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20 Good Excuses to Miss Work on Short Notice

Last Updated: August 28, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Elaine Lou Cartas and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey . Elaine Lou Cartas is an award-winning Business & Executive Career Coach and the CEO of Elaine Lou Coaching, based in Los Angeles, California. With over 10+ years of professional experience, Elaine guides women of color, and allies, who’ve established themselves in leadership and executive roles to create a holistic life so they can lead without sacrificing their well-being. She was awarded #1 Thought Leader by LA Weekly + Top 5 Business Coaches by Apple News for 2023. Her career advice has also been featured in Fobes, Business Insider, Money Magazine, and LinkedIn News. Elaine is also the host of the Color Your Dreams Podcast (https://elainelou.com/coloryourdreams/). Elaine received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of California, Irvine; and her Master's in Leadership and Management at the University of La Verne. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 713,110 times.

We all feel the need to skip work some days, but what are good excuses to miss work on short notice? If you don’t think you can get away with your usual excuse again, don’t worry—there are a ton of other believable reasons to call off work last minute or leave work early. We’ve put together a handy list of 20 bulletproof excuses to get out of work that will make your boss sympathetic and get you a much-needed day off. If you’re ready for a mid-week day at home, keep scrolling!

Things You Should Know

• Keep it short and sweet by saying you don't feel well. If pressed, say you have a migraine, the flu, food poisoning, or you threw out your back.
• Tell your boss that you have an emergency appointment. This could be for you, or it could be for a "sick" child, spouse, or pet.
• To avoid health-related excuses, say that you're locked out of your car or you have a flat tire.

Email Template and Text Examples to Miss Work

You’re not feeling well.

• “I woke up this morning with an awful sore throat and cough. I’d hate to get anyone else sick, so I won’t be coming in today.”
• “My allergies are horrible today because of the change in weather. I can’t get my symptoms under control, so I need to take a sick day today.”
• “I’ve got terrible menstrual cramps today and can barely move off the couch. Unfortunately I’m not going to make it into work this afternoon.”

You’ve got a sick child to take care of.

• “My son woke up with a fever this morning and I need to take today off to take care of him.”
• “My twins were throwing up all night and I need to be home to monitor them today.”
• “I can’t make it in today. Strep throat has been going around my daughter’s school and it looks like she’s caught it.”

You have a last-minute doctor’s appointment.

• “I’ve been trying to get an appointment for weeks and a slot just opened up for tomorrow, so I’ll need to take the day off.”
• “I woke up with a high fever and had to make a last-minute appointment to get checked out. I’m sorry for the late notice, but I can’t come in to work today.”
• “My doctor’s office called and rescheduled my appointment for this afternoon. Unfortunately I’ll have to leave work early today.”

You’ve got food poisoning.

• “I’ve been up all night with food poisoning and there’s no way I can come into work today.”
• “I think I’ve come down with food poisoning. I can’t keep anything down, so I’m going to have to take today off.”
• “I went out to eat last night and I think I contracted food poisoning. I’m not going to make it to the office today. Hopefully I’ll be recovered by tomorrow.”

You’ve got a dental emergency or appointment.

• “I broke a tooth at breakfast this morning and need to go see a dentist right away.”
• “There was a cancellation at my dentist’s office and my appointment got rescheduled for today, so I won’t make my shift.”
• “I slipped on ice while walking to my car and busted a few teeth. I have to go in for emergency dental surgery and can’t come into work today.”

You’re coping with a migraine.

• “I’ve got a horrible migraine today and there’s no way I can make it through my shift later. I’m going to need to take today off.”
• “I have a migraine today and it hurts to even look at a computer screen. I’m taking a sick day today.”
• “I can’t come in this evening. I’ve had a horrible migraine all day and it doesn’t seem like it’s getting better anytime soon.”

You had a minor accident or injury.

• “I tripped over my son’s Lego spaceship and rolled my ankle. I’m hobbling pretty poorly and need the day off to recover.”
• “I twisted my knee on a run last night and it’s swollen and painful today. I need to go to the doctor to get it checked out, so I need the day off.”
• “I sliced my hand open when I broke a dish this morning. I have to go get stitches and won’t be coming in today.”

You threw out your back.

• “I did something to my back at the gym this morning and can barely move.”
• “I threw out my back yesterday while I was moving some appliances around for my kitchen renovation.”
• “I had to help my daughter move into her dorm yesterday and hurt my back lifting some heavy boxes. I’m gonna need to take a day off to recover.”

You need a mental health day.

• “I’ve been under a lot of stress getting ready for my wedding next week and need a day off to get myself together.”
• “My anxiety has been through the roof this week. I’m taking a personal day today to take care of myself.”
• “Without going into too much detail, I’m in a rough spot mentally and need some time off today.”

You were exposed to Covid.

• “I just found out I was exposed to Covid at a family gathering yesterday. I don’t have symptoms, but will not be coming in until I can get a negative test result.”
• “I was in close contact with someone who has an active Covid infection last night. I will be staying home to quarantine today.”
• “I was exposed to Covid recently. My rapid test was negative, but I can’t come in today since I’m waiting on my PCR results.”
• Double check your company’s Covid policy before using this excuse. You may be required to quarantine for several days or weeks.

You just donated blood.

• “I wasn’t expecting to feel so lightheaded after donating. I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to come in today.”
• “I fainted after my blood donation this morning and need the day to recover.”
• “The nurse who took my blood recommended I stay home today since I felt pretty weak afterwards.”

You have a pet emergency or vet appointment.

• “My cat won’t eat or drink anything and I’m worried about her health. I had to make an emergency vet appointment.”
• “My dog ate something in the trash and is now very sick. I need to stay home today to watch him.”
• “My dog went after a raccoon on our morning walk today and got bitten and scratched. I’m worried about infection so I had to make a last-minute vet appointment.”

You’ve got a family emergency.

• “My father fell this morning and has to go into emergency surgery. I need to be at the hospital with him and can’t make it into work today.”
• “I got a call from my elderly grandma and she sounded completely incoherent. I’ve got to check in on her and won’t be coming in today.”
• “I’m experiencing a family emergency today and need to leave town unexpectedly. I’m sorry for the inconvenience, but I can’t come in today.”

You can’t find childcare.

• “My nanny called in sick at the last minute and I can’t find anyone else to watch my daughter.”
• “My son is being sent home from school early today and now I have to go pick him up. I’m going to have to leave the office early today.”
• “My daughter’s daycare class has to quarantine because of a Covid exposure and I couldn’t find a babysitter to watch her today.”

You’ve got out-of-town visitors.

• “My mom is surprising me with a visit tomorrow and I haven’t seen her since before the pandemic. I’m going to need the day off.”
• “My brother is flying into town unexpectedly to deal with a personal emergency and I need to be available to pick him up from O’Hare.”
• “My sister got called into jury duty and I have to watch my nephew all day tomorrow, so I’ll need to take the day off.”

You’re taking care of a household problem.

• “My basement is completely flooded because of that storm last night. I’ve got to stay home today to do damage control and get some repair people in here.”
• “The stairs on my back porch collapsed and the only time a carpenter could come take a look is during my shift today. Unfortunately I’ll need the day off.”
• “A pipe burst in my kitchen and I had to call an emergency plumber. I can’t make it into work today.”

You’re expecting an important delivery.

• “I’m having a new oven delivered and installed tomorrow, so I’ll need to take the day off.”
• “I have to be home tomorrow to sign for an important package from a relative. The delivery window is all day, so I can’t come into work.”
• “My couch delivery is coming sooner than expected and I need to take this afternoon off to be home for it.”

You’re having car trouble.

• “I can’t get my car to start. Unfortunately I can’t make it to work until I figure out what’s wrong.”
• “I got a flat tire on my way to work this morning. I need to take my car in to get a replacement and won’t be coming in today.”
• “I noticed some smoke coming out from under the hood and took my car to the mechanic. It’ll be in the shop all day, so I’ll need the day off.”

You’re locked out of your house or car.

• “I locked my keys in the car while I was warming it up this morning. I can’t leave until my wife gets home with the spare keys.”
• “I’m locked out of my apartment and my roommate is out of town until tomorrow. The locksmith won’t come until this afternoon, so I have to miss work today.”
• “I lost my keys at the gym this morning and can’t get in to change for my shift. I have to wait for my boyfriend to get home and make key copies.”

You’re observing a religious holiday.

• “I will be taking tomorrow off in observance of Yom Kippur.”
• “I can’t come into work on Friday in observance of Diwali.”
• “Work is restricted on Fridays during Ramadan, so I will be leaving early tomorrow.”

Community Q&A

• Keep your excuse brief since too many details might begin to sound fabricated. Just state your excuse, apologize for the late notice, and mention you’ll give more information once you have it. [21] X Research source Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 3
• Consider whether your excuse makes more sense if it’s spontaneous (like an injury or car trouble) or if it needs advance notice to make sense (like a religious holiday or an important upcoming delivery). Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 2
• When possible, call your manager instead of texting or emailing. It shows that your excuse is urgent and that you’re taking extra care to alert them as soon as possible. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

• Review your company’s policies about missing work before calling in with an excuse. Too many absences might result in probation or disciplinary action (plus you’ll want to save some sick days for actual illnesses and emergencies). Thanks Helpful 18 Not Helpful 2
• Consistency is key. If you call in sick, avoid posting photos on social media of yourself at a party or on the beach with alcohol. Your employer may see them, leading to truancy dismissal and negative references that can harm future employment. Furthermore, your credibility will be damaged, making it difficult for others to trust you. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.thejub.com/millennial-career-resources/7-best-excuses-not-to-go-to-work
• ↑ https://careersidekick.com/excuses-to-miss-work/
• ↑ https://www.insidermonkey.com/blog/14-good-excuses-to-miss-work-on-short-notice-609876/?singlepage=1
• ↑ https://hqhire.com/reasons-to-miss-work-last-minute/
• ↑ https://thebalancework.com/good-excuses-to-miss-work-on-short-notice/
• ↑ https://www.zippia.com/advice/excuses-to-miss-work/
• ↑ https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/10/package-theft-how-amazon-google-others-are-fighting-porch-pirates.html
• ↑ https://careeremployer.com/miscellaneous/12-excuses-to-miss-work-on-short-notice/

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35 Believable Excuses to Miss Work on Short Notice

Navigating the need for time off work can sometimes feel challenging, but there are plenty of legitimate reasons that may require you to miss work on short notice. In this article, we explore 35 legitimate reasons to miss work, providing examples, explanations, and key points for each.

Whether you're dealing with a personal health issue, a family emergency, an unexpected event, or even a much-needed personal day, understanding these potential scenarios can help you communicate more effectively with your employer.

However, honesty is always the best policy when it comes to taking time off work. Remember that lying or falsifying reasons for missing work can lead to severe consequences, including loss of trust, disciplinary action, or even termination. Always be truthful about your reasons for needing time off. Your employer will likely appreciate your honesty, and in most cases, be understanding of your situation.

This article is set up as a comprehensive list, offering 35 different reasons why you might need to miss work. This structure should make it easy to navigate and find the information that's most relevant to you. We hope this article offers a helpful guide for those unexpected life events that require time away from work.

Illness is a common reason for missing work on short notice. The specific nature of the illness can range from a mild cold or flu to more serious conditions. Importantly, if you are unwell, it is often better to stay home to rest, recover, and avoid spreading any infectious illness to your coworkers. It's always advisable to seek medical attention and follow their advice regarding rest and returning to work.

For instance, if you wake up with a fever and body aches, you may have contracted the flu. In this case, it's crucial to prioritize your health and reduce the risk of infecting your coworkers by staying at home. Remember to notify your employer as soon as possible, and if required, provide a doctor's note.

2. Medical Appointments

Medical appointments, particularly with specialists, often need to be scheduled during regular business hours. This can make it challenging to avoid missing some work, especially if the medical issue is urgent or ongoing. Regular check-ups and preventative appointments are also important for maintaining your health. Employers usually understand this necessity, but it's important to communicate and plan these absences ahead of time when possible.

Imagine you have an appointment with a cardiologist for an ongoing heart condition. These types of specialists often have limited availability, and the appointment could be crucial for your health. In such a situation, you should inform your employer about your medical condition and the need for your absence. Consider offering to make up for the lost time or work remotely, if possible.

3. Family Emergency

A family emergency can happen unexpectedly and needs immediate attention, making it a legitimate reason for missing work. These emergencies could be due to health issues, accidents, or other urgent matters involving a close family member. During such difficult times, your presence might be required for emotional support or practical assistance.

For example, if your partner or child has a severe accident at home and needs immediate medical attention, you might need to rush them to the hospital and stay with them. In this situation, it's crucial to notify your employer about the emergency as soon as you can. Employers often offer family emergency leaves for such situations.

4. Unexpected Childcare Issue

Childcare can sometimes present unforeseen issues that require immediate attention. Your regular babysitter may fall ill, or your daycare center may unexpectedly close. In such cases, it may be necessary to miss work to take care of your child. Balancing work and family life can be challenging, and most employers will understand these occasional unavoidable circumstances.

An example could be a situation where you receive a call from your daycare provider saying they have a plumbing emergency and have to close for the day. In this case, you would need to stay home with your child. It would be helpful to inform your employer of the situation as soon as possible. If your work allows, you could also explore the possibility of working from home for the day.

5. Personal Emergency

Personal emergencies are unexpected situations in your personal life that require immediate attention. These emergencies can include anything from a flooded basement, a car accident, or a fire in your home. These situations often require immediate attention and can make it impossible to attend work.

For example, if you wake up to find your basement flooded due to a burst pipe, your immediate attention and action would be required to prevent further damage. This would involve contacting a plumber, potentially a cleanup crew, and possibly your insurance company. In such scenarios, keep open communication with your employer, inform them of the situation, and give them an estimated time of your unavailability. If possible, try to make up for the lost work time later or work remotely if your situation allows.

6. Mental Health Day

Mental health is just as important as physical health, and sometimes you may need to take a day off to take care of your psychological wellbeing. Overworking, chronic stress, or personal issues can contribute to deteriorating mental health. Recognizing the need to recharge and taking time off can prevent burnout and more serious mental health issues down the line.

For instance, you might be feeling overwhelmed and emotionally drained due to a high-stress project. It's entirely appropriate to take a day for yourself to rest, engage in stress-relieving activities, and regain your mental strength. It's essential to communicate your need for a mental health day to your employer honestly, and ideally before you've reached a point of crisis.

7. Death of a Close One

The death of a loved one can be a devastating event. Grieving is a personal process that takes time and looks different for everyone. Some people may require more time than others to process their loss and may find it hard to concentrate on work during this time.

For example, if a close family member passes away, you'll likely need to take time off for the funeral and to grieve. Most employers have policies in place for bereavement leave and will understand your need to take time off. It's important to communicate openly with your employer about your situation and the time you'll need off.

8. Unexpected Vehicle Issues

Cars can break down unexpectedly, or there may be disruptions to public transportation. These situations can cause delays or make it impossible for you to get to work. Having your car serviced regularly can minimize the risk of breakdowns, but unexpected issues can still arise.

Consider a scenario where your car won't start due to a dead battery. While this is a situation that can usually be resolved within the day, it may cause you to miss work or arrive late. Notify your employer as soon as possible about the situation. If you can, try to find an alternate means of transportation to minimize your downtime.

9. House Problems

Significant problems in your home, such as plumbing issues, power outages, or a broken heating system, may require you to stay home to resolve them. These issues can arise unexpectedly and often need immediate attention to prevent further damage and disruption.

For example, if your furnace breaks down in the middle of winter, you will likely need to wait at home for a repair person to fix it. It's essential to inform your employer about the situation and the expected timeline for resolution. If possible and applicable to your work, you may be able to work remotely while waiting for the issue to be resolved.

10. Jury Duty

Jury duty is a civic obligation that most people will have to perform at some point. The notice usually comes in advance, but the actual dates can often be unpredictable and fall during work hours. Most employers are understanding about the need for jury duty leave, as it is a legal requirement.

For instance, if you've received a notice for jury duty that falls on a workday, you're required by law to attend. It's important to notify your employer about your jury duty as soon as you receive the notice. Most places of employment have policies in place to handle these situations, and they can guide you on the next steps.

11. Attending a Funeral

Attending a funeral, particularly of a close friend or family member, is a legitimate and common reason to miss work. It provides closure and allows one to pay their final respects. Bereavement leave is often provided by employers to accommodate such circumstances.

For example, if a close family friend passes away and the funeral is held during your regular working hours, you may need to take time off work. It's crucial to inform your employer of the situation and provide as much notice as possible. In most cases, employers will understand and allow the necessary time off.

12. Bad Weather

There are times when severe weather conditions can make commuting unsafe. Heavy snow, hurricanes, extreme heatwaves, or flood warnings can all pose significant threats and hinder transportation.

For example, suppose there's a severe snowstorm forecasted for your area that's expected to make roads unsafe. In this case, it would be prudent to stay home and avoid the potential dangers of attempting to commute to work. Be sure to inform your employer as soon as possible about your circumstances. Some employers might even have policies in place for such instances or may allow you to work from home.

Injuries, whether they happen at work or outside of it, can make it impossible for you to perform your job functions or commute to work. They often require immediate medical attention and possibly time for recovery.

For instance, if you sprain your ankle severely while jogging, you might be unable to travel or stand for extended periods, depending on your job. In such a situation, it's best to focus on your recovery to avoid exacerbating the injury. Always keep your employer informed about your condition and provide them with a reasonable timeline for your return based on medical advice.

14. Unexpected Travel

There might be instances where you need to travel unexpectedly due to a family or personal crisis. This could be anything from a sick relative in a different city to an urgent property issue that needs resolving.

For example, if your parents live in another state and one of them falls critically ill, you may need to travel there to support them. In such scenarios, explain the situation to your employer and provide them with an estimated timeline for your return. Most employers understand the urgency of family crises and grant leaves for the same.

15. Court Appearances

Court appearances, whether they are directly related to you or involve a family member, usually can't be rescheduled. These appearances could be for a variety of legal matters and failing to attend can have severe consequences.

For example, you may be involved in a legal dispute and are required to appear in court on a particular day. Make sure to inform your employer about the requirement as soon as you receive the court notice. Provide them with the date and the expected duration of your absence so they can plan accordingly.

16. Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies can be extremely painful and debilitating, often requiring immediate attention. This can include a sudden toothache, broken tooth, lost fillings, or other dental problems. Failing to address these issues promptly can lead to more serious complications.

For example, if you wake up with unbearable tooth pain, you will likely need to see a dentist immediately. It's essential to keep your employer informed about the situation and provide them with an estimated timeline of when you'll be able to return to work based on your dentist's advice.

17. Pet Emergencies

Just like human family members, pets can also have medical emergencies that require immediate attention. Since our pets can't tell us when something is wrong, symptoms may appear suddenly and require urgent veterinary care.

For instance, if your dog ingests something harmful and needs emergency care, you would likely need to miss work to attend to this situation. Be sure to inform your employer about the situation as soon as possible. If your job allows for it, consider working remotely once your pet is stabilized.

18. Illness of a Close Family Member

When a close family member is severely ill, they may need your care and support. This could require taking them to doctor's appointments, providing emotional support, or assisting with their care at home.

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. Communicate the situation to your employer promptly and keep them updated on when you'll be able to return to work. Many employers offer family sick leave for situations like this.

19. School Event

Important school events such as performances, parent-teacher meetings, or sports days often fall during working hours and can require parents to take time off work. Attending these events supports your child's academic and personal growth.

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.

20. Home Delivery

Occasionally, you may need to be at home to receive a delivery of a major appliance, furniture, or other large items. These deliveries usually require someone to be at home and can't always be scheduled outside of working hours.

As an example, if you've ordered a new refrigerator and the company can only deliver it during your work hours, you'll need to be at home to receive it. Be sure to inform your employer as soon as you have the delivery date and request the necessary time off. If your job allows for it, you might be able to work from home for part of the day.

21. Home Repair or Maintenance

Occasionally, urgent home repairs or maintenance tasks may require you to be present at home. These could be planned activities like a kitchen renovation or unplanned emergencies such as a leaky roof.

Consider a situation where a pipe bursts in your home and you urgently need a plumber to fix it. You'd need to be at home to handle the situation, which may result in missing work. Communicate the issue to your employer as soon as possible. In many cases, remote work may be possible while you wait for repairs to be completed.

22. Moving House

Moving to a new house can be a time-consuming process. It involves packing, moving large items, and possibly cleaning. Although much of this can be planned for weekends or outside of work hours, the actual moving day might fall on a workday.

If you're moving to a new house and the movers are scheduled to come on a workday, you'll need to request a day off. Make sure to give your employer plenty of notice so they can plan for your absence. They may even allow you to work remotely part of the day if needed.

23. Study or Exam

If you are pursuing further education while working, there may be times when you need to study for an important exam or complete a major project. Balancing work and studies can be challenging, but most employers will support your educational pursuits.

Suppose you have a major certification exam coming up that requires intensive preparation. In such a case, you might need to take a day off to concentrate on your studies. Inform your employer in advance about the exam and your need for a day off to prepare.

24. Marriage or Civil Ceremony

Attending a marriage or civil ceremony, either your own or of a close friend or family member, is a valid reason to miss work. These events often require travel and preparation time, and are generally understood to be important personal commitments.

For example, if your sibling is getting married in a different city, you'll likely need to take time off work for travel and to attend the wedding. As soon as you know the date, notify your employer and request the necessary time off.

25. Job Interview

While it may feel uncomfortable to take time off work for a job interview, it's a legitimate reason to miss work. Interviews often fall within working hours and can't always be scheduled outside of these times. It's best to be discreet about the reason for your absence.

For instance, if you're called for a job interview that's scheduled during your work hours, you may need to take time off. To keep things discreet, you could request a personal day without disclosing the specific reason. Remember to be respectful of your current employer's time and resources while navigating your job search.

26. Volunteer Work

Some people choose to participate in volunteer work or community service that can fall within their work hours. Whether it's a one-time event or a regular commitment, this can be a valid reason to miss work, particularly if your employer encourages community involvement.

For example, you may be involved in a local charity that's hosting a special event during your work hours. Let your employer know about your involvement as early as possible and request the necessary time off. Some employers even offer paid volunteer days as part of their benefits package.

27. Religious Observance

Religious observances and ceremonies are legitimate reasons to miss work. These could include holidays, festivals, or special rituals that are important to your faith.

For instance, if there's a significant religious holiday that you observe which falls on a workday, you'll need to request a day off. Notify your employer as soon as you're aware of the date, and request the necessary time off. Employers are typically understanding of such circumstances and legally obliged to reasonably accommodate religious practices.

28. Personal Emergency

Personal emergencies are unexpected events that require immediate attention. These could include a break-in at your home, a sudden financial issue, or an unexpected legal matter.

Consider a scenario where you have a sudden legal issue that requires you to meet with your lawyer immediately. You would likely need to take time off work to resolve the matter. Be sure to inform your employer as soon as possible, giving as much detail as you feel comfortable sharing.

29. Health Appointments

Health appointments, such as regular check-ups, specialist appointments, or therapy sessions, can sometimes only be scheduled during work hours. Preventative care and management of ongoing health issues are important for your overall well-being.

For example, if you have a specialist appointment that can only be scheduled during your work hours, you'll need to take time off. Inform your employer about the appointment as soon as it's scheduled, and provide an estimate of when you'll be able to return to work.

30. Personal Well-being Day

Sometimes, you may just need a day off for personal well-being. This could be to relax, pursue a hobby, or spend time with family and friends. Personal well-being days can help prevent burnout and improve overall job satisfaction.

For example, if you've been feeling particularly stressed and overworked, you might need to take a personal day to relax and recharge. Let your employer know that you need a day off for personal reasons. Most employers understand the importance of work-life balance and the need for personal time.

31. Child's Sick Day

If you have children, there will inevitably be times when they're sick and unable to attend school or daycare. Often, this will require a parent to stay home with them.

For example, if your child wakes up with a fever and you can't send them to school, you'll need to take the day off to care for them. Be sure to inform your employer as soon as possible. Many employers have policies in place to support parents in these circumstances.

32. Attending a Conference

Many professionals attend conferences, seminars, or other professional development events to stay up-to-date in their field. While some of these may be sponsored by your employer, others may not be, and could require taking time off work.

For instance, if there's a conference relevant to your field happening during your work hours, you may wish to attend. In this case, discuss the opportunity with your employer as soon as you can. They may even consider it as part of your professional development and support you in attending it.

33. Unexpected Family Responsibilities

Unpredictable family responsibilities such as caring for an elderly family member, attending a family reunion, or handling a family dispute may require your immediate attention and presence.

Suppose your elderly parent falls ill suddenly and needs your help. In such a scenario, you would likely need to take time off to care for them. Be open with your employer about your situation and provide them with an estimate of when you'll be able to return to work.

34. Attending Important School Event

Major life events such as graduations, milestone birthdays, or other significant school events are important to attend and can fall during work hours.

For example, if your child is graduating and the ceremony falls on a weekday during your working hours, you'll want to be there. Notify your employer well in advance and request the necessary time off. Most employers understand the importance of these milestones and will accommodate your request.

35. Attending to a Crisis at Home

A crisis at home can include anything from a burglary, fire, or other disasters that require your immediate attention and presence.

For example, if there's a fire at your home, you will need to attend to the situation immediately. Notify your employer about the crisis as soon as you can and provide them with an estimate of when you'll be able to return to work. Many employers will be understanding and supportive in these situations.

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11 Good Excuses To Miss Work on Short Notice

• Excuses To Miss Work
• Excuse Letter For Absent
• Leave Of Absence Letter
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• What Is A Sabbatical At Work?
• How To Take A Personal Day
• Sick Leave Email
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• Excuses To Leave Work Early
• Doctors Note For Work

Despite your best efforts, there will be days when you have to miss work with little to no notice. Illnesses, accidents, or family emergencies are always legitimate reasons for missing work at the last minute. Just make sure you contact your boss as soon as you can, and don’t overuse these excuses.

Needing an excuse to miss work on short notice happens sometimes. While missing work on short notice can be common, there are good and bad reasons for doing it.

In this article, we’ll cover which excuses for missing work won’t raise any eyebrows, and which are likely to make a bad impression. We’ll also cover how to handle situations when you need to come into work late or leave early, as well as tips for delivering all these messages.

Key Takeaways

Good short notice excuses include accidents, health issues, and major and minor emergencies.

Contact your boss to let them know you won’t be coming in as quickly as you can.

When possible, try to leave work early or come in late instead of missing the whole day.

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11 Good excuses for missing work on short notice

Good excuses for missing work at any time, worst excuses for missing work, good reasons to come in late or leave early, tips for giving an excuse, missing work at the last minute faq, final thoughts.

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Any excuse is usually fine for missing work, as long as you’ve given your supervisor plenty of time to plan for your absence. But when you need a good excuse to miss work last minute, some reasons just won’t cut it.

If you find yourself in a last-minute call out of work situation, here are just the excuses to get out of work:

Accidents. Accidents are the ultimate excuse for getting out of work on short notice because they are, by definition, unpredictable. An accident doesn’t necessarily have to involve you directly, either. A spouse, child, or dependent that needs your help taking care of an accident are all valid excuses for missing work.

Food poisoning. This is an effective excuse because almost everyone can relate to an experience of food poisoning. It’s embarassing, unpleasant, and not the sort of thing that gareners a lot of follow-up questions.

Menstrual cramps. Speaking of excuses that don’t generate a lot of follow-up questions, menstrual cramps are a very good reason for missing work on short notice.

Sick child/spouse/dependent. While everyone thinks about personal illness as their go-to excuse for missing work, an illness in the family is just as good of an excuse. Anyone who’s had to care for a sick child knows that it’s a full-time job.

Injured back. Back pain can come on pretty suddenly, making this a good last-minute excuse for missing work. Whether it’s something brought on by age or an injury from the gym, people can relate to the debilitating pain of a back injury.

You need a mental health day. Depending on your boss, your calendar, and your habits, it can be totally fine to take a mental health day on short notice. People generally understand that everyone just needs a day off once in a while.

Migraine. Migraine headaches can come on suddenly and be debilitating, and they’re a very legitimate reason for calling in sick to work last minute.

Dental emergency. Chipped teeth and cracked crowns are no joke, and they need to be fixed as quickly as possible. Because of this, it’s perfectly acceptable to miss work for a dental emergency.

House maintenance issue. Unexpected household issues such as a burst pipe or a gas leak is a good excuse for missing work. Not only do you need to be home to mitigate any damage, but you also often have to be around to let in the repair person.

Death of a loved one. Finding out a friend or family member has passed away (or is going to soon) is always a good excuse for missing work at the last minute. In fact, many companies have bereavement policies that give you paid days off specifically for these circumstances.

Unexpected circumstances. Whether you got a flat tire or your child’s school flooded and now you need to stay home to watch them, unexpected circumstances are legitimate reasons for missing work at the last minute.

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There are a few good reasons for missing work that are always acceptable, whether these things happen as you’re walking out the door or are scheduled ahead of time.

Below are five good excuses for missing work at any time:

Personal illness. If you’re too sick to get out of bed and do your job, or if you have an especially contagious illness, call out. A day away from the office isn’t just for your sake, but for your coworkers’ health and safety as well.

Even if you work remotely, powering through your tasks while sick will slow down your recovery and leave you less effective for a longer period of time.

Unexpected sickness affects everyone, and good managers will include some wiggle room in the schedule to accommodate this.

You may need to schedule a doctor ’s appointment to get a note for your employer that “verifies” you were, in fact, sick. Most employers will only require this sort of thing if you’re out for an extended period of time — not just a day or two.

Keep your employer updated periodically and let them know at the end of the day whether you will be returning or if you need more recovery time at the end of the day.

Family or home emergency. An emergency is, by its very nature, unexpected and urgent. A family emergency can include your child getting sick, a car accident, an elderly family member’s injury, an unexpected surgery, the death of a loved one, or any other urgent family matter.

A home emergency could include a burst pipe, a fire, a broken car, or any other home matter that must be tended to immediately or prevents you from going in. In the case of a family emergency or a home emergency, let your employer know as soon as possible that you’ll need to miss work.

The emergency situations listed above all have varying degrees of seriousness and may require different amounts of time off. For instance, if you are dealing with the death of a loved one, you will need more time off than if you are dealing with a burst water pipe. Whatever you do, don’t make up a fake emergency.

Unexpected circumstances out of your control. Unexpected circumstances includes anything that prevents you from going to work that you couldn’t have known you would need to plan around. Maybe your flight was delayed, the bus broke down, your babysitter never showed up, or any other random occurrence.

Situations where you could have planned around this circumstance – such as your car running out of gas on the highway or your alarm malfunctioning – should be used with extreme caution. It’s understandable if this happens once, but it will reflect poorly on your preparedness if it happens multiple times.

Keep in mind that you may need to work from home in these situations or arrange for some other way of completing your day’s work. Don’t use the “unexpected circumstances” excuse more than a couple of times, as these occurrences are typically quite rare.

Working hard and earning it. After working hard and earning some time may be the only situation where missing work is a positive situation for you and your employer, and it requires a bit of planning and dedication. If you spend extra time working in your week (by coming in early or staying late), you may be able to arrange a day off for yourself .

More important than the time commitment is the result of your efforts. Asking for a random day off after completing a big project that’s the result of a lot of hard work is an acceptable part of most work cultures.

Scheduled appointment. Medical appointments can be difficult to secure and may need to be scheduled during work hours. Professional appointments, such as a meeting with a prospective client, may also need to be scheduled during regular work hours. Both are perfectly legitimate reasons to miss work.

As soon as you schedule your doctor’s or dentist appointment, let your employer know through the appropriate channels that you will need to either leave early or come in late (you won’t be able to miss an entire day for one appointment, typically) on that day.

Similarly, let your employer know once you schedule an outing with a client or other work-related matters (just make sure it’s part of your job, of course). Just be sure whatever you say you’re doing, you are actually planning on doing it. Otherwise, you will be quickly called out.

Bad excuses to miss work can generally considered unprofessional and could even get you fired. Below are some of the worst excuses for missing work to help you avoid using them next time you call out.

Feeling tired. If you are feeling tired due to a sickness or an emergency situation, you should explain these circumstances to your boss as that’s obviously a bit different. However, if you simply got to bed late or are feeling groggy, that’s not a valid or professional reason for missing work.

Hungover. Never tell your boss you’re too hungover to go into work, no matter how “cool” they seem. You knew you had work the next day, and you took the gamble. And you lost that gamble, unfortunately, but you still have to go to work. If you’re really incapacitated, call in with a stomach flu , and maybe make some different choices next time.

Lack of planning. Emergencies and mistakes are understandable, and they happen to everyone. However, if you always find yourself having alarm clock, car, or babysitter emergencies, your employer will see you as an unreliable worker.

“Don’t feel like it.” It’s not likely that you’ll be bold enough to call in and say you don’t feel like coming into work today, but any reason that ultimately amounts to “I don’t feel like it” is questionable. If you are unhappy with your job, it may be time to consider finding a new one or discussing changing your workload.

Forgot. Not coming into work (and, naturally, not calling) because you forgot you were scheduled is going to get you fired unless you’re just starting out and has been hired at your very first part-time job . Keep track of your schedule and always call in if you are going to miss work.

When it comes to coming in late or leaving early, it’s preferable to your employer that you work at least part of your work day rather than none of it, so offering to work a partial day looks better for your professional standing than taking the whole day off.

Below are some good reasons for coming in late or leaving early:

Small emergency. If you are in a small-time emergency (e.g., home repair, car troubles), offer to come into work as soon as the issue is resolved. The situation may not be fixed in time for you to go in, but even making the offer makes you seem more dedicated to the job.

Sickness. If you are a bit ill (but definitely not if you are contagious), offer to come in late or leave early, depending on what you think you can manage. This will likely be received much more warmly by your employer and show that you are willing to push through. Just don’t push yourself too hard or unnecessarily expose your coworkers to your illness.

Appointments. Some circumstances (i.e., appointments) only necessitate missing a half-day of work, so scheduling an appointment strategically could make it so you can come in late or leave early according to your preference. Just make sure you communicate this with your boss as far in advance as possible.

Use the following tips to maintain your professional standing and to make it easier on those you work with when calling out:

Contact your employer as soon as you know you’ll be missing work. The sooner your boss knows you’ll be missing work, the more time they have to plan for your absence . Let them know as soon as possible, and be sure to follow the proper protocol in your workplace for calling off.

Follow company policy. Whatever absence policy your supervisor prefers, adhere to it. Some bosses like to be called, some are fine with an email, and others will require you to inform multiple people, including HR.

Most big companies will have an online portal to request days off, as well as a place to formally document the request and its acceptance.

Don’t lie. It can be tempting, but try to be honest when calling off from work. If you invent an emergency now, you may not have leeway for an actual crisis in the future.

Give necessary details, but not too much. Don’t be too vague, but don’t be too explicit. Simply saying you have a “personal emergency” is likely to be questioned by your employer, but saying you have explosive diarrhea is definitely not necessary. Accurately explain the situation as far as you feel comfortable.

In the case of an ongoing event, provide updates as appropriate. For example, if you come down with the flu, check in each day on your status; if there’s a home emergency, call to let your boss know when the professional arrives and you’re on your way.

Plan for covering your workload. Most importantly, when missing work, you’re going to want to make a plan for how the work you missed will get done. Whether you have a coworker cover your shift or come in early next week, let your boss know you are taking your workload seriously.

How do I tell work I can’t come in?

You tell work you can’t come in by contacting your boss as soon as you know you won’t make it. Ideally, this will be at least a few days in advance, but this isn’t always feasible.

If you wake up too sick to get out of bed, for example, the first thing you should do is call, text, or email your boss (whatever they prefer) to let them know.

How can I miss work without getting fired?

You can miss work without getting fired by having a legitimate (and true) excuse and giving as much notice as possible. If you realize you can’t make it to work because you’re sick, have to take care of a family member, or some other unavoidable reason, contact your boss as soon as you can.

You don’t have to go into detail about what’s going on, but communication is key to staying in your boss’s good graces when you miss work.

In addition, if you can make every effort to help your team cover your responsibilities by coming in late or fielding phone calls and emails from home, that also goes a long way.

How do I stop feeling guilty for taking a sick day?

You can stop feeling guilty for taking a sick day by getting a doctor’s note or reminding yourself that rest is vital to doing your job well. If you’re struggling with strong feelings of guilt over taking a sick day, having a doctor put in writing that you need rest can quickly quell that.

However, this isn’t always practical, so try reminding yourself that you’re helping your team by staying home and getting better. A day or two without you is far better than weeks without you if you get sicker, or weeks of everyone getting sick because you exposed them all.

Do you apologize for calling in sick?

Yes, you should apologize for calling in sick. This doesn’t mean that you should apologize for being sick and taking a day to rest — it means apologizing for any inconvenience your absence may cause.

While you shouldn’t feel bad for taking a sick day, acknowledging that your boss and coworkers will have to cover for you is a courteous and professional thing to do.

If you can, ask if there’s anything you can do to help from home and invite your team to contact you with any questions they may have.

Everyone needs to take an unexpected day off work at some point in their lives. Most supervisors like to get a bit of notice when you’ll be out, but good managers understand that some circumstances don’t allow for advance notice.

Some no-notice reasons are perfectly acceptable, as long as they’re used sparingly. Other excuses might make you look unprepared and unprofessional.

FindLaw – Can My Job Force Me To Work While Sick?

Terry Katz and Associates, P.C. – 8 Acceptable Reasons To Miss Work

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Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

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12 Best Excuses to Miss Work (Last Minute/Short Notice)

By Biron Clark

Published: November 1, 2023

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

If you need to miss work, including on short notice, this article will give you the 12  best excuses to do it. Calling out of work doesn’t need to be difficult, but if you give the wrong reason, it could leave your boss doubting you and could even get you fired in some states. So keep reading for 12 believable excuses for missing work, even at the last minute.

12 Good Excuses to Call Out of Work

1. you’re sick.

Saying that you feel ill is one of the best excuses for missing work. A company/boss will not want you in the office if you’re sick and possibly contagious.  Not only that, but since it takes at least a day or two to recover from the typical illness, it’s a surefire way to get out of work for at least one full day (whereas, if you say you have a dentist appointment, your boss is likely to ask, “What time is the appointment, and can you come in after?”) Telling your boss you’re feeling sick is one of the simplest and best ways to miss work on short notice because of the factors above.

Use these sick-day email templates to request the day off hassle-free.

Just be aware if you call in sick that some particularly strict/old-fashioned employers may want a doctor’s note as proof of illness when you return.And if you’ve got a terrible boss or company, they may still pressure you to come in. If you have that concern, or you’ve tried this excuse for missing work in the past and had trouble, keep reading for more ideas…

2. You’re caring for a sick child or family member

Along with calling in sick, there’s another equally good excuse for taking a day or more off: caring for a sick child or family member. These are both valid reasons to miss a day of work and qualify as an emergency that most employers will understand. Saying you need to care for a sick child is one of the best excuses to use at the last minute, including the same day of your work shift. You can simply call and say, “I’m sorry but my child is feeling ill and there’s nobody else who can care for them on such short notice. I’ll need to take a day to handle this emergency and I’ll return to work tomorrow.” Family emergencies happen and most employers will understand and be sympathetic when you call in sick for a medical reason. If you’re not comfortable using health as your reason for calling out of work, then keep reading for more ideas and excuses…

Watch: 12 Good Excuses to Call Out of Work

3. you have a family emergency.

A family emergency is one of the best reasons to call out of work because you usually won’t face many follow-up questions and won’t have to go into too much detail. The typical boss will quickly accept this excuse to miss work without much questioning or doubt. They may not even ask when you’ll be able to return and instead say, “Just let me know if you’re able to come in tomorrow.” However, one downside of using this excuse to miss work is that you’ll almost certainly be asked if the situation has improved once you return to work. Just don’t forget about what you said when you called in sick, so that you’re not caught off-guard when your boss later asks, “How did the family emergency turn out? Is everything okay now?” Otherwise, this is a good, reliable excuse that you can tell your boss to miss work, even on short notice.

4. You have food poisoning

Usually, you don’t want to be too specific when saying you’re sick as an excuse to miss work. You don’t need to fake coughing sounds, be dramatic, or give too many details. However, one extra detail you can provide is to say you think you have food poisoning. This is one of the most legitimate and believable excuses to miss work, especially the day of your shift, since most people understand how serious and unexpected food poisoning can be.  So if you need to miss work on short notice and don’t want to face pressure from your boss to come in, this is a good reason that’s almost guaranteed to get you out of work for one day. However, they’ll likely expect you to come in the next day, or at maximum, two days later. So this isn’t a good excuse to use if you’ll need to be missing work for more than two days, but it’s a good reason to miss work for a day.

5. You have a migraine

A migraine is another good excuse for missing a full day of work with only a small chance you’ll be questioned about it, since most managers know how severe migraines can be. And unlike making up another medical issue or saying you have a doctor’s appointment, you won’t have to tell your boss an elaborate story or follow up with lies upon your return to the office. Migraines usually go away eventually, with or without treatment, so you can simply go into work the next day and say, “I’m feeling much better, thank you,” if anyone asks. For the reasons above, a migraine is a good excuse to miss work, especially on short notice. If your boss questions or doubts you at all, just say that you can barely look into the light and that you’re lying down in the dark right now as you make this phone call. If you can barely get up or look at light, employers will know you can’t perform your job. So they’ll likely accept this excuse and simply tell you to return to work as soon as possible.

6. You need to care for a sick pet

Pets also make good reasons to miss work, but this isn’t an excuse you should use regularly. Still, if used only once, it can make a good reason for missing work. To use this excuse, simply let your employer know that your pet isn’t feeling well and that you’re going to need to go to an emergency vet appointment or stay with them while you give them medication.

7. You have a last-minute dentist or doctor’s appointment

Next on our list of excuses to miss work is the doctor or dentist visit. While these reasons will get you out of work on short notice, they might leave your boss asking why you didn’t tell them sooner, and possibly asking for a doctor’s note or other proof of appointment. This depends on your specific employer. Still, the emergency dental or medical issue does come up, and sometimes you notice something that you’re anxious about and want to get checked as soon as possible. So you should be fine saying:

“There’s something I want to get looked at urgently and my doctor/dentist had a last-minute cancellation and offered me an appointment today.”

I’ve had employers in the past where I knew they trusted me completely, and this would be an easy way to get out of work, just like all of the excuses above. However, if you have a less trusting employer and you think they’d ask follow-up questions, then you may be better off using other excuses to call out of work instead of this one.

8. You’re having car trouble

If you rely on your car to get to work, you can say that you’re having car trouble and are waiting for someone to come look at it. However, you may face follow-up questions like, “Can you take a bus? We really need you here today.” This is best if there’s no other way for you to get into the workplace, and if you only need to miss work for one day. After a day, your boss may start pressuring you about finding alternative transportation. Of course, if you have an easy-going boss and a job that can be done from home, they may let you work from home the whole week while your car is getting fixed. It all depends on your boss and specific job, so you’ll need to use your best judgement when deciding whether to use this excuse or another when you call out of work.

9. You have a household problem

You can also say that there’s a house-related issue that requires you to remain home. For example, you could say that you have a leaky water pipe and you need to stay on-hand until the repair person finishes. Or you could say you’re expecting an important delivery and the delivery company said you need to sign for the package in-person today. These are all good reasons why you can’t go to work without you having to bring up health or other personal excuses. So if you’re more comfortable with this route, it’s another acceptable excuse to get out of working. However, one thing to keep in mind here: Your manager may ask you to explain why you didn’t tell them sooner about this. You could say that you let them know as soon as you found out, but just think about if that’s realistic before using this reason to stay home.

10. You have Military Obligations

Serving in the U.S. military is prestigious, even for those in the reserve forces. Employers know that military obligations aren’t simply applicable to active service members and that even those in the reserves, or army veterans, could be called in for duties, such as drilling weekends. This is considered one of the most acceptable reasons to take a day off. In fact, there are even laws in place to deal with this kind of absence.

So in case you need the day off due to these obligations, consider sending in this message:

“I’m sorry I will not be able to make it to work today. I am in the military reserves and have been called in to take part in a drill on short notice. I apologize for the inconvenience, but I hope you understand that I cannot refuse.”

11. You Have a Religious Holiday/Event

Most organizations list diversity as a priority. So if your employers don’t recognize your particular religious holiday, don’t shy away from bringing it up. Your employers will understand. And if they don’t, they’re probably bound by HR policies to respect and accommodate a person’s religious beliefs.

When asking for the day off, try wording it like this:

“Tomorrow is a big day for followers of my religion. To celebrate, there is an event that I’ve just been told I must attend. I know this is very short notice, but I hope you appreciate that my presence is important for my family and me.”

12. You Have House Maintenance Issues

While some house maintenance work, such as cleaning behind the wardrobe, can be left for the weekend, unexpected issues, such as a sudden gas leak or a pipe burst, require more immediate attention. No employer would want to risk putting you or your family in danger by demanding you come in.

An acceptable excuse would sound something like this: 

“I can’t make it to work today because I’ve been dealing with a mini-calamity at home. A pipe just burst, flooding half my living room. I’m sorry for the inconvenience, but I should stay in today and ensure it’s fixed soon.”

Can You Say You’re Feeling Tired as an Excuse to Miss Work?

While more and more companies are accepting the idea of a mental health day without a specific reason or emergency, this excuse is best if requested one or two days in advance. General tiredness isn’t one of the best reasons for missing work on the day of your shift, since it’ll leave your boss wondering why you didn’t plan ahead and communicate better. I’ve had horrible jobs myself, and I understand having a feeling of panic in the morning when you’re simply overwhelmed and want to call out. However, I recommend using one of the excuses above if you’re going to call out of work last minute. It’s better to take a sick day than a mental health day if giving short notice. Save the personal day or mental health day for when you’re able to request it at least one or two days in advance.

Is it a Bad Sign When You Make Excuses to Miss Work?

Everyone misses work from time to time and it’s not necessarily a bad sign that you need to take an unexpected day off. However, if you fail to inform your employer early enough and cause difficulties such as scheduling issues, then it could leave your boss upset. You shouldn’t feel bad about telling your employer you need a day off with any of the reasons above, but give them as much notice as possible and don’t call out as a common occurrence.

Can You Get Fired for Calling in Sick?

In many states, work is considered to be done “at-will,” which means an employer can technically fire you for calling in sick. Each state provides different rights to employees, though. No matter where you live, it’s unlikely that an employer will fire you for taking one sick day or calling out of work occasionally.

Bad Excuses and Mistakes: What Not to Say When You Call in Sick

If you read everything above, you now have multiple good excuses to miss work. To wrap up, here are a couple of mistakes to avoid and bad reasons for calling out of work. First, you never want to say anything that suggests you failed to plan ahead or that you didn’t let them know promptly. Don’t give a reason that sounds like it’s something you would have known about days before. Always think to yourself about how the excuse sounds before you call in on short notice. Ask yourself, “Does this sound realistic that I’d only be finding out at the last minute?” If not, pick a different excuse to stay home.

The other big mistake to avoid is overexplaining. You don’t need to share every detail when you explain why you can’t come into your job for one day. If you say you have a sick child, you don’t need to share every symptom as proof that they’re not feeling well. If you’re going to say that you’re sick, you don’t need to try to cough on the phone or sound miserable. Just be clear and direct, give the general excuse/reason that you’re going to use to miss work, and then stop talking and see how your boss responds. When you call out of work, it’s often better to say less. Chose one of the reasons from the list above to call out, explain it briefly, and then just stop. Even the best excuses can be ruined by talking too much or continuing to “sell” your story after your boss is probably already okay with it. So stop talking and let them respond once you’ve explained the basics.

Being Hungover

An employer isn’t going to sympathize with you if you tell them that you have a splitting headache because you had an extra few drinks the night before. Let’s face it: You knew you had work the following day and decided to go out anyway. Maybe, in this case, it’s better just to call in sick or pop a pill and hope for the best.

Bad Planning

Poor planning is not a quality any boss wants to see in their employee. Of course, some emergencies are understandable, but reasons like missing the bus or forgetting to set the alarm aren’t likely to go down well, especially when it happens too often.

Forgot You Had A Shift

Everyone makes mistakes. But forgetting that you had to go to work or had a shift to attend points, once again, to bad planning. Your best bet, in this case, would be to come up with another excuse or apologize profusely.

Work Conflicts

Conflicts with coworkers can be hard to deal with. But your employer will likely have little patience for you missing work over an interpersonal conflict. Talking things through with your employer or coworker might be a better solution.

Conclusion: Valid Excuses to Miss Work

We all need to get out of work at the last minute sometimes. If you use one of the excuses above and tell your manager briefly and directly that you’re not going to be able to come into work that day, you’ll give yourself the best chance at getting the day off without any suspicion or consequences. To make the process go smoother, call or email your employer as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the last minute if you can help it. And remember to be ready for any follow-up questions when you return to work and see your manager. A follow-up question or two doesn’t mean that your boss is suspicious; it simply means they care enough to check that your situation is better now.

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31 Good Excuses to Miss Work on Short Notice (EXAMPLES)

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The need to take a day off on short notice from work happens to all of us. Life happens, and when it does, we need to take some time to take care of the circumstances that come our way .

Sometimes we may need to go into work later than scheduled, and other times we may need to call out for the entire day. Either way, taking some time off can prevent unnecessary burnout .  We can only control so much in our lives… and calling out of work when we have to is one of them.

When you need to take a day off work, especially on short notice, it can cause some anxiety for both you and your employer. In this article, you’ll find good excuses to miss work on short notice and how to deliver those excuses to keep the anxiety levels at bay.

If you need a day off, it’s time to stop procrastinating and borrow from the excuses below to get it done!

Table of Contents

What Constitutes a Good Excuse?

When using a short-notice excuse, you’ll want to weigh your options. Some excuses may cause your boss to raise an eyebrow, while others may be perfectly acceptable despite the inconvenience.

The key to asking for time off, while staying in the good graces of your boss and coworkers, lies in knowing which excuses are appropriate at the time . The last thing you want to do is to make a bad impression at work and potentially stifle or end your career.

While you don't want to be a people pleaser, you do need to be polite while asking for the time off you want and need. Before contacting your boss to ask for a day off, think of their personality and how you can best handle the situation.

Nervous? You can check out this article to help give you the confidence you need to ask your boss for time off work.

A good excuse for calling out of work on short notice is something that requires your immediate attention. If the excuse you use is something that can wait, it may be frowned upon not to give your management a head’s up before actually calling out to attend to it.

Additionally, your goal should be to make sure the excuse is something readily believable . For instance, don’t say your pet is sick if you don’t have a pet.

31 Examples of Good Excuses

The following examples should help you when you miss work on short notice. We’ve included some lines as examples that you may use for each excuse.

Pro tip: It may be helpful to preface each excuse with a sincere phrase, such as:

“I realize this may be inconvenient…”

“I apologize for any inconvenience…”

“I’ve contacted [name of coworker] who is willing to cover my shift while I’m away.”

Words likes these can go a long way to soften the blow when an employee calls out.

Excuse #1: Computer issues if you are working remotely.

Working from home has its own unique challenges, and one of those is when you’re experiencing computer issues. Depending on the difficulty, you may find you need to wait a day or more to have a new computer shipped to your residence.

Before calling out for computer issues, be sure you have re-booted your computer first, as some glitches may be resolved in this way, and your boss may ask if you’ve taken this or other steps, such as calling the help desk, first. 

“My computer is not working properly, even after re-booting it.” “My computer is not working properly. I’ve called the help desk and am waiting for a resolution.” “My computer is not working properly, and I’ve been informed that a replacement will arrive tomorrow.”

Excuse #2: A sick child.

With children, you never know when one may wake up feeling unwell or when one may be sent home from school sick. When this occurs, you’ll need an excuse to call out of work. 

“My son is experiencing symptoms of a cold and fever, and I need the day off to care for him.” “My daughter has broken her arm, and I need to care for her.” “I’ve been called to pick up my child from school as he is sick, and will need to care for him for the remainder of the day.”

Excuse #3: An accident on the way to work.

Sometimes circumstances cannot be avoided. You may need to call out for a day to take care of business and any injuries you may have incurred. 

“I’ve had an accident on the highway and need to rest for the remainder of the day, per the Emergency Department doctor. I’ll provide a note when I return to work.” “I slipped on the ice on my front steps this morning, and I’m waiting to get checked out by the doctor.” “I accidentally cut my hand while slicing vegetables and need to get stitches.”

Excuse #4: Hazardous weather.

We can’t control the weather and some are more comfortable driving in various weather-related conditions than others. Sometimes a company will close whenever there is snow or ice in the forecast, but sometimes not.

It is at the discretion of the employee to determine whether he feels it is safe to drive. 

“According to the latest weather report, there are currently blizzard conditions that I’m not comfortable driving in.” “Since the roads are icy this morning, I feel it is too treacherous to drive to work this morning.” “The forecast shows dangerous ice and snow will be on the road before the workday ends today. Therefore, I will be taking a personal day as I don’t feel comfortable risking the drive.”

Excuse #5: A parent is seriously ill.

It’s difficult when our parents are unwell, and especially, as their condition deteriorates. As their children, we want to be there for them and often need to be. For help with writing a letter or absence for family matters, check out this article . 

“My mother is not feeling well. I feel it’s best if I took her to get checked out at the hospital.” “My father is in the hospital and the prognosis is dire. I need to be with him.” “Please accept this as a formal reason for my absence today due to my assistance being needed by my mother as she is ill.”

Excuse #6: A mental health day.

Everyone needs a day of self-care to rejuvenate from time to time. Even if you have a career you love, it helps, particularly mentally, to take a mental health day.

While you may not feel that you deserve a day to yourself, or you may feel guilty for taking the time, remember that to be the best you, and the best employee you can be, you need to take care of yourself. 

“In an effort to prioritize my mental health, I am requesting to take a mental health day.” “As I’m sure you know, working on XY project has required much overtime. I would like to request a mental health day to help me refresh and be better suited to achieve the same level of effort on my next project as I have on the previous one.” “I’m unable to come to work today due to personal reasons. I hope you’ll understand.”

Excuse #7: Food poisoning.

It can make you feel so miserable you cannot imagine feeling good again. If your body is subjected to food poisoning, you definitely will want to call out of work. 

“I believe I’ve eaten something that is not agreeing with me. I need to stay home and heal today.” “I’m not feeling well today and will need to take the day off to recover.” “I’ve scheduled a doctor’s appointment as I’m not feeling well today and will need time to recuperate.”

Excuse #8: That time of the month.

Sometimes the reason for calling out of work is something you may not care to share, as in when you’re miserable because of your menstrual cycle. It can cause a woman to experience abdominal cramps, lower back aches, migraines, and more.

Of course, depending on your relationship with your boss, you may feel comfortable sharing the reason for your calling out. If you need to muster up your courage to use this excuse, we’ve written an article that may help you feel like a warrior. 

“I’m not feeling well today. I need to take a sick day.” “It’s that time of the month and I’m not handling it well. I need to take a day to feel better.” “Please accept this request to take a sick day as I am unwell.”

Excuse #9: Recent injury.

If you’ve recently been hurt or hurt yourself and feel you need some time off, even if you’ve recently returned to work after an absence due to the injury, this may be a good excuse to offer. 

“I’m having a lot of pain in my foot since the operation and need a day to rest and recover a bit more.” “I slipped and broke my tooth and will need to see the dentist today.” “I need a day off to recover from an injury. I’ll provide a doctor’s note when I return.”

Excuse #10: A last-minute request to participate in a funeral.

Sometimes we cannot anticipate when we’ll be called upon to provide support. You may find yourself in a position to help ease a family’s pain by sharing in their grief at a funeral or memorial service. 

“A close friend recently passed and his family has asked me to participate in his funeral arrangements.” “Due to personal reasons, I’ll be unable to come to work today and am requesting to take a personal day.” “I’ve been asked to give the eulogy at a funeral and will need to take some personal time off.”

Excuse #11: A contagious illness.

If you have a disease that you may spread to your coworkers, you'll want to take a sick day, which is the most kind thing you can do to protect them. 

“I'm experiencing a fever today and feel it would unnecessarily expose my coworkers if I come into work. Therefore, I am requesting to take a sick day.” “Tests have shown I have the flu and will not be into work today; instead, I'll be taking a sick day and will keep you posted on when I can return.” “I'm currently experiencing pink eye and will be out of the office until it clears up in order not to expose anyone.”

Excuse #12: You've been exposed to a contagious illness.

This has become an acceptable excuse since COVID-19 came upon the scene. If you've been exposed, you may want to check CDC guidelines and follow any recommended quarantine guidance and take some time off if needed. 

“I was informed that I've been exposed to COVID-19 and need to be quarantined for x days.” “I've been exposed to x disease. I should be able to return to the office tomorrow per my doctor's advice.” “I've contacted my doctor for testing. I will return to the office once I'm sure I have not acquired the disease I've been exposed to.”

Excuse #13: A fire at your home.

This is definitely one of the good excuses to miss work on short notice, although having a fire at your home is definitely not good. Any manager should understand the need to call out for this excuse which can cause you all kinds of headaches and distress .  

“Unfortunately, I had a fire at my home last night and will need to take the day off.” “There was a fire at my home and I will need the day to find a temporary place to stay while cleaning and repairs are being done.” “My home caught fire and, while I'm thankful no one was injured, I will need some time off to take care of things.”

Excuse #14: Your car won’t start.

Oh, the frustration when our cars do not work properly! Sometimes it can be because of the cold or a faulty part. For whatever reason, car problems can leave you without transportation to your job. 

“My car would not start this morning and I need to take the day off to get it to the shop and repaired.” “This morning my car failed to start. The mechanic has an opening later today and I need to take time off to transport it and wait for repairs.” “I'm currently waiting for a tow truck to arrive as my car would not start this morning, leaving me without transportation to work.”

Excuse #15: A death in the family.

Sadly, there may come a time when one of your loved ones passes and you need to call out for work unexpectedly. 

“We've had a death in our family and I need to take some personal time off.” “Due to the death of my daughter, I will need some personal time off. I'll keep you posted on the arrangements.” “We've had a death in our family and I need to travel to my hometown. Therefore, I'll need to take some time off.”

Excuse #16: Illness or death of a pet.

Sadly, we usually outlive our beloved pets. They are often as dear to us as our family members. Experiencing grief, whether for a person or a pet, is difficult and is a good reason for taking time off work. Also, when our pets are sick, it's understandable that we need to care for them. 

“I need some time off to grieve the passing of my sweet pup which I've had for 12 years.” “I have an appointment this morning to take my pet to the veterinarian and will need some unexpected time off.” “I woke up this morning to my favorite cat being sick. I'm waiting to hear back about getting an appointment at the vet's office.”

Excuse #17: A package arriving needs your signature.

This can happen any time of the year but especially during the holidays as we usually send and receive more packages. Some require signatures in order to be delivered and you may need to take some time off to ensure you are home when the package arrives. 

“I just received a notification that a delivery requiring a signature is due to be delivered to my residence today. I will need some time off to make sure I'm home during that time.” “I need to be home to sign for a package today. I've ensured coverage for my responsibilities and am requesting a personal day off.” “Please accept this request for a personal day off as I am expecting a package that I must sign for.”

Excuse #18: You need to wait for a repairman.

There are many reasons you might need a repairman at your home. From time to time, something will break that needs attention. Being able to provide a good excuse in order to stay home during these times, is important. 

“My refrigerator stopped working this morning and I’ve called a repair service. The window of time includes most of the day so I need to take a personal day in order to be here when the repairman arrives.” “Unfortunately, my heating unit is broken and I need to wait for a HVAC repairman to arrive. Please accept my request to take a personal day off.” “I need to request a personal day off as an electrician is working to get the power restored at my home.”

Excuse #19: An opening at a doctor’s office.

Sometimes it’s difficult to get an appointment when we’d like it. We often end up waiting a month or two or more for certain appointments. When we get a call that someone has canceled and asked if we want the appointment, well, I would jump on it, wouldn’t you? Then, the next step is having to call out of work in order to keep the appointment.

“I finally have an appointment that I’ve tried to secure for a while. I will need some time off to keep it.” “I’d like to take a personal day in order to keep a much-needed appointment.” “I just found out that I have the opportunity to make an appointment for today. I’ll need to take some personal time.”

Excuse #20: Internet outages if you’re working remotely.

Experiencing problems with Wi-Fi and wired connections happen from time to time. When they do, it’s impossible to get work done.

“Our service provider is working on the outage and has not provided an estimated time of completion. Therefore, I will take a personal day since I am unable to complete my work.” “I am requesting a day off as I am unable to work due to an internet outage.” “Please consider this request for a personal day as I have no internet service.”

Excuse #21: You have a migraine. Ouch!

Whenever a migraine hits, it’s often hard to function as the pain can be unbearable. Realize that you can share as much or as little as you want when giving an excuse that deals with your health. Often, it depends on the relationship with your boss and how open you wish to be when sharing your health issues. 

“I’m having a migraine today and will be unable to come into work.” “ I’m feeling ill this morning and will need to take a sick day.” “Please know that I am sick and will be unable to come to work today.”

Excuse #22.  Dental Emergency

Breaking a tooth or having a filling fall out can be extremely painful and need immediate dental attention. You won't be able to work with the pain. Most people can understand the pain dental emergencies create.

“I broke my tooth when I misjudged at the gym and I need to get to the dentist immediately.” “A filling fell out and the nerves in my tooth are exposed so I need to have it fixed.” “My kid fell and knocked out a tooth and I need to take them to the dentist to have it reattached.”

Excuse #23. Childcare Issues

When you have children, things can happen that leave you without childcare. You can't leave your child alone and finding replacement care isn't always easy. Using this too often, however, can make your employer wonder if you are ready to work.

“My babysitter called off at the last minute and I can't get in touch with anyone as a backup” “My child's daycare is closed today because of plumbing issues, so I need to stay home with my child.” “My mother normally takes care of the baby but she had a medical problem that required she go to the doctor.”

Excuse #24. Public Transportation Issue

Normally, buses are dependable, but things can happen that make them need to interrupt their service. If you depend on them as your sole transportation, you can't help what happens.”

“My bus broke down and we are stranded here waiting for the repair people to come and check it out.” “There was an accident in front of our bus and the driver and all passengers are required to stay here and give our statements to the police.” “The weather is creating at least a two-hour delay on some buses and has caused some routes to be canceled for today.”

Excuse #25. Allergic Reaction

Allergic reactions can be minor or they can be severe. We know what things we are normally allergic to, but sometimes something comes along that causes a surprise reaction.

“I started a new medication and it is causing an allergic reaction that I need to contact my doctor about. He may want to see me.” “I woke up this morning with hives all over my body and need to get them checked out to see what caused the allergic reaction.” “My seasonal allergies are particularly bad today and I need to get some medication and rest.”

Excuse #26. You Witnessed/Were Affected By a Crime

Some people are more likely to witness a crime than others, depending on the kind of environment they live in. Regardless, when you witness a crime, you are not only traumatized but also obligated to talk with any police on the scene. 

“I witnessed a robbery at the corner store while waiting for the bus and the police need me to come down to the station to give a statement.” “A neighbor's house was broken into and the neighbor attacked. She came to me for help and I need to stay with her until help arrives and she is taken to safety.” “One of my windows was shot out in a drive-by shooting today and I am too upset to work today. I need to take the day to process what happened.”

Excuse #27. Friend or Family Member is Suicidal

Sometimes you are the one person a friend or family member comes to when they are in a crisis. You can't tell them to hang on until you get home from work; you need to be there until they are in a safe place. The system is often slow as it is overwhelmed and this can take time.

“My friend called and is in a bad place mentally. I need to go as she has attempted suicide before and mentioning it now.” “I've been waiting for a couple of hours now for a crisis representative to come and transport my suicidal friend to the hospital. I can't leave until help comes.” “My friend's roommate called and said he is suicidal and left the apartment. Nobody can find him. I need to go and see if we can locate him and get help.”

Excuse #28. Power Outage (when working from home)

Nobody can predict when there will be a power outage. If you are working from home, this is a major problem. It is even worse if it is during the winter.

“The wind blew a tree down on a power line and the electricity is out on our whole block. They have no clue when it will be on.” “The power is out in this entire area because a transformer blew and the power company is doing its best to get it back on.” “My power went out and this means the furnace is also out. I need to find a place to stay until it is back on.”

Excuse #29. Child or Pet is Missing

You can't think of anything else when you don't know your children or pets are safe. If they happen to run away, you need to take the time to concentrate on finding them.

“My daughter and I had an argument and she left. I haven't been able to find her for several hours and she left her cell phone here.” “My dog slipped past me when I opened the door and I can't find him. I need to look for him because he's never been outside unaccompanied before.” “My cat got out and I can't find him. I need to go out and see if I can locate him and be here should he come home.”

Excuse #30. School Called and Needs You to Go In

Kids aren't always model students and you have to go get them from school. At other times, accidents and illnesses occur unexpectedly and you get called. You can't just leave your child there.

“My son got hurt in gym class and the school nurse wants me to take him to the ER to have his leg checked out.” “My daughter got suspended and I need to go in for a conference and need to bring her home.” “My kid is in the nurse's office complaining of an upset stomach and they have a slight fever. I need to pick them up,”

Excuse #31. Out-of-town Guests Coming in Unexpectedly

Situations happen that require a change of plans. Maybe the person picking up relatives can't make it or maybe this is a last-minute situation. In either case, you don't want to leave them stranded at the airport or train station.

“My son, who is in the military, just surprised me by announcing he is coming in for a three-day leave and I want to pick him up at the airport.” “My sister has a big convention she is attending in town and her ride fell through at the last minute. She called for me to pick her up because I'm the only one she knows in the city.” “My cousin's mother passed and he needs help with picking up relatives at the train station and places for them to stay while in town.”

Final Thoughts on Good Excuses to Miss Work on Short Notice

Whichever excuse fits your circumstances, it’s important to note the value of integrity and respect when calling out of work… especially on short notice. If you are in a toxic work environment where your career could be in jeopardy for requesting the day… you want to be sure to stay in the boss’s good graces by saying just the right thing and ensuring your excuse is believable .

When situations occur that necessitate finding good excuses to miss work on short notice, the examples we’ve shared will help you to successfully make your case and prove your excuse is valid. Good communication in vital for calling out for work… and is just as important as the excuse itself.

Plus, you may earn additional respect from your boss for making the effort to appropriately communicate when you must miss work without much notice, especially if you’re offered a chance to make it right somehow.

Also be sure to express gratitude for their understanding. Doing so never falls on deaf ears.  

Finally, if you want to ask better questions, then watch this short, 20-minute course to learn how to have a great conversation with virtually anyone .

22 Bulletproof Excuses To Get Out Of Work

You’ll need a reason — okay, call it a bulletproof excuse to get out of work . Unfortunately, “I don’t want to work today” doesn’t usually go over too well with managers.

We turned to our list of contributors to learn about their tried-and-true best excuses for missing work. After sifting through many responses, we organized 22 into the categories below.

Click on the links below to jump to a section that works for you:

• Bulletproof excuses only (that better be true)
• Traditional excuses to get out of work
• Medical reasons
• The full list with explanations

Bulletproof Excuses To Get Out Of Work (The Big Ones)

Here are the seven most bulletproof excuses to get out of work, but they better be true:

Car accident

Death of a loved one, family emergency.

• Just feeling sick (unspecified illness)
• Child is sick
• Mom is sick

Warning: Possible Karmic Retribution For Using Those

Excuses To Get Out Of Work: The Traditional Ones

• Bad weather/natural disaster
• Car trouble
• Family commitment

Home repairs

• Medical appointment
• Public transit problems

Tech difficulties

• Attending work-related seminar/conference/skill-builder

Medical Excuses To Miss Work

• Awaiting COVID-19 test results

Food poisoning

• Mental health day
• Tested positive for COVID-19

22 Good Excuses To Miss Work, Explained

In an ideal world, a manager will accept “I can’t come in to work today” without question (even if it’s on short notice ). The list below goes into more detail about each option we just shared, so get reading if you need to provide an explanation.

Bad weather and/or natural disasters

Circumstances beyond your control, such as bad weather, may prevent you from making it to work. These are conditions over which you have no control, such as the occurrence of a storm, flight delay, or earthquake. Don’t bother phoning in if it’s something you might have prepared for in advance. Your employer probably won’t think too highly of you if you do that. — Angelico Trentino of NC CuttingTools

Accidents are the ultimate excuse for getting out of work on short notice because they are, by definition, unpredictable. An accident doesn’t necessarily have to involve you directly, either. A spouse, child, or dependent who needs your help after an accident is a valid excuse for missing work. — Thomas Lewis of RIP City Reviews

The death of a loved one, whether they be a family or a friend, is difficult. Taking time off from work and other responsibilities to grieve is understandable. It’s important to give your employer as much advance notice as possible so they can prepare for your absence. Some companies have bereavement policies that allow workers to temporarily step away from their jobs without jeopardizing their employment. — Josh Thill of THRIVE ENGINE

It can be hilarious, but diarrhea is self-diagnosed, and you don’t always need to get to a hospital. Don’t worry, the HR department won’t ask for any proof — and you can get better at home. — Lauri Kinkar of Messente

Family commitments

If you have an important family event or obligation that requires your presence, you can use it as a valid excuse. It’s important to remember that you may need to provide proof of this event, however. — Jimmy Huh of JH SEO

A family emergency is one of the best excuses for calling out of work because you often won’t have to answer many follow-up questions or go into great detail. This is a reason to miss work that the normal supervisor will accept without much hesitation or question. However, if you use this justification for missing work, be prepared to be questioned if the situation has changed. —Mark Blakey of Autism Parenting Magazine

Food poisoning, as most people understand it, is characterized by episodes of vomiting and diarrhea in addition to general unpleasantness. Nobody is going to ask you any questions about this, and the vast majority of the time, you won’t even need to visit the doctor for it. Get as much Gatorade as you can. — Tia Campbell of Practice Reasoning Tests

General car trouble

This is, in my professional opinion, one of the finest excuses for being late to work. It’s by far the most common and convenient reason individuals use (unless you take other means of transportation, of course). Inform your manager that your vehicle did not start this morning and you are bringing it to the mechanic. Since you lack transportation to work, you may request to remain at home. — Tom Miller of FitnessVolt

Emergencies at home might occur at any time. Maybe you had a little fire in the morning when you were making breakfast. The boiler may have failed. The gas main broke. A bedbug inspector is coming to your house because you discovered an infestation in your bedroom. All of these situations are genuine emergencies that should be treated as such and merit a day off from work. If your supervisor needs verification, feel free to send over a photo. If not, an email will do (along with a notification, if possible). — Timothy Allen of Corporate Investigation Consulting

I have an appointment

Missing a day of work for one appointment is a valid excuse. I know from experience that when you have something else on the go that is outside of your normal routine, it can be tough to concentrate on your everyday tasks. This can greatly impact the level of work you do, as well as your motivation. — Brian Ferritto of 42connect

I have COVID

Even if you don’t feel sick, you could still be spreading the COVID virus. Consider CDC, municipal, and workplace rules, as well as your vaccination status, before coming into the office if you or someone close to you has tested positive. When determining your time of work return, you should also consider these suggestions. — Michael Hess of Code Signing Store

I have a medical appointment

If the only time you can schedule a medical appointment is during work hours, you should be able to miss part of your work day to attend it. Managers should always be looking out for the health of their workers, and a medical appointment is a good enough reason to miss work. — Anthony Martin of Choice Mutual

I have a migraine

Since most supervisors are aware of how painful migraines can be, using migraine as an excuse to skip a full day of work virtually guarantees that no questions will be asked. You won’t have to give your boss a long story or make up more falsehoods when you get back to the workplace, unlike making up another medical problem or saying you have a doctor’s appointment. Simply explain that you are currently lying down in the dark while making this phone call and that you can hardly see into the light if your supervisor ever queries or doubts you. — Cynthia Hamilton of OGLF

My kid is sick

As a single parent, relying on school and care outside of school hours to mind your child is essential, particularly when you are employed full-time. At times when grandparents are unable to provide care, taking a day off work to care for a sick child is really the only option. — Mark Jimenez of Sensible Dollar

My mom is sick

No matter what you do, you never ignore your mother’s health. So, when an employee comes up with this reason, you’ve got no option but to give them a day off. If your mother is unwell, it’s understandable that she needs help at home and you need to be physically present to help her get the rest she needs. While this is a believable reason, many employees lie and use it as a reason to justify missing work. — Anu Gadway of StarLinkHow

Being a parent who also has a job may be challenging, but this is particularly true in unusual circumstances, such as during a pandemic. If you do not have access to daycare and your young children are not enrolled in school, your only real option is to take a sick day from work. There is nothing else you can do. When compared to other justifications for calling out, this one needs less evidence and proof. — Tyler Seeger of Retirement Being

Public transportation problems

Delays in mass transit could cause you to arrive late or miss work. Since this type of situation is generally out of your control, you can use it as an excuse to be late. — Max Shak of survivalgearshack.com

If your work device is not working, you cannot work. Explain you have booked an emergency appointment to get it looked at, and say you have to miss work, because you can’t work via your phone. — Ella Ding of Smoothies N Cookies

Work-related commitments

Some companies allow absence or early departure if you have an opportunity for professional development. To reassure your employer that your time away from the workplace is constructive, describe the positive effects these experiences will have on job-related skills and output. — Jeff Romero of Octiv Digital

You’re waiting for COVID results

Protecting yourself and others has never been more important, especially with the new variant on the rise! So, what better excuse to miss work than mentioning you have symptoms of COVID and are awaiting test results? — Sarah Kay of Sincerely Essie

You need a mental health day

Taking a day off to focus on one’s own well-being is essential at times. Maybe you’ve been working too much or spending too much time at home, and you need a break to get some rest, do some chores, or just unwind. It’s entirely acceptable to need a day for oneself. A day off won’t cure your mental health issues, but giving yourself some extra time off will help you recharge so that you can be there for yourself and your job in a better way. — Tia Campbell of Practice Reasoning Tests

You’re just not feeling good

You won’t be able to give your best performance or accomplish anything when severely ill. It’s for the best if you take the day off to rest and recover, then come back to work when you’re feeling 100%. If you work in an office, you should think about the other individuals you’d be in contact with, even if you feel like you can still do your job despite your illness. Whether it’s the common cold, the stomach flu, or something more severe like COVID-19, spreading illness at work is never welcome. Do some of your work from home if you have the option. If you feel you can’t face work, let your manager know that you’re sick and when you expect to be back. Contact your primary care physician via phone or electronic message if your employer mandates a doctor’s note. — EDWARD MELLET of WikiJob

Want to see some more ideas?

Click here to see excuses to work from home , here for reasons to leave work early , or here for excuses on short notice . You’ll see some overlap, but those lists were created specifically for those categories.

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• Last updated January 9, 2024

19 of the Best Excuses to Miss Work

Plus, five messages to send your boss when you need to be out

We all need unexpected time off work sometimes, whether an emergency comes up or you got a bad case of food poisoning. Every company is different, so there are a few ways to handle these situations.

Some managers may regularly remind you of all that paid time off you’re building up, making sure you take your personal or vacation days each month. But, some workplaces just aren’t as flexible on what you can do, even if they offer you a certain amount of time off. There could be lots of different expectations about actually using it.

So, adapt this advice to your own place of work. In general, to stay in your employer’s good graces, you should always:

Avoid calling in at the last minute.

Pay attention to how much you’re taking off each month.

Ask your manager when you have questions.

Watch how other people are handling time off at your job (and how management reacts).

Avoid lying or fabricating an illness or family death.

Avoid posting on social media if you are still out doing things on a sick day .

Give your manager just enough information and not too much explaining.

Have a plan for any project or deadline you’re missing.

Avoid telling your boss you are hungover or forgot to come in.

Remember that not all days off require an excuse. For instance, personal days should be used however you want them, even if that means you’re going to the spa. But if it’s last minute, you need to have a good reason.

Read more: Unlimited PTO: As Good As It Sounds?

Here are 19 good excuses to miss work and how to share them with your manager. 

1. personal illness.

The most common reason to call into work is sickness. If you’re feeling ill, have a fever, or can’t keep your breakfast down, everyone will appreciate you staying home. Even if you work remotely, ask for the day off so you can rest.

Contact your manager as soon as you know you need to take off. Keep it short and sweet, something like: “I have a fever so I won’t be able to work today.” Keep your manager updated about your condition each day.

2. Family emergency

Unexpected crises happen all the time that may keep you from being at work. Maybe a family member got into an accident or someone is in the hospital with a serious illness. Perhaps a nurse didn’t show up for your aging parent and you have to step in for care that day. Sometimes it’s absolutely enough to tell your boss: “I’m dealing with a family emergency and can’t come in today.” 

Depending on expectations and your relationship, you may want to give a few other details so they know what’s going on and how long you may be out.

3. Death of a loved one

Lots of organizations have dedicated bereavement leave when a close family member passes away. Even if your job doesn’t offer this benefit, they will hopefully understand if you’re not at work following a death. Tell your manager as soon as you can about what’s happened, or have a friend or other family member let them know. 

Check in when you can and tell them when services will be held and when you may want to come back to work. Hopefully, they will work with you on a realistic timeline that feels comfortable to you.

4. Medical appointment

It’s important to have regular checkups, whether with a general physician, dentist, eye doctor, OBGYN, or other specialist. Don’t be afraid to tell your manager that you have to miss work to take care of these appointments since they are crucial to maintaining your health and wellbeing. 

5. Car trouble

Sometimes there’s no way to get to work when your car breaks down or you’re in an accident. Even if you’re unharmed, you still have to deal with your insurance company and car repairs, so you need time to get these details worked out. 

Simply tell your manager what’s going on: “My car won’t start so I have to take it to the shop. I’ll keep you posted.” You may be able to rent a car or get a ride after that, but always let them know.

6. Public transportation issue

Hopefully, a delayed bus or train won’t impact your entire day, but sometimes there’s nothing you can do except wait. Text or Slack your manager that there are significant issues and that you’ll be there as soon as you’re able. You can also send them a screenshot of public transit alerts or news articles to show them why you’re not there.

7. Home emergency

Especially if you own your home, there are always unexpected issues to take care of. If a pipe bursts or your basement is flooding, you need to deal with it now. Tell your boss the situation: “I woke up to a flooded basement so I have to be here when the workers arrive.” 

8. Mental health issue

You may need a personal day here and there for your mental health. Or, maybe you’re dealing with a condition and can’t imagine going into work. Don’t feel any shame or hesitation about calling in when you are struggling. Simply tell your boss that you’re having a hard time with a mental or emotional issue and are unable to come to work. You could also say, “I really need a mental health day today.”

If it’s an ongoing problem and you’re unsure when you’ll be back, you should meet with them to discuss options for a disability absence or other arrangement.

9. Child care problems

Parents have to deal with ensuring their children are cared for during the day before they can get themselves to the office. When a babysitter doesn’t show up, there’s not much some people can do on the spot to get care. Tell your boss you have no other option and need to stay with your child.

10. Pet emergency

Sometimes you can’t get to the office if your dog or cat needs immediate medical care. If it’s a last-minute need, send your boss a message that your pet’s condition is worsening and they need to see the vet right away. Otherwise, you may want to ask in advance about taking time off for a vet appointment, though some workplaces won’t mind you using personal time for routine check-ups.

Read more: All You Need To Know About Taking a Leave of Absence

11. Severe weather conditions

Extreme weather conditions like heavy snowstorms, hurricanes, or severe flooding can make commuting unsafe or impossible. Notify your manager about the hazardous weather conditions preventing you from coming to work. Provide any relevant updates or news reports to substantiate your claim.

12. Jury duty

If you receive a summons for jury duty, it is your civic duty to fulfill your obligation. Inform your manager promptly about your jury duty notice and provide them with the necessary documentation. Be prepared to provide an estimate of how long the trial is expected to last, as it may affect your availability in the coming days.

13. School-related commitments

If you have children or are pursuing higher education yourself, there may be occasions when school-related commitments arise unexpectedly. This could include attending a parent-teacher conference, accompanying your child on a field trip, or participating in a mandatory class or workshop. Inform your manager in advance about these commitments to arrange for time off or adjust your schedule accordingly.

14. Personal relocation

Moving to a new home can be a time-consuming process that may require taking a day or two off work. Whether you are packing, coordinating with movers, or settling into your new residence, notify your manager about your relocation plans and request the necessary time off in advance.

15. Important personal appointments

There are times when you need to attend significant personal appointments that cannot be scheduled outside of work hours. This could include meeting with a financial advisor, attorney, therapist, or other professionals. Communicate with your manager about the appointment and the importance of attending it, ensuring you provide sufficient notice.

16. Community service or volunteering

If you participate in community service or volunteer work, there may be occasions when you need to miss work to contribute to a cause or attend a specific event. Inform your manager about your commitment to community service and provide details about the organization or event you will be involved in.

17. Passport or visa issues

If you are planning an international trip and encounter unexpected complications with your passport or visa, you may need to allocate time to resolve these issues. Notify your manager about the situation and explain that you need to take off to address the passport or visa problem promptly.

18. Personal celebration or milestone event

Occasionally, personal celebrations or milestone events arise that are significant to you or your loved ones. Whether it's a special anniversary, birthday, or graduation, communicate with your manager about the event and request time off to celebrate or attend the gathering.

19. Conflicting appointments or double booking

Mistakes happen, and there may be instances where you unintentionally schedule multiple appointments or commitments simultaneously. When faced with a conflicting appointment or double booking, immediately inform your manager about the situation, apologize for the inconvenience caused, and discuss the best course of action to resolve the conflict.

These scenarios and more are valid reasons to miss work. But not every day off needs a reason. Don’t miss our guide to why you should play hooky —and 14 things you should do with your time. 

Plus, five example templates when you need to miss work unexpectedly

Subject: Unexpected Absence

Dear [Boss's name],

I apologize for the short notice, but I won't be able to come into work today due to an unexpected illness. I'll ensure that all my pending tasks are handed over to [colleague's name] and will be available to assist remotely if needed. I'll keep you updated on my progress and hope to be back in the office tomorrow.

Thank you for your understanding.

Best regards,

[Your name]

Subject: Family Emergency

Hi [Boss's name],

I have a family emergency that requires my immediate attention, and I won't be able to make it to work today. I'll inform [team member's name] to cover my responsibilities in my absence. If there are any urgent matters, please feel free to contact me via phone or email.

Thank you for your support.

Kind regards,

Subject: Car Troubles

I'm facing unexpected car troubles this morning, and it will prevent me from reaching the office on time. I have contacted [colleague's name] to handle any pressing issues on my behalf. I'll do my best to resolve the situation quickly and be back at work as soon as possible.

Subject: Sudden Illness of a Child

I regret to inform you that my child has fallen ill, and I need to stay home to take care of them. I have informed [team member's name] about my situation and will ensure that any pending tasks are delegated appropriately. If there's anything urgent, I'll be available remotely to assist.

Thank you for your consideration.

Subject: Personal Medical Appointment

I have a previously scheduled medical appointment that I cannot reschedule, and it falls during work hours today. I will make sure to complete any necessary preparations before leaving and inform [team member's name] to handle any pressing matters in my absence. I will be reachable via email if needed.

Remember to always notify your boss as soon as possible and follow any established company procedures for reporting absences. Be honest and clear about the reason for your absence and offer to help with any necessary arrangements to ensure your responsibilities are covered during your time away.

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Excuses To Miss Work: How to Call In and Get The Day Off (+ Examples!)

Discover practical and believable excuses to miss work with our easy guide. Learn to craft credible reasons while maintaining professionalism.

In today's fast-paced and demanding work environment, finding a legitimate and acceptable excuse to miss work can be challenging yet necessary. Having a believable reason to take a day off can be invaluable for personal well-being, family responsibilities, or unexpected emergencies. 

This article delves into a range of excuses you can use to miss work, balancing the need for honesty with the realities of professional life. From medical appointments to unforeseen home emergencies, we provide a comprehensive guide to help you navigate these situations professionally and tactfully.

Common Excuses to Miss Work: A Closer Look

When it comes to excuses to miss work, some are timeless classics.

Illness, family emergencies, and car troubles top the list.

But how do these excuses hold up under scrutiny?

Analyzing their effectiveness reveals much about workplace dynamics.

Illness: The Go-To Excuse

"Feeling under the weather" is perhaps the most used excuse to miss work.

It's effective because it's difficult to disprove and often garners sympathy.

However, overuse or poor timing can raise suspicions.

Consider the case of an employee who calls in sick every Friday.

Family Emergencies: A Sensitive Excuse

Family emergencies are a more sensitive excuse to miss work.

These are generally respected due to their serious nature.

However, they require a delicate balance to maintain credibility.

Repeated use can lead to questions about their authenticity.

Car Troubles: A Practical Dilemma

Car troubles are a practical reason to miss work.

They convey a sense of urgency and unpredictability.

However, their effectiveness might diminish in the age of remote work and public transportation.

Creative Excuses: Thinking Outside the Box

Moving beyond the typical excuses, some employees get creative.

From pet-related emergencies to waiting for a delivery, the variety is endless.

But do these creative excuses to miss work hold up?

Let's analyze a few examples.

Pet Emergencies: A New-Age Excuse

With the rise of pet ownership, "my pet is sick" has become a newer excuse to miss work.

It taps into the understanding of pet owners as family members.

However, like other excuses, it risks losing its effectiveness if overused.

Waiting for a Delivery: The Modern-Day Dilemma

In an era of online shopping, waiting for a crucial delivery has emerged as an excuse to miss work.

While the item's importance might seem trivial, it can justify the absence if you expect something valuable or large (think furniture or a new computer).

This excuse, however, is often met with skepticism, especially if it sounds like poor planning on your part.

Impact of Missing Work

Using any excuse to miss work isn't just about taking a day off; it has broader implications typically outlined in your employer's time off policy .

It affects team dynamics, project timelines, and even personal credibility.

Understanding these impacts is crucial for both employees and employers.

The Effect on Team Dynamics

When someone uses an excuse to miss work, it often shifts the burden to their teammates.

This can lead to resentment or increased stress within the team.

Balancing personal needs with team responsibilities is vital.

Project Timelines and Professional Reliability

Frequent absences, even with valid excuses to miss work, can delay project timelines.

It also raises questions about an employee's reliability and commitment.

This can impact career progression and trust within the organization in the long term.

Smaller Paycheck

Missing a day of work can impact your bottom line. Depending on your employer’s time off policies, you may not get paid for your day off. You may want to calculate your work hours for the week or pay period to confirm you can afford the day off before you call in. 

When Excuses Turn Counterproductive

There's a thin line between a genuine need for time off and misusing excuses.

Abusing last-minute requests for time off can backfire.

It can lead to disciplinary actions or even job loss.

Being aware of the consequences is vital.

The Risk of Getting Caught

In the age of social media, getting caught lying about why you needed to miss work is easier than ever.

A quick browse through Instagram or Facebook can reveal the truth.

The fallout from getting caught can be damaging both professionally and personally.

Long-Term Repercussions on Professional Reputation

Using dodgy excuses to miss work can tarnish one's professional reputation.

It can lead to being passed over for promotions or needing to be trusted with important tasks.

Maintaining honesty and integrity is crucial in the professional sphere.

Best Practices for Using Excuses to Miss Work

While it's understandable to need a day off occasionally, how one handles the situation matters.

Communicating honestly and promptly can make all the difference.

Here are some best practices when using an excuse to miss work.

Timely and Honest Communication

If you need to request a day off on short notice, do it honestly and communicate as soon as possible.

Last-minute excuses are more likely to be met with skepticism.

Honesty fosters trust and understanding from supervisors and colleagues.

Understanding Workplace Policies

Each workplace has its policies regarding absences.

Understanding and adhering to these policies is essential when letting your boss know you can’t make it to work.

It shows respect for the rules and helps maintain a professional image.

Balancing Personal and Professional Life

Finding a balance between personal needs and professional responsibilities is vital.

Using an excuse to miss work should be a rare occurrence, not a habit.

This balance is crucial for long-term career success and personal well-being.

Navigating Through Acceptable Excuses to Miss Work

Choosing the right reason can be a nuanced art.

It's about finding a balance between believability and respect for workplace norms.

Let's explore some examples of excuses that are generally acceptable and how to present them.

Medical Appointments: A Legitimate Need

Medical appointments are a commonly accepted reason to get out of work.

They are not only believable but also show a responsible attitude towards health.

Example: "I have a scheduled doctor’s appointment that I cannot postpone."

Mental Health Days: Prioritizing Well-being

Increasingly, taking a day off for mental health is becoming a valid excuse to miss work.

This reflects a growing awareness of the importance of mental well-being.

Example: "I need to take a day off for personal well-being to recharge."

Family Commitments: A Universal Understanding

Family commitments, like a child's school event or caring for a sick relative, are relatable excuses.

Most workplaces understand the importance of family.

Example: "I need to attend my child’s school function, which is important for our family."

Home Emergencies: Unpredictable Yet Valid

Home emergencies like a burst pipe or power outage are valid reasons to miss work.

They are unforeseen events that demand immediate attention.

Example: "A plumbing emergency at home requires my immediate attention, and I must address it."

Professional Development Opportunities

Attending a workshop or conference can be a way to get out of work that benefits your career.

It shows a commitment to professional growth.

Example: "I have the opportunity to attend a workshop that is crucial for my professional development."

Crafting Your Excuse: Tips and Strategies

Presenting your excuse to miss work effectively is as important as the excuse itself.

Here are some strategies to ensure your excuse is received positively.

Be Specific But Not Overly Detailed

When using an excuse to miss work, be specific enough to be believable but avoid excessive details that might raise doubts.

Example: Rather than saying, "I’m not feeling well," specify, "I have a severe migraine and need to rest."

Timing Your Communication Effectively

Timing is crucial when communicating your excuse to miss work.

Only wait until the last minute if the situation is genuinely emergent.

Example: If you have a medical appointment, inform your employer a few days before.

Offering Solutions and Showing You Care

Provide a way to make up for missed time along with your request to miss work.

This shows responsibility and minimizes the impact of your absence.

Example: "I will miss work tomorrow due to a doctor’s appointment, but I have prepared a project update in advance."

Excuses to Avoid: Red Flags in the Workplace

While many reasons to miss work are valid, some can raise red flags.

It may be best to try excuses to work from home instead of asking for the day off.

Understanding which excuses to avoid can help maintain your professional integrity.

Overused Excuses: Losing Credibility

Repetitive use of the same excuse can lead to questions about its authenticity.

Example: Frequently citing car troubles can become less believable over time.

Implausible Excuses: Risking Professional Image

Implausible or outlandish excuses can harm your professional image.

They can portray you as untrustworthy or not serious about your job.

Example: Claiming an abduction by aliens, though humorous, is not advisable.

Excuses Involving Dishonesty: Ethical Boundaries

Any reason to miss work that involves lying or deceit is a definite no.

This not only risks immediate consequences but can also damage your long-term career.

Example: Calling in sick and being seen at a concert can have serious repercussions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Excuses to Miss Work

What are some believable excuses to miss work.

Believable excuses often relate to personal health, family responsibilities, or unforeseen emergencies. Examples include illness, medical appointments, caring for a sick family member, or dealing with a home emergency like a power outage.

How can I make my excuse to miss work sound more credible?

Be specific but not overly detailed to make your excuse sound more credible. Provide an apparent, concise reason, and notify your employer in advance. Honesty and consistency in your explanation also add to its credibility.

Can I take a mental health day as an excuse to miss work?

Yes, taking a mental health day is increasingly being recognized as a valid excuse to miss work. Many employers understand the importance of mental well-being and support employees taking time off for mental health reasons. It's best to communicate this need respectfully and professionally.

Will I still earn overtime if I call in sick?

Whether you earn overtime after calling in sick depends on your employer's policies and the labor laws in your region. Typically, overtime is calculated based on actual hours worked. They usually wouldn't count toward overtime calculations if you call in sick and do not work those hours. However, some employers may have different policies, especially if you've worked extra hours during the rest of the workweek. It's important to check your company's employee handbook or speak with your HR department for specific details related to overtime calculations in the event of sick leave.

What should I avoid saying as an excuse to miss work?

Avoid overused, implausible, or dishonest excuses. Examples to avoid include vague illnesses without specifics, fantastical scenarios, or anything that involves lying. Maintaining professionalism and honesty is critical.

How can I excuse myself from work without providing too much personal information?

You can maintain privacy by being general yet believable when excusing yourself from work. For instance, saying "I need to handle a personal matter" or "I have a family obligation" can be sufficient. Respect for personal boundaries is essential in professional settings.

Do Time Off Policies Differ Between Part-Time and Full-Time Employees?

Yes, sick day policies often differ between part-time and full-time employees , depending on the company's policies and the labor laws in your area. Generally, full-time employees may access more comprehensive sick leave benefits, including paid sick days, than part-time employees. However, this can vary widely between organizations. Some companies offer prorated sick leave to part-time employees, while others may have different criteria for eligibility. It's advisable to consult your employer's sick leave policy or HR department for specific details regarding how sick day policies apply to your employment status.

Is it acceptable to miss work for a job interview?

While it is a common reason, it’s advisable not to explicitly state that you're missing work for another job interview. Instead, use a general but honest excuse, such as a personal appointment. It's essential to maintain professionalism and discretion in such situations.

Can I use the same excuse to miss work multiple times?

Using the same excuse to miss work multiple times can raise suspicions about its authenticity. It's better to vary your reasons if you must take time off on various occasions and ensure they are legitimate.

How do I handle a situation where my employer doubts my excuse?

If your employer doubts your excuse to miss work, respond with professionalism. If appropriate, offer additional information, such as a doctor's note for a medical reason. Transparency and communication are essential in such situations.

What are the risks of lying about an excuse to miss work?

Lying about why you must miss work can lead to severe consequences, including damaging your reputation, losing your employer’s trust, and even potential disciplinary action or termination. Honesty and integrity are crucial in the workplace.

How can I prepare my team for my absence from work?

When planning to miss work, communicate with your team as early as possible. Delegate tasks if necessary, provide updates on your projects, and ensure your absence won’t significantly disrupt the workflow. Being considerate of your team's needs reflects professionalism.

Examples of excuses to miss work:

• Medical Appointment: "I have a scheduled doctor's appointment that I cannot miss."
• Family Emergency: "There's an urgent family emergency I must attend to."
• Sick Day (Personal Illness): "I'm not feeling well today and need to take a sick day."
• Mental Health Day: "I need a day for personal well-being to recharge mentally."
• Childcare Issues: "My regular childcare has fallen through, and I need to make alternate arrangements."
• Home Emergency: "I have a home emergency, like a plumbing issue, that needs immediate attention."
• Car Troubles: "I'm experiencing car troubles and won't be able to make it in."
• Bereavement: "I've experienced a loss in the family and need some time to grieve."
• Pet Emergency: "My pet is unwell, and I must take them to the vet."
• Dental Emergency: "I have an unexpected dental emergency that needs immediate attention."
• Appointment with a Specialist: "I have an appointment with a specialist that's been hard to schedule."
• Public Transportation Issues: "My usual public transport route is disrupted, and I can't make it in."
• Severe Weather Conditions: "Due to severe weather conditions, it's unsafe for me to travel."
• Power Outage at Home: "There's a power outage at my place, impacting my ability to work remotely."
• School Event for a Child: "I need to attend an important school event for my child."
• Jury Duty: "I've been summoned for jury duty and will be unavailable."
• Attending a Workshop/Conference: "I'm attending a workshop/conference relevant to my role."
• House Move: "I'm moving houses and need a day to settle in."
• Health Screening or Test: "I have a scheduled health screening/test that I can't postpone."
• Volunteering Commitment: "I have a pre-planned volunteering commitment that I need to fulfill."

While there are many valid excuses for missing work, choosing and presenting the right reason responsibly is key.

Balancing personal needs with professional responsibilities and maintaining honesty and integrity should always be at the forefront.

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• Career Blog

Excuses for Missing Work: Last-Minute and Short-Notice Ideas

Excuses for missing work are inevitable at some point in our careers, and they come in different forms. As a copywriter and subject matter expert, it is important to understand the meaning of excuses for missing work, as well as the importance of last-minute and short-notice excuses. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about excuses for missing work.

Definition of Excuses for Missing Work

Excuses for missing work refer to reasons given by employees for their absence from work. These reasons can be either genuine or fabricated, and they range from medical emergencies, family crises, personal issues, among others. While some excuses are objectively important and require immediate attention, others are questionable and could be used as cover-ups for other activities. The key is to know when a genuine excuse is in order and when an alternative excuse will suffice.

Importance of Last-Minute and Short-Notice Excuses

Last-minute and short-notice excuses are important in situations where employees cannot provide advanced notice to their employers about their inability to show up for work. Examples of these situations include sudden illnesses, accidents, emergencies, and other unplanned events. In such cases, employees may not have enough time to seek a proper replacement or delegate their responsibilities to someone else. In addition, it is important to remember that employers need time to adjust schedules, delegate duties, or reach out to other employees to fill the gap left by an absent colleague. This is why employees need to be equipped with a variety of last-minute and short-notice excuses that are both plausible and acceptable.

Knowing when and how to communicate excuses for missing work is an essential skill for employees. It helps to foster a strong working relationship between employees and employers, and it is crucial in maintaining a healthy work ethic. In the next section, we will explore some of the most effective last-minute and short-notice excuses that employees can leverage on when in need.

Understanding Excuses for Missing Work

Missing work is a common occurrence among employees for various reasons. According to a survey by CareerBuilder, 40% of workers called in sick when they were feeling fine, and 23% of employees missed work due to a personal emergency. Here are some reasons why employees may miss work:

Reasons Why Employees Miss Work

Illness – This is the most common reason for employees to miss work. Employees may call in sick due to a minor or major illness or injury.

Personal emergencies – These may include family emergencies, car accidents, or unexpected events that require an employee’s immediate attention.

Stress – High levels of stress can lead to physical and mental health problems, which may cause an employee to miss work.

Burnout – Employees who feel overwhelmed and exhausted may need time off to recharge.

Family responsibilities – Employees may need to take time off to care for a sick child or elderly parent.

Inclement weather – Severe weather conditions can make it difficult or unsafe for employees to commute to work.

Differences Between Last-Minute and Short-Notice Excuses

There is a difference between a last-minute excuse and a short-notice excuse. A last-minute excuse is when an employee does not show up for work or gives a reason for missing work at the last minute. A short-notice excuse is when an employee gives their employer as much notice as possible that they will need to miss work.

Last-minute excuses can be frustrating for employers because they may not have time to find a replacement. Short-notice excuses are easier for employers to manage because they have more time to find a replacement or make arrangements for the employee’s absence.

Legal Considerations and Rights of Employees

It is important for employers to be aware of their employees’ legal rights when it comes to missing work. Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for their own medical condition or for the care of a family member.

Employees also have the right to take time off work for jury duty, military service, or to vote in an election.

Employers should have a policy in place for employees to report absences and should make sure that employees know their rights and responsibilities when it comes to missing work.

Employees may miss work for various reasons, and employers should be understanding and supportive. By having a policy in place and being aware of legal considerations, employers can manage employee absences in a fair and effective manner.

Last-Minute Excuses

Importance of timing.

When it comes to making excuses for missing work, timing is crucial. Waiting until the last minute to communicate your absence can influence how your boss and co-workers perceive your reasons for not showing up. For example, if you call in sick 30 minutes before your shift starts, your manager may be less likely to believe that you are truly ill than if you had notified them the night before.

Additionally, timing is important when considering the impact your absence will have on your colleagues. If you have a particularly important deadline or meeting, it may be better to make the effort to attend or find a way to participate remotely. However, if your absence won’t significantly impact your team’s productivity, then communicating your absence at the last minute may be more acceptable.

Examples of Acceptable Last-Minute Excuses

There are several legitimate reasons for calling in sick or missing work at the last minute. Some acceptable excuses may include:

• Sudden illness or injury
• Family emergency (e.g. child care, caring for an elderly relative)
• Car trouble or other transportation issues
• Unexpected house or apartment maintenance issues

It’s important to note that these excuses may not always be acceptable in every situation. For instance, if you have a history of calling in sick frequently, your boss may be less understanding if you use the same excuse repeatedly.

Strategies to Make Last-Minute Excuses More Effective

If you absolutely must miss work at the last minute, here are a few tips to help make your excuse more effective:

Be honest: While you may not want to divulge all the details of a personal situation, it’s important to be truthful about the reason for your absence. This helps establish trust and credibility with your boss and co-workers.

Provide a solution: If possible, suggest a plan for how your absence can be covered. This shows that you’re thinking about the impact your absence will have on your team and are willing to make an effort to minimize it.

Stay in communication: Even if you’re not physically able to be at work, make an effort to stay in communication with your boss and colleagues. Answer phone calls and emails promptly and update them on your progress towards returning to work.

Remember, while last-minute excuses may be necessary at times, it’s important to try and minimize their occurrence. Establish good communication with your boss and co-workers, and make efforts to plan ahead whenever possible. By showing that you’re responsible and reliable, you’ll build trust and respect with your employer and colleagues alike.

Short-Notice Excuses

In certain cases, it may be impossible to foresee a potential absence from work. Such situations may require an individual to make use of a short-notice excuse to explain the absence to their employer. It is important to preempt such situations and make use of effective strategies to ensure that any excuse given is acceptable and does not negatively impact an individual’s standing in the workplace.

Importance of Preemption

Preemptive measures can be taken to ensure that situations that may require short-notice excuses are avoided as much as possible. These measures can include proper planning, effective communication, and ensuring that unforeseen events are dealt with promptly. When preemptive measures are taken, it is less likely that an individual will be caught off guard and have to give a short-notice excuse.

Examples of Acceptable Short-Notice Excuses

While an absence from work is not ideal, some acceptable short-notice excuses exist. Examples of such excuses include a family emergency, a sudden illness, unforeseen car trouble, or a weather-related event. When these situations arise, it is important for the individual to ensure that they are prompt and clear in their communication with their employer.

Strategies to Make Short-Notice Excuses More Effective

To make a short-notice excuse more effective, there are several strategies that an individual could use. These strategies may include ensuring that the excuse is believable and genuine, being honest and straightforward, and providing clear and concise details. They could also make use of available resources such as medical certificates, police reports, or official notifications to support their excuse.

Short-notice excuses can be a necessary part of life, but it is essential to make sure that they do not negatively impact one’s standing in the workplace. Preemptive measures can go a long way in minimizing the need for short-notice excuses, while effective communication and honesty can make them more acceptable when they are necessary. By using these strategies, an individual can ensure that their excuse is well-received and does not harm their reputation in the workplace.

Combining Last-Minute and Short-Notice Excuses

Combining last-minute and short-notice excuses can be a powerful strategy for getting out of work. By utilizing two excuses, you increase your chance of being believed and reduce suspicion that you’re making up excuses just to miss work.

When to Use Dual Excuses

Dual excuses should only be used in extreme circumstances when one excuse alone is not sufficient enough for missing work. For example, if there is a sudden medical emergency in the family and it falls on the same day as an important meeting at work that you can’t miss, combining medical emergency with car trouble can help you avoid suspicion.

Examples of Effective Dual Excuses

Medical emergency plus car trouble: “I’m sorry, I won’t be able to make it to the meeting today. My child has fallen sick, and I must take him to the doctor. Unfortunately, I also had a flat tire on my way to the doctor’s office, and I’ll need to wait for the tow truck to arrive.”

Work emergency plus family obligation: “I apologize for not being able to come in today. There’s a crisis at work that I need to deal with urgently, and I’ll be working from home to resolve it. Additionally, my sister needs me to help her move out to a new apartment, and I can’t say no.

Strategies to Make Dual Excuses More Effective

Be truthful: Always try to use real excuses that have some element of truth in them. This can help you avoid getting caught in a lie.

Keep it simple: The more complex your excuse, the more likely it is to raise suspicions. Keep it simple and stick to no more than two reasons.

Choose complementary excuses: Choose two excuses that complement each other and make sense together. For instance, a car breakdown won’t usually work as an excuse with an appointment unless the appointment is some distance away and transportation is essential.

Follow up: Make sure to follow up on your excuse the next day, be it with a doctor’s note, a new appointment, a sore child or any other supporting evidence that can back up your excuse.

Combining last-minute and short-notice excuses can improve your chances of being believed and reduce suspicion when missing work. However, it is essential that you only use dual excuses under extreme circumstances, keep it truthful and straightforward, and follow up with supporting evidence.

Crafting the Perfect Excuse

If you’re going to miss work, having a convincing excuse can make a big difference in how your absence is perceived. Here are some strategies for developing a believable excuse:

Strategies to Develop a Convincing Excuse

1. be specific.

The more specific your excuse, the more convincing it will be. Instead of saying you’re feeling sick, explain what symptoms you’re experiencing. If you’re going to a funeral, mention whose funeral it is and how you’re related to them. Being specific shows that you’ve put thought into your excuse and makes it more difficult for your employer to challenge it.

2. Be Honest

While it might be tempting to make up an elaborate story, honesty is always the best policy when it comes to excuses. If you’re caught in a lie, it can damage your relationship with your employer and make it more difficult for them to trust you in the future. Stick to the truth and explain your situation as clearly and honestly as possible.

3. Offer a Solution

If your absence is going to create a problem for your employer, offer a solution to show that you’re aware of the impact your absence will have. This could be asking a colleague to cover your responsibilities, rescheduling a meeting, or working remotely if possible. By offering a solution, you’re showing that you’re committed to your job and doing what you can to minimize the disruption caused by your absence.

Tips for Delivering the Excuse Effectively

Having a convincing excuse is only half the battle – you also need to deliver it effectively. Here are some tips to help you do that:

1. Be Confident

Confidence is key when delivering an excuse. If you’re nervous or unsure, it will be more difficult for your employer to believe you. Speak clearly and confidently, and maintain eye contact.

2. Be Brief

Keep your explanation brief and to the point. You don’t need to go into every detail of your situation – just provide enough information to explain your absence. Rambling on can make your excuse seem less genuine.

3. Be Appreciative

Finally, be appreciative of your employer’s understanding. Thank them for their time and consideration, and let them know that you’ll do everything you can to minimize the impact of your absence.

Developing a convincing excuse and delivering it effectively can make all the difference when it comes to missing work. Be specific and honest when crafting your excuse, and offer a solution if possible. When delivering the excuse, be confident, brief, and appreciative of your employer’s understanding. By following these strategies and tips, you can minimize the impact of your absence and maintain a positive relationship with your employer.

Common Excuses to Avoid

When it comes to missing work at the last minute or with short notice, it can be tempting to come up with excuses on the spot. However, some excuses are not only ineffective, but also looked down upon by employers or coworkers. Here are some examples of excuses to avoid, as well as reasons why they are ineffective, and alternatives that can help preserve your professional reputation.

Examples of Ineffective Excuses

“I’m feeling sick.” This excuse is one of the most common ones used to justify missing work. However, it is often taken with a grain of salt, especially if it is used frequently or without any prior warning signs. Additionally, it can come across as unprofessional if you are not specific about your symptoms or the course of action you plan to take to recover.

“My transportation broke down.” While this excuse may be valid in some cases, it is often seen as a flimsy excuse that fails to take into account the responsibility of commuting to work. Moreover, it can often be seen as a lack of preparedness for potential transportation issues, particularly if it is used multiple times.

“I have a family emergency.” Although this excuse may seem to be a legitimate reason for absence, it can also be vague and non-specific. This lack of detail can make it difficult for your employer or coworkers to determine the urgency of the situation, and can be used too frequently to warrant belief.

Reasons Why They Are Ineffective

The common thread between these excuses is their lack of specificity and transparency. In each case, they represent a generic catch-all that can be easily dismissed by employers or coworkers. Without a clear reason for absence or transparent communication about the plan to recover, they are unlikely to be received with any legitimacy.

Alternatives for These Excuses

Instead of relying on these ineffective and frowned-upon excuses, there are alternatives that can help you maintain your professional reputation while still addressing your needs. Here are some examples:

“I’m experiencing symptoms that make it unsafe for me to come in today.” This alternative is more specific about the nature of the illness or condition, and makes it clear that you are acting in the interest of both yourself and the company.

“I’ve been stuck in traffic for over an hour and I don’t think I’ll be able to make it on time.” This alternative addresses the issue directly and responsibly, without deflecting blame onto the transportation itself.

“I’ve had an unexpected family situation that requires my attention. I will follow up as soon as I can.” This alternative provides transparency about the nature of the emergency and the plan of action to follow up. Being clear and honest about the nature of the emergency can help improve trust with colleagues and employers.

By following these examples, you can maintain a professional reputation and be clear about the reasons for your absence.

Dealing with Consequences

When you miss work due to a last-minute or short-notice situation, it can lead to negative consequences. It is important to know how to respond to negative responses to excuses and strategies to avoid negative repercussions, and also understanding the legal considerations involved.

Tips for Responding to Negative Responses to Excuses

If your employer is unhappy with your excuse or response to a missed shift, try these tips to improve the situation:

Apologize : Acknowledge that your absence may have caused inconvenience or additional work, and apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Offer a solution : If possible, offer to make up the work or hours you missed or suggest any team member who can fill in for you.

Be honest : Honesty is always the best policy. If there was a personal emergency and providing honest but limited information, can often diffuse negative responses.

Take Responsibility : Take responsibility for your actions, acknowledge the impact of your actions, and express your willingness to prevent the same mistake from happening again.

Strategies for Avoiding Negative Repercussions

The best approach is to avoid negative repercussions by taking proactive measures. Here are some strategies that you can put in place:

Communication is Key : The most important thing you can do is to communicate with your employer as soon as you know that you would not be able to make it to work.

Be Proficient with your Work : Ensure you are proficient in your work to avoid any negative opportunities of mistakes happening due to lack of knowledge or experience.

Be Consistent and Punctual : Being consistent and punctual demonstrates reliability and good work ethic.

Plan Ahead : If you know you have an upcoming event or obligation that may conflict with work scheduling, plan ahead, and communicate the issue to your employer.

Legal Considerations

The legal considerations depend on the employment laws and policies. However, missing work repeatedly or without prior communication with your employer can lead to disciplinary action that can lead to job termination. It is essential first to understand your employer’s policies and consult legal authorities as every jurisdiction may have different laws regarding employee rights and absenteeism policies.

In any missed-work situations, the best practice is always to be proactive, communicate effectively, and take responsibility for your actions. Make sure to understand the legal considerations to avoid negative consequences, and if needed, seek professional legal advice.

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34 Best Excuses to Get Out of Work (Or Miss Work)

Want to crush your interview.

Learn how to ace your interview with superior confidence.

Are you looking for excuses to miss work? Needing to get out of work and informing your employer about it can be a tricky process. At times, you might not feel entirely comfortable sharing the truth. And so you need a “white lie” to tell that doesn’t hurt your standing of being a good employee. But also gets you out for the day.

Let’s start with what makes up a good excuse to call out of work and what makes up a bad excuse to call out of work.

Good Excuses vs. Bad Excuses

A good excuse is something believable. And won’t require you to continue to tell a lie over time for your employer to believe it.

For example, a bad excuse to call out of work would be a death in the family (family emergencies). This is a bad excuse to get out of work. Your employer will most likely care about the fact that someone passed away in your family. And will follow up with you regarding it. This means you’ll have to tell more lies in the future, which isn’t great.

A good excuse is relatable, believable, and somewhat honest. It is something that has an expiration on it.

For example, a good excuse would be telling your employer that you simply aren’t feeling well. This can be the best way to get out of work last minute. And even if you needed to take the day off in advance, you could tell your employer that you aren’t feeling well last minute.

If they follow up with you and ask why you don’t sound stuffy or something along those lines. Then explain what type of illness or bug it was and move on.

Best Excuses to Miss Work

Do you want to get out of work last minute? Or call in sick? Here are the best excuses to use and how you might be able to tell them to your employer. And with the COVID-19 pandemic presents new opportunities for excuses. It's advised not to use the pandemic as an opportunity for a work excuse.

Not feeling well

Say something like, “I woke up this morning and didn’t feel well. I’m not sure what’s wrong. But I was hoping I could take a day off today.” Be sure to inform everyone on your team that you’re taking the day off. And move all of your appointments. If you're not feeling well, it's best not to go to work. Take a sick day!

If you aren't sure how to describe why you aren't feeling well, use one of the following:

• Might have a fever.
• You are sluggish.
• About to vomit.
• Can't stand up.
• Have body aches.
• Neck or back pain.
• You are "cloudy" or not in the right mindset to work.
• For 2022: Have symptoms of COVID-19 and need to quarantine.

Family member is in need (family emergency)

Say something like, “My mother needs me for some family matters today. It seems like today would be a good day to take off. If it has to be one of my vacation days, I’m also okay with that.” Be sure you inform all members of your team, as well.

Need to care for your animal

This doesn’t just have to be an animal. It could be that you have a lot of personal appointments, like a dentist's or a veterinarian's appointment.

Bring up that you have a few of these on this day, and it’s better to take the day off.

Say something like, “I have a dentist and veterinarian appointment that I forgot about. They happened to both be on the same day. Is it okay if I use this as a vacation day?”

Mental health day

This isn’t a bad excuse. Most employers and team members will understand. But when you inform everyone about a mental health day, be sure you only express this to your manager or boss vs. your colleagues. Colleagues might not need to know this information. Say, “I’m not feeling myself today. Is it okay if I take a vacation day today?”

What If I Need to Take Off in Advance

Suppose you need to get out of work in the future and know the date. Then you can use a last-minute excuse the day you need to use it. Or decide it’s better to take a vacation or unpaid workday.

Most employers will be okay with a last-minute vacation day. And if you don’t receive vacation days, they’ll be okay with last-minute needs you must address. It's okay to take an escape from your job. And refresh yourself.

Employers have changed their policies dramatically about this. Flexibility is one of the top benefits that Generation-Z and Millennials appreciate in the workforce. This has caused a shift in the workplace. They are making it more common for employees to be seeking time off and last minute flexibility .

The point is, don’t overthink it. The need to take time off is okay. And, understandably, sometimes you don’t need to share the reasoning.

All Excuses to Miss Work

While the list above is some of your best options for missing work, you might need a few more ideas. Here are more ideas and reasons for missing work.

Top excuses when calling off of work

• Doctor's appointment and not being able to reschedule.
• Food poisoning and letting your employer know you need time to recover.
• Jury duty and informing your employer that you'll need to attend by law.
• A sick child and informing your employer that they will be home from school or daycare.
• Flat tire and inform your employer you'd like to work from home or miss today's work. Or general car trouble.
• General car issues and informing your employer you won't be able to attend work.
• Pink eye and inform your employer that you'll need to stay home.
• A car accident.
• Attending the dentist for extended periods during the day.
• Attend the optometrist for extended periods during the day.
• Needing to be part of your church group during the day.
• Needing to be part of your volunteer work during the day.
• Staying at home for cable service.
• Staying at home for a delivery that requires a signature.
• Internet service outages which are preventing you from working from home.
• Attending a veterinarian appointment which could take the entire day.
• Needing to have your computer looked at or serviced.
• Having your car serviced.

All other excuses for missing work

• Needing to travel for extended periods during the day.
• Needing to perform annual accounting, which can take up large portions of your day.
• A general emergency. And when this is the case, you might not need to explain what it is to your boss and mention it is private.
• Running personal errands all day.
• Needing to take a sick leave day.
• A child at home that's feeling ill. And need to address the children's needs.
• Parents or parents who have emergency issues. And need to address those issues.
• Needing to take a personal day.
• Having a "house emergency," including water, heat, air conditioning, or other mechanics.

Excuses to miss work when working remotely

• Having computer trouble.
• Poor internet connection and need assistance.
• Having issues with children at home.
• Needing to go to the doctor's or see a doctor.
• Leaving for the day to donate blood.
• Required to be part of funeral arrangements.
• General pet emergency and needing to go to a vet appointment.

Consider the excuse, first

While all of these are decent reasons or a good excuse for missing work, try to keep them plausible. Keep in mind that your employer may ask for proof. This means a doctor's note from your doctor or a photograph of your car accident from the service agent.

Additionally, it is always better not to lie to your employer to develop better relationships with them. If you can, try not to lie.

It's always best to say that you aren't feeling well versus using a fake reason just for playing hooky. And if you don't feel like you need to miss work. Then you can always suggest working remotely until you feel well enough to return to work in the office.

What to Do After Getting Approval for Taking a Day Off

If you get approval from your manager or boss about taking a day off, don’t forget to inform your team. This can be a way to ensure that you get future days off. And if your day off happens to disrupt the rest of the workplace's productivity. Then your employer might be less willing to give you time off in the future.

The way to handle this is by informing each of your colleagues that you will take the day off. Moving any scheduled meetings that you are leading. Or informing those meetings that you will not be in attendance but will have someone fill in for you instead.

If you are not feeling well, be sure to inform those attending the meeting of that reason. All you have to say is, “I’m moving this meeting because I’m feeling under the weather. And I don’t feel like I’ll be able to create a productive meeting for everyone. Let me know if this alternative time works instead.”

How to Inform Your Manager or Boss (Tell Your Boss)

Choosing the right venue to inform your manager or boss is important. The best time to tell them is as soon as you can. For example, if you know the night before that you aren't feeling well. Or plan not to feel well the next day. Then inform them that night. They won't be available or online at the time, but that's okay.

And if your company uses the instant messaging service Slack . Or any other type of instant messaging service to communicate. Then send your manager or boss a direct message through that. And if you aren't sure they'll be on Slack the next day, email them .

If they don't use any of these tools, you might have to make a phone call early in the morning . Ideally, they don't pick up, and you'll be forced to leave a voice message, which might benefit you anyway.

How to Tell Your Colleagues

As mentioned, informing your colleagues and attendees of meetings is critical to taking the day off. Here's what you'll want to do:

• Contact them on Slack or email (or both).
• Inform them of why you'll take a day off (from the list above).
• Inform them of your plan to catch up with your work the next day. Or anything that they might need to keep up productivity (like someone who can fill in for you).
• Change any meetings that you are planning. Or inform meeting holders that you will not attend due to being out of the office.
• Then propose ways to solve the fact that you will be missing meetings. For example, you have someone fill in for you to take notes. Follow up with the meeting holder, manager, or boss the day you're back to get a recap of what happened in the meeting.

Tip for Calling Out of Work on Short Notice

If you have young kids, pets, or other responsibilities in life, it's a commonplace to have to take a day off of work on short notice. Personal life and work-life balance is essential to preventing burnout in the workplace.

Prevent future problems by following these general tips:

• Keep your excuse simple. Believable excuses are those that are simple to communicate. Too much detail could allude to the fabrication.
• Don't take too many days off in a row or it could reflect poorly on you as an employee.
• Get creative, if the day you want to take off falls on a religious holiday, for example, use that as an excuse.
• Never inform your employer that you must take a day off because of a job search or an interview for another job opportunity.
• If you work remotely, it's acceptable to take a day off if you aren't feeling well or if you are feeling tired.
• Never tell your manager that you have legal concerns or a personal home emergency that shouldn't get shared. Keep your private life private.
• Generally, don't share too many details about the reason for taking off work. Choose your valid reason and stick to that.

Email Example Asking to Take Off Work Last Minute

Here is a short email example asking your manager to take the day off of work due to unforeseen circumstances:

Could I take the day off today? Someone is filling in for me on the meetings today and taking notes. I am not feeling well. I have a fever and just can't seem to stay at the computer for very long.

Apologies that this is last minute, I wanted to get to you as much advance notice as I could. I woke up this morning hoping I would be okay. It turns out I might need the day.

If I need to mark today as a personal illness, please let me know.

Thanks so much,

About the author

Patrick Algrim is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), NCDA Certified Career Counselor (CCC), and general career expert. Patrick has completed the NACE Coaching Certification Program (CCP). And has been published as a career expert on Forbes , Glassdoor , American Express , Reader's Digest , LiveCareer , Zety , Yahoo , Recruiter.com , SparkHire , SHRM.org , Process.st , FairyGodBoss , HRCI.org , St. Edwards University , NC State University , IBTimes.com , Thrive Global , TMCnet.com , Work It Daily , Workology , Career Guide , MyPerfectResume , College Career Life , The HR Digest , WorkWise , Career Cast , Elite Staffing , Women in HR , All About Careers , Upstart HR , The Street , Monster , The Ladders , Introvert Whisperer , and many more. Find him on LinkedIn .

Fact checked: Our small and dedicated team rigorously evaluates every article, guide, and reference to ensure the information is accurate and factual. Learn more .

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The Best & Worst Excuses for Missing Work

Sometimes, you just can’t bring yourself to go to work – you might be sick , have an appointment, or just need a break . If your company has a paid time off (PTO) policy, you might not have to give a reason – maybe you just need to give a week’s notice. But, you still feel like you need an excuse for missing work, just in case.

Time Off by the Numbers

Career Builder did some research into excuses for missing work:

• 40% of employees have called in sick in the past year when they weren’t sick.
• 28% of employees have a PTO policy, but still feel the need to share an excuse for missing work.
• Over 33% of employees have come to work sick so they can save their sick days for when they aren’t sick but want a day off.
• 43% of employers have caught an employee lying about being sick by checking their social media accounts.

The Best Excuses

If you’re going to miss work, tell the truth . Even if you’re using a “good” excuse, getting caught in a lie could cost you your job. There’s always a chance that your boss will check on you to see if you’re lying, so play it safe and tell the truth.

If you know you’re going to miss work (for example, if you have a doctor’s appointment), give your boss as much notice as possible. If you’re scheduling your time off, you usually won’t have to give an excuse at all.

If you’re calling in today, you’ll probably have to tell your boss why you’re missing work. But, keep your excuse short and sweet. You don’t need to tell your boss your entire life’s story just to say, “My car broke down, and I can’t find another ride.” The more information you give your boss, the more they’ll think you’re lying, and the better chances you have that they’ll check in on you.

If you do have to give a reason for missing work, what are some of the best reasons?

• You’re experiencing major car problems.
• You have a doctor’s appointment.
• Your kid has a doctor’s appointment.
• You’re sick.
• Your kid is sick.
• A pipe burst, and your house is flooded.
• Your kid’s school closed unexpectedly.
• Your babysitter cancelled, and you can’t find anyone else to watch your kid.
• There’s a death in your family.
• You have food poisoning.

The Worst Excuses

There are also some excuses you should always avoid, even if the excuse is true. CareerBuilder talked to managers who have actually heard some of these excuses:

• A bear is in your yard, and you’re afraid to leave the house.
• You ate the toothpick in your food at a restaurant.
• Your uniform doesn’t fit.
• There’s not enough gas in your car.
• Your dog ate your car keys.
• Your artificial nails fell off, so you have to get a manicure.
• Your roots are showing, and you can’t come in looking like that.
• You got arrested.
• You’re hungover.
• You stubbed your toe.

What’s the weirdest excuse you’ve ever heard for missing work?

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Best Excuses for Missing Work With Real-Life Examples

Everyone will occasionally need to miss work for one reason or another. Whether you’re sick, have a family emergency or a planned absence, the best excuses for missing work are honest ones. In this article, you will learn the best excuses for missing work and how to communicate when you need to take time off.

Best accepted excuses for missing work

Here the most popular acceptable excuses for missing work with real-life examples:

Missing work due to illness

A high fever, cough, body chills or nausea are all symptoms that should make you reconsider going in to work. Staying home is sometimes the best thing to let your body recover and prevent your illness from spreading – especially to your coworkers. You should check your company’s sick day policy before requesting off. If you are worried about being contagious but still feel healthy enough to be able to work remotely, you could suggest a work from home day.  

Examples of missing work due to illness :

• You have cold or flu-like symptoms.  Going to work would risk infecting your coworkers.
• You have a migraine . You are unable to drive to work and concentrate on tasks. 

Missing work due to a personal or family emergency

A personal or family emergency is usually something urgent and unexpected that affects you or the health and safety of your loved ones. In the case of a personal or family emergency, you can choose to disclose the reason for missing work or not. It’s best to be honest with your job in case you need to take a more extended absence.

Examples of personal or family emergencies :

• The death of a loved one.  If someone close to you has passed away, you may need to attend a wake or funeral or help arrange services. You may also need time off of work to emotionally recover and support loved ones.
• Sick child or child care emergency. If your child is sick and unable to attend their regular day care, you may be able to request off of work to stay home and care for them. You may also need to stay home if your regular nanny is unavailable for the day and you don’t have trusted backup care available for your child.

Missing work due to injury

If you injure yourself and require a visit to the emergency room, you most likely won’t be able to go into work for the day or at least part of the day. 

Example of injuries:

• Biking injury.  If you bike to work and a parked car opens its door into the bike lane as you’re passing. The collision could leave you with a fractured ankle and requires a hospital stay. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may also need to give your body a day or two to further heal before returning to work.

Missing work due to religious observance

You may occasionally need to take a day off to observe a religious holiday. If you know that you will need certain days off, you should communicate your religious needs to your job in advance. Ideally, you should communicate your religious needs when starting a new position, and remind your supervisor of specific dates you will need to take off or work limited hours. Since these are planned absences, you could also plan to work extra hours or swap shifts with a coworker.

Example of religious observances :

• Ramadan/Eid al-Fitr.  This period changes year to year since Ramadan operates on a lunar calendar. Remind your employer and see if you can come up with a modified schedule to work around fasting times.

Missing work due to a home emergency

A burglary, fire or burst pipes in your home all provide excuses for you to take time off of work to handle the situation at home. An emergency at home often requires your full attention.

Example of a home emergency :

• Burst pipes in the home. The unfortunate case of burst pipes can lead to flooding and extensive damage. You may need to stay home during working hours when many repair companies are open to make sure necessary repairs can be done as soon as possible. This will prevent you from missing additional workdays to repair additional damage.

Missing work due to transportation issues

If you commute by car, train or bus, you may not be able to make it to work if you encounter serious transportation issues.  

Examples of transportation issues :

• Your car breaks down on your way to work.  You will probably need to have your car towed to a mechanic for repairs.
• An emergency with your train line leaves you stranded. Backup options like ride-sharing apps, biking and walking may not be viable options if you live far from work.

Missing work due to a planned medical procedure

You’ll usually need extra time to recover from a medical procedure. Unless you have a medical emergency, you can give your job advanced notice of when your procedure will take place and how much time it will take you to rest and recover. Request a doctor’s note for your job if you need one. It’s also important to take the time your body needs to recover. Consult with your doctor beforehand to give your work an accurate window of how much time you’ll need to take off.

Examples of medical procedures :

• Wisdom teeth removal:  This procedure is a major surgery. With no complications, it usually takes people 24 to 48 hours to recover before they can go back to their regular work routine. 
• Appendix removal:  This procedure takes considerably more time for you to recover, anywhere between one to four weeks.

How to use reasons for missing work to request time off

Follow these steps to use reasons for missing work to request time off:

• Be honest. 
• Have a clear, concise reason why you’re missing work.
• Communicate with your boss as soon as possible.
• Give updates if you need to take more time off.
• Communicate directly with coworkers and affected clients about who to contact while you are absent and when you plan to return
• Draft an out of office email with the contact information of the person who is assuming your responsibilities and when you plan to return.
• Prepare to make up for missed work when you return.  

Taking the time to notify the right people will show that you’re taking responsibility for your absence, even if the reason you’re missing work is out of your control. 

10 of the funniest excuses for missing work

We all have those days where we just don't feel like it. "It" meaning anything and everything. We don't feel like going to work, cleaning, cooking, or doing any of the tasks that responsible adults have to complete on a day-to-day basis. On these types of days, even simple tasks like getting up and finding the remote control, or going and getting a drink from the fridge, sound like strenuous endeavors. Although lazy days are inevitable, we suck it up and push through. Well, most of us do, anyways.

Have you ever played hooky from work? Well, if you've skipped out on work, you are certainly not the only one. CareerBuilder recently published the results of a survey, which asked employees and employers just how much of a problem workers playing hooky was for them over the past year. The survey found that 28% of employees have faked sick to get out of work over the past 12 months. Why? Well, the No. 1 reason they gave was because they simply didn't feel like going (30%). Some other employees said they faked sick because they "wanted to relax" (29%), which is pretty much the same thing.

Many employers offer Paid Time Off (PTO) and sick leave programs. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, "Forty-two percent of organizations offer paid vacation leave through a paid time off plan, which includes sick, vacation and personal days all in one plan, and 46% offer a stand-alone paid vacation plan."

Surprisingly, half of the workers surveyed said they have a PTO program, which allows them to to take off work for any reason as long as they don't go over their allotted number of PTO days. But, in spite of having PTO days, nearly one-fourth of these workers (23%) said they still feel obligated to make up some sort of excuse for taking the day off.

Over this past year, workers got pretty creative with their excuses. Here are some of the most ridiculous ones per the CareerBuilder survey:

1. "Employee just put a casserole in the oven." 2. "Employee's plastic surgery for enhancement purposes needed some 'tweaking' to get it just right." 3. "Employee was sitting in the bathroom and her feet and legs fell asleep. When she stood up, she fell and broke her ankle." 4. "Employee had been at the casino all weekend and still had money left to play with on Monday morning." 5. "Employee woke up in a good mood and didn't want to ruin it." 6. "Employee had a 'lucky night' and didn't know where he was." 7. "Employee got stuck in the blood pressure machine at the grocery store and couldn't get out." 8. "Employee had a gall stone they wanted to heal holistically." 9. "Employee caught their uniform on fire by putting it in the microwave to dry." 10. "Employee accidentally got on a plane."

The result?

While many employees get away with their silly excuses, some do not. How do they get caught? Oftentimes, employees get tongue-tied after employers call or ask for doctor's notes. Some tenacious employers (15%) actually report driving by their employees' homes, and a surprising 24% have caught their employee lying by looking on social media sites and finding contradictory posts or tweets.

Around one in five employers (18%) say they've actually fired an employee for using a fake excuse. So, maybe it's wise to think twice before telling your employer that you're stuck on Saturn, or that you locked your house keys in your car and your car keys in your house.

More From Personal Finance Cheat Sheet:3 Signs That You Spend Too Much On Food5 of the Highest Paying Entry-Level Jobs3 of the Best (and Worst) Countries for Medical Care

The Cheat Sheet is a USA TODAY content partner offering financial news and commentary. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

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The Best and Worst Excuses for Getting Out of Work

Table of Contents

From doctor visits to vacations to self-care days, your employees will inevitably need to take time off occasionally. Whether due to a family matter or a personal obligation, accommodating employees’ time-off requests is part of being an understanding and supportive employer. However, when excuses for missing work go off the rails, you may wonder when and how to draw the line.

Common excuses for missing work

As an employer or manager, you’ve likely heard every reason in the book for taking an unplanned personal day. These are some of the most common reasons for workplace absenteeism :

• Transportation issues: Transportation issues include train delays, traffic jams or a car breakdown like a flat tire. If the delays are severe enough, the day may be over before the issue is resolved.
• Illness: Whether your employee has a fever or their child is home with a stomach bug, illness is a valid excuse to call out of work.
• Weather: A bad snowstorm, heavy rain or another weather event may create unsafe conditions for commuting or inhibit your employees’ ability to perform work outdoors.
• Oversleeping: Alarms can fail to chime for many reasons, and oversleeping may prompt some employees to take the day off instead.

Editor’s note: Looking for the right time and attendance solution for your business? Fill out the below questionnaire to have our vendor partners contact you about your needs.

Good excuses for missing work

Attendance is a crucial employee performance metric. However, even the most steadfast employees may need time off occasionally. The following are some good reasons to miss work:

• Health maintenance: Going to a doctor’s appointment, undergoing a health screening and suffering a chronic illness flare-up are valid and vital reasons for an employee to miss work.
• Family obligations: Tending to a family member could involve various tasks that require an employee to miss work. For example, they may need to attend a parent-teacher conference or take an elderly parent to the doctor.
• Home emergency: If a pipe bursts or the roof begins to leak, your employee must take care of it immediately.
• Delivery or service window: Sometimes, scheduling a furniture delivery or cable installation during work hours is unavoidable. If this is not a frequent occurrence and you are notified in advance, this is an acceptable reason for your employee to take the day off.
• Death in the family: It is fully understandable when an employee misses work because of a death in the family. They may need to attend a funeral, fulfill a religious obligation or simply grieve in the immediate aftermath.
• Paid time off (PTO) usage. If your company offers paid time off, whether in the form of vacation days or family and sick leave, your employees are entitled to use it within the boundaries of your established PTO policy . Some companies offer unlimited PTO. However, employees must still clear time off with their managers.

Unexpected employee absences may impact short-term productivity. However, the long-term benefits of improved morale and reduced employee turnover can ultimately save your business money.

Strange, unusual or bad excuses for missing work

While illness and car trouble are typical excuses for missing work, some are a little off the wall. Here are some unusual excuses employers we interviewed have heard from their employees.

Going on the lam

Michael Reznik, co-founder and former CEO of TriFold, said the strangest excuse he ever received from an employee for missing work was because the employee had lost faith in the legal system and needed to go “on the lam.” 

While the excuse seemed ridiculous on the surface, Reznik said that upon further questioning, the employee revealed he’d previously testified against some men, which resulted in them being sent to prison. The employee learned the men were getting out on early parole and feared retribution. 

“At first, I wasn’t sure how to handle it,” Reznik admitted. “It seemed a little far-fetched, but at the same time, I do care about my employees’ health and safety. I also had to consider other employees’ safety. If some ‘rough’ guys were going to come to our office looking for him, I really didn’t want him to be here.” 

In the end, Reznik accepted the excuse and the employee returned to work after a few days. A few months later, the employee gave the same excuse, left and never returned.

A death in the family ― of the same person several times over

A death in the family is a perfectly legitimate excuse for missing work. The same family member dying multiple times is a different story. Ola Wlodarczyk, a human resources (HR) specialist at Zety, once had an employee who called in on three different occasions with the excuse that their grandmother had died. 

“It was obvious the employee was not telling the truth, but we had to be strategic in our response,” Wlodarczyk explained. 

After the employee returned from their bereavement leave , they were brought into the HR office and confronted with the situation. Wlodarczyk said they were straightforward with the employee, showing them all previous requests and reasons, including the other grandmother-death excuses, for calling out of work. 

“The employee went completely white,” Wlodarczyk recalled. “Still, we gave the employee a chance to tell us their side of the story. Of course, it’s possible someone misspoke or even categorizes someone as a close family member in this way, so we gave them a chance to tell their side of the story before disciplining them.” 

Ultimately, the employee admitted that no relatives had recently passed away. In addition, Wlodarczyk said the HR team discovered a litany of other false excuses that the employee had made up for missing work. 

“It was very eye-opening but a learning experience,” Wlodarczyk said. “If we would have gone in and reprimanded the person off the bat, then we would not have uncovered these other lies. So, in the long run, keeping cool certainly helped us.”

Even when you catch an employee in a lie, offer them an opportunity to defend themselves. Always remain calm and fair and document any attendance policy breaches.

An unusual injury

In a situation that seems right out of The Office , Richard Pummell, HR lead for DevelopIntelligence, had an employee call in sick because she burned her feet. Although this didn’t occur on a George Foreman Grill, a la Michael Scott, it was related to cooking. 

When the employee returned to work the next day, Pummell said many of the theories he had devised about how exactly her accident occurred were dispelled. 

“Unfortunately, the poor woman truly had been cooking dinner barefoot when a large pot of oil she was using for frying splashed hot oil onto her feet as she was moving it,” Pummell recalled. “It had required a trip to the emergency room and the application of some bandages.” 

Unfortunately, that was only the first food-related injury to befall this employee. 

“It wasn’t too long after that she called in sick on another Monday,” Pummell shared. “She’d slipped on a banana peel and had a bad back.” 

Reduce sick days in your office by encouraging healthy eating, providing exercise resources and offering other wellness initiatives.

Pathological liar

Jean Paldan, founder and CEO of Rare Form New Media, hired someone who immediately started giving ridiculous excuses for missing work. On what was supposed to be his first day, the new employee called to say his apartment flooded. The next day, his mother, who he said had dementia, had supposedly wandered off and he had to find her. Over the next four weeks, the employee claimed he couldn’t make it to work because he couldn’t find his medication, had norovirus and had to be with his pregnant girlfriend, even though it was later determined she wasn’t pregnant. 

“We at first thought that he was just having a bad time of it with the flood and his mother, then catching the norovirus and we were supportive,” Paldan recalled. “However, he started to flounder and forgot which lie he had told and that’s when we realized he was a pathological liar. At that point, we decided to let him go.” 

Wild but true excuses for missing work

While some outrageous excuses are made up, others are too ridiculous not to be true.

Multicause traffic incident

BJ Enoch, vice president of digital marketing for Career Certified, recalled that on the morning of an important client meeting, one of his team members texted that he couldn’t make it in that morning because he was stuck in traffic after someone hit a deer and their car caught on fire. 

“I’d never had a reason to doubt this team member before and wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt, but this was just a bit too much,” Enoch explained. 

Despite his doubts and wanting more answers, Enoch was in the middle of texting the employee to be safe when he received a follow-up message that included a picture of a car in the middle of the highway, on fire, with a deer on the side of the road. 

“We chalked it up as uncontrollable and he made the hours up,” Enoch said. 

A birthday party for a four-legged pal

Shawn Breyer, owner of Sell My House Fast Atlanta, once had an employee take a day off for their dog’s birthday because they had to get the party ready. 

“As weird as the idea was, they brought in pictures from the party,” Breyer remembered. “They had invited all of their friends and dogs over to the house and actually threw a party.” 

Goats gone wild

A herd of goats traipsing through a house is an excuse most couldn’t even fathom giving. However, that’s one Kyle Birkemeier had to give his employer while working abroad. 

“I had goats and had to call off work when I came home to find that someone had let them into the house and they pooped on everything,” Birkemeier explained. “My supervisors sure found it hilarious and, eventually, I did as well.” 

Needing to take a nap , participating in a peaceful Armenian revolution, not wanting to deal with “mean girl” co-workers and forgetting it was Monday are other uncommon excuses HR reps and bosses have reported.

How to handle outrageous excuses for missing work

If an employee continually gives implausible reasons for being absent, overlooking the situation can lead to more trouble for a business. Instead, take these actionable steps to handle the situation:

• Address the absenteeism: According to HR consultant Deborah Woolridge, managers must confront employees who continually miss work ― for both valid and outrageous reasons. Meet with them to gain insight into their actions and determine what’s going on. They may have personal issues spilling into their work life or may be dissatisfied and looking for another job. Confronting the situation also lets employees know their absences aren’t going unnoticed.
• Document incidents: When employees give implausible reasons for missing work, it’s important to document each incident. “Managers should keep track by keeping notes with date and time and explanation,” Woolridge advised. Your goal is to nip this behavior in the bud. “A company might quickly want to nip ongoing excuses in the bud because if not addressed, it taints the workplace culture and creates issues with other employees who see this person as getting away with the excuse,” Woolridge cautioned. 
• Create a disciplinary policy: Established policies that address absences and tardiness can help employers navigate these situations. Decide on an appropriate disciplinary action policy and note when termination is warranted. When you set standards for your business, employees understand your expectations and the consequences of their actions.
• Reward good behavior: Motivate employees to practice good attendance habits by offering rewards or discretionary bonuses to those who maintain excellent attendance records. Set milestones, such as striving for a perfect attendance record with no unplanned absences within a specific period. 

Best practices for tracking and managing employee attendance

Set your employees up for success by following these best practices for tracking and managing attendance:

• Categorize excused and unexcused absences: Ensure employees understand the difference between excused absences, such as illness, and unexcused absences, such as a dog birthday party.
• Offer generous sick leave and PTO: Consider sick leave and PTO policies that genuinely address employees’ needs. Flexible and fair attendance policies can help reduce employee burnout and create a respectful workplace culture.
• Ask for advance notice: Set a policy that employees must give advance notice (when possible) if they must take time off. For example, if they know a few weeks in advance that they’ll undergo a medical procedure, they should notify their manager ASAP.
• Track time and attendance: Tracking employee schedules ensures adequate staffing and helps stop employees from abusing company policies. Time and attendance software makes employee attendance tracking easy. However, the best HR software and the best payroll services can also track employee time and manage time off requests.

The best software for tracking attendance and time off

We’ve reviewed many of the best time and attendance software solutions and other platforms that simplify attendance tracking. We recommend the following solutions to small businesses: 

• TimeClock Plus: TimeClock Plus is a highly customizable time and attendance system that offers standout features, including biometric functions that let employees clock in and out effortlessly. Our TimeClockPlus review explains more about this solution’s advanced scheduling options, including auto-scheduling.
• Rippling: Rippling is an easy-to-use, web-based time and attendance platform with over 500 third-party integrations and multiple automation features to simplify employee management. Read our Rippling review to learn about its intuitive PTO scheduler for time-off management, job and location-based hour tracking and custom alerts for events like meal breaks and overtime.
• Paychex: Paychex is a great option for businesses with remote work plans . Employees can clock in and out via a web browser, mobile phone or kiosk app with facial verification. Check out our comprehensive Paychex review to learn about the platform’s interactive voice response system and mobile apps for IOS and Android that help employees manage breaks, time-off requests and communication.
• Gusto: Gusto is an HR platform that helps employers establish vacation and sick leave policies and track time-off accruals and balances. Some plans let employees apply for time off directly within the Gusto app, where managers can easily approve or deny requests. Our Gusto review explains more about how the platform integrates time-off functions with payroll and shared calendars.
• When I Work: Employers and employees benefit from When I Work’s innovative time clock and attendance system, which provides simple yet comprehensive time and attendance solutions. Read our When I Work review to learn about the platform’s easy schedule management, including shift swapping and overtime management tools.
• Zenefits: Zenefits is an HR platform that provides valuable time and attendance features, including employee scheduling and time-off tracking. Our Zenefits review details how employers can create and modify shifts, tailor schedules to specific times or roles and receive automated schedule alerts.

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4 reasons to convince your boss to let you miss work for the total solar eclipse

• You won't want to miss the April total solar eclipse. The US won't see another until 2044.
• But this rare astronomical event falls right in the middle of working hours on a Monday.
• Eclipse chasers told BI why you need to convince your boss to let you play hooky for the event.

Isn't it just our luck that the most anticipated astronomical event of the year falls on a Monday afternoon when most of us are working?

The first total solar eclipse in the US since 2017 is sure to be astonishing, weather permitting.

On April 8, the moon's shadow will pass over the sun and thrust hundreds of cities from Texas to Maine into darkness.

Hundreds of schools are closing or letting out early for the event.

More than 100,000 flights are expected over the next few days as people travel to the path of totality (and for spring break).

And multiple cities across the US have declared a local state of emergency or disaster to prepare for the surge in visitors.

So, if you're in the path of totality already, you owe it to yourself to try and get at least a free hour off work to catch the total eclipse on Monday.

Or if you're within a day's drive, take the day off for a spontaneous road trip with friends. You can check NASA's Eclipse map to figure out where and when totality will be in your location.

Here are four reasons you can give your boss why you shouldn't be stuck at a desk for this rare cosmic event.

1. The US won't get to experience totality again for 20 years

Witnesses have described totality as an intense, profound, and even eerie experience.

David Baron, avid eclipse-chaser and author of the book " American Eclipse ," tries to see as many as he can. Over the years, he's seen eight total solar eclipses.

It was his friend, astronomer Jay Pasachoff, who first turned him into an eclipse chaser.

"He said, 'Before you die, you owe it to yourself to see a total solar eclipse,'" Baron recalled Pasachoff saying to him 30 years ago. "And he said it with such sincerity and such passion that I took him seriously, and I went to see my first total solar eclipse in 1998 in Aruba."

If you can drop everything to get to the path of totality on Monday (including your nine-to-five), you should, Baron said.

Since 1998, he's been chasing that awe-inspiring feeling that only totality can give you. The first time he saw totality, he was amazed by the sun's corona and the planets flanking it.

"I had this visceral sense that I've been transported outside our solar system to some other world, and I was looking back at the solar system" he said.

And for people living in the US, this opportunity for such an experience won't arise again until the year 2044.

2. It's the longest and most visible total eclipse for the US in 100 years

Several southern states — Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Illinois — will experience a whopping four minutes or more of totality.

That's nearly a minute longer than the average total eclipse over the last century, which has been 3 minutes and 13 seconds.

Related stories

Totality is longer this time because Earth will be far from the sun, but the moon will be close to the Earth, causing the moon to block out more of the sun for longer.

If you're among the 300 million Americans who don't live in the path of totality, traveling there is worthwhile, said Fred Espenak, an astrophysicist whose passion for solar eclipses earned him the nickname Mr Eclipse . He's seen 24 total eclipses in his lifetime, recalling his first one in 1970.

Espenak started planning his first eclipse trip seven years out when he was just 11.

"1970 rolled around, I had just gotten my driver's license, and I convinced my parents to let me take the car and drive 600 miles to totality, unchaperoned," Espenak said.

And it was worth it. "It was so overwhelming," he said.

"You're standing there and daylight suddenly vanishes in a matter of 30 seconds," he said, later adding that, "It's very dramatic."

3. You might get to see 2 planets and a massive comet at the same time

There's a chance that eclipse watchers might get to see four astronomical events in one on April 8.

During the eclipse, the planets Venus and Jupiter will come into view as bright points of light just to the lower right and upper left of the eclipsed sun.

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, a.k.a. The " Devil comet, " will also make a rare appearance in the sky during the eclipse.

The Devil comet only flies by Earth once every 71 years. It's unusually large — as big as Mount Everest — and glows green due to dicarbon in its chemical makeup.

The darkness afforded by totality could offer a rare opportunity to see this comet during the day, right next to the solar eclipse.

It will likely be just barely visible to the naked eye, showing up as a tiny gray smudge on the sky between the planet Jupiter and the eclipsed sun.

4. You'll have the chance to watch massive eruptions on the sun

What's especially unique about this year's total eclipse, is that right now the sun is near solar maximum, which occurs about every 11 years.

Solar maximum is when the sun's magnetic field flips, triggering more solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and sun spots.

What this means for eclipse watchers is that you'll have a better chance of seeing these massive, blazing jets of plasma erupt from the sun's surface that will appear as tiny neon-pink spikes.

Witnessing the power of the sun in this way is an awesome — and humbling — experience, Baron said. For him, the real reason to see the solar eclipse is to be reminded of the bigger picture.

"It's a useful lesson to learn over and over again — just to be grateful to be alive on this planet and to realize that while we are tiny and kind of insignificant, we're part of something enormous and amazing, and that's the universe," he said.

Watch safely

Even if you're making last-minute arrangements to miss work for the eclipse, it's important to make sure you're properly prepared.

It's unsafe to look directly at the sun during a partial eclipse with your eyes, phone, or camera. The powerful solar radiation could permanently damage your vision or electronics.

To watch safely, you'll need to wear protective eclipse glasses , use protective filters for your phone or camera, or use another viewing method, like looking through a welder's glass or a pinhole camera.

It's only safe to look at the eclipse directly without eye protection during totality, when the moon blots out the sun's harsh rays.

Watch: A small Australian town was treated to a rare hybrid solar eclipse

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