If your kids kept you up all night and your mental health is going to suffer without some sleep, then you can be honest about that, too. The truth is that there are plenty of valid reasons to stay home or miss work. As long as you’re not taking advantage of company policies, calling out of work should be reframed as a form of self-care. When you take the time you need to rest and recover from sickness, you can be more effective, productive, and focused later. There’s science behind the power of Inner Work® and rest.
Home Emergency
Often, this will require a parent to stay home with them. For instance, if your child is performing in a school play that takes place during your work hours, you would likely want to attend. Inform your employer in advance about the event and request time off. Most employers understand the importance of these occasions and will grant you the necessary time off. For example, if your child wakes up with a high fever and needs to be taken to the doctor, you will likely need to miss work.
A personal day
I made an emergency vet appointment, but I’m going to need to take today off to take him in. Considering 44% of households have a dog and 26% have a cat (AVMA), I’d say this is a good excuse to get out of work. If your boss has pets, they’re more likely to understand a pet emergency. It happens to the best of us and we don’t all have a fancy way to unlock our cars without a key. It may not be bulletproof, but it’s a good excuse to get out of work. Our new dishwasher is being delivered and installed tomorrow.
- Keep in mind this extends to others in your household.
- But if you think you can use the following reasons to call off work, think again.
- ” can elicit a deer-in-the-headlights reaction from job candidates if they are unprepared.
- Suppose your elderly parent falls ill suddenly and needs your help.
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Some holidays are observed by companies in the US, but many are not. If a significant holiday isn’t observed at your company, don’t be afraid to ask for the day off. If you don’t, suggest it to whoever administers your company’s benefits. Choosing the right venue to inform your manager or boss is important. For example, if you know the night before that you aren’t feeling well. They won’t be available or online at the time, but that’s okay.
“I will be unable to come to work today, date, due to a sudden and urgent situation with my pet. Calling out of work at reasons to call out of work the last minute due to sudden childcare issues, like a daycare closure, is generally considered a very understandable reason. Irrespective of the potential cons, sickness is still one of the most legitimate excuses to get out of work.
Finally, stay in touch with your company as much as possible. If you find out you need more time off than you originally thought, tell them immediately. This will make it clear to your team that you take your job seriously.
If you say you have a sick child, you don’t need to share every symptom as proof that they’re not feeling well. You don’t need to share every detail when you explain why you can’t come to your job for one day. I will be unable to come to work today, date, to prioritize my mental health. I’m feeling burnt out and need a day to recharge and refocus. Thank you for your understanding and support during this unexpected situation.