Need a few ideas to get off from work today? Please use these responsibly.
Often we are unable to pitch up to work for a number of reasons which we can often plan beforehand, using annual leave, sick leave and all the other kinds of leave that our company allows us to use.
Sometimes our personal to-do list is too long and urgent to cramp all of them into one weekend. Mostly, we just want to stay in bed the whole day under the covers with a good book, playing Candy Crush or watching 7de Laan reruns.
In these cases, what do others usually say when letting the boss know they're not going in?
1. The invisible illness
Without a doubt the most common excuse used when bunking work are some sort of pain. From headaches and sinus pain to stomach aches, pulled muscle or the unexplainable ‘I can’t lift my arm up’ physical discomfort; no one can argue whether you have a pain or not. Even suffering from a severe bout of food poisoning gets a pass.
2. The uncomfortable illness
There are certain bodily functions that professionals don’t talk about. Operating under the belief that all employees are actually automated machines, certain topics are inappropriate, uncomfortable and unprofessional. For example, no one will second guess a female who complains about debilitating cramps (menstrual pain), anyone who has an upset stomach (diarrhoea), or if you’ve developed sores on places that makes it somewhat difficult to walk upright (haemorrhoids). Also, if you have a pink eye, it's best that you stay away from healthy people so you don't infect them too.
Read: Are you too sick to work?
3. Totally believable in South Africa
“I'm at the police station reporting a smash and grab,” “A taxi just drove into me,” “I've been on the station for 2 hours and have no idea when the next train will arrive,” “I can’t leave my gated community ‘cause the front gate can’t open (load shedding),” or even “My car was stolen… out of my garage… and it appears ADT did it!” Yep, no matter how dictatorial your boss is, he’ll be able to empathise with you, allow you to take some time off, and all will be well.
4. A list of more creative excuses
“I fell in the shower.”
Again, there are some pains that just cannot be disproved.
“I got stung by a bee.”
Depending on how bad your allergic reaction is, everyone can agree that you definitely need rest.
“My front door came off its hinges.”
Or your car's or the garage door. It is understandable that you can't leave your vulnerable possessions exposed.
“I have lice.”
This needs no explanation.
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5. Excuses you should never use
If you're tempted to use any of these, we'd like to encourage you to put your brave face on and channel your inner professional instead. All of these excuses are either too unbelievable, too ridiculous, or not worth missing an entire day's work.
“I just got dumped.”
“My dye job went horribly wrong.”
“I have to stay home to receive a delivery.”
“There’s a bug in my ear.”
“A rat just ran over my toe. I think I’ve got rabies."
Remember that each excuse shouldn’t be used too often or you’ll get a bad reputation regardless of whether it’s true or not. There are also things that happen to us that'll only get us a pass to arrive late to work - not get the entire day off. While presenteeism is a big mistake too, be careful of being the office bunker too. Staying on either end of both extremes will take you out of the running of employee of the month.
And if you really dislike your work environment, find yourself a new job on Careers24 today.
