day off. That being said, there are definitely situations where using an excuse is appropriate.
Whether you’re feeling under the weather or dealing with a family emergency, sometimes it’s just not possible to make it to work. In those cases, having a good excuse to get out of work can come in handy.
So how do you know, if your excuse is good? Well, first and foremost, it needs to be believable.
If you’re going to call in sick but then post pictures on social media of you out partying that same night, your boss isn’t going to buy it. Similarly, if you’re using an excuse like a flat tire or car trouble, make sure your story adds up and doesn’t leave any holes.
Another key factor is timing. If you’re going to use an excuse not to go to work, try to give your boss as much notice as possible.
Don’t wait until the last minute and spring it on them right before your shift starts – that’s just rude and unprofessional. Remember that honesty is still the best policy.
My name is Frederik
I am a passionate marketeer who loves the freedom that comes with working from home whenever I choose to do so.
I love getting nerdy with every single detail about making everything related to my home just a tiny bit better.
That is what motivates me to write about home stuff on this blog.