Good Excuses To Miss Work: The Top 12 Reasons You Can’t Go To Work 

Inside: The top 12 excuses to miss work. Here are some good excuses to use as cover stories for your absence.

Do you have a legitimate excuse to miss work?

There are many reasons why you may have to miss work. If you’re tired, hurt, sick, or otherwise unable to make it in on time, here are some good excuses to call off work that will help cover for your absence.

Your boss is crazy and your co-workers are pushing you to your limit. In reality, they really just want someone else to shoulder the workload while everyone else takes an easier workload.

If so, do not fear. There are plenty of excuses that can be used by people who really want to take sick days or vacation days off from their jobs.

So, on those days when nothing more than staying in bed sounds appealing, then read through these work excuses for a good time! Some may have believable excuses for missing work and have some fun with them!

Not only do these excuses help cover up the real reason why people are absent at work. We all know the Great Resignation is real and people are tired of working. Do really need reasons to call out of work?

Here are the best excuses for missing work…

What is the best excuse to miss work?

Well, honestly, that is the excuse that won’t get you fired.

Below is a plethora of excuses to use to miss work.

Bulletproof excuses to get out of work

The reality is that most people can’t fully enjoy their life without a job. That’s why many jobs are considered essential, like those at hospitals, fire stations, and police departments. Still others, like working at a coffee shop, are just fun.

But what happens when you have to miss work? The next time your boss is looking for someone to cover and you can’t get out of bed, you’ve got to come up with a good excuse.

If your job is anything like mine, there’s always something that needs to be done. And when I say “needs to be done,” I mean that your boss is probably standing over you while you’re doing it. So when you find yourself in a situation where you have to miss work, the last thing you want to do is give your boss a lame excuse.

So when you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to give an excuse for why you don’t want to go to work, this article will help show some good ways to come up with believable and convincing reasons for why you couldn’t make it to the office.

The top 2 best bulletproof excuses to get out of work are…

Specifically… good excuses to call off work last minute examples…

Excuse #1 – I’m sick.

If you’re not calling in sick very often, try to use other excuses like stomach issues or a high fever. It might be more believable since those are common illnesses.

Excuse #2 – I have a doctor’s appointment.

I have a doctor’s appointment and I don’t need to make up any excuses.

Simply put… there isn’t much you can do in this situation. While your employer would prefer if you schedule the appointment on a non-work day, that always isn’t practical.

Other Good excuses to miss work

One should never be left without an excuse as there are many different reasons why you may want to miss work.

Excuse #3 – Pet emergency

Here is the soft spot for 95% of managers…their pets.

If you have a pet emergency and can’t get to the office, send your boss a message that your pet’s condition is worsening and they need to see the vet right away.

Some workplaces won’t mind if you use personal time for routine checkups on pets. A good excuse to leave work early could be just the thing you need.

Excuse # 4 – My car needs repairs

This is one of the easiest excuses to use, with or without a car. If you’re unable to get your car to the shop for repairs, let your boss know ahead of time and give them an estimate as to how long you’ll be out of work.

This will help ensure that your absence doesn’t cause too much disruption in the office.

For many driving a beater car is the norm, so repairs can continually happen.

Excuse # 5- I need to stay home with my kids because their school is closed

Honestly, this has been more true than ever since 2020!

Parents have experienced swift closures of schools for various reasons. If the kids’ school is closed and you need to stay home with them, that’s a valid excuse to miss work.

In fact, many bosses would understand if you needed to take care of your kids during a natural disaster or another emergency. Just be sure to communicate with your boss in advance if possible, and make up the time later on.

Learn specific good excuses to miss school.

Excuse #6 – I need to stay home with my kids because there is no one to watch them.

While this happens, it is also a warning flag for poor planning to make sure you have secured child care in advance.

While there are certainly valid reasons for wanting to stay home with your kids, please do not use any excuses related to your children if you don’t actually have any. This is dishonest and could lead to negative consequences.

Excuse # 7 – Wifi / Internet Issues

Computer-related issues and wifi problems are the top two reasons to call off work. In fact, according to a survey of 2,000 employees, 60% of professionals identify slow wifi or internet connection speeds as one of their greatest problems.

Workflow is impeded by these types of issues, making it difficult for people to get their jobs done. In some cases, employees have no choice but to take the day off.

This happened in our household when a city contractor cut our fiber internet line.

Excuse #8 – A family member is in the hospital and I need to be by their side

If you find yourself in a situation where you have to take time off from work to be with a family member who is hospitalized, it’s important to communicate with your boss as soon as possible.

Make sure you know what the company policy is for taking time off and be prepared to provide documentation if needed. Let them know how long you anticipate being out of the office and try to keep them updated on the situation.

While family emergencies happen, be wary if this becomes a common occurrence with different members of your family each week.

Learn more about family emergency excuses.

Excuse #9 – There was a major traffic accident on my route to work and it will take hours to clear the roadways.

If you’re looking for a great excuse to miss work, “traffic” is always a good one.

Whether there was a major accident on your route or the roads are just backed up, it’s easy to say that you couldn’t make it in today.

However, with the availability of news and navigation apps, you better make sure this major traffic accident impedes you from getting to work and there are no other routes possible.

Also, be prepared to work remotely.

Excuse # 10 – Court date

Missing your court date isn’t something you want to do. In fact, this is something you should have planned for in advance by taking time off work.

“Contempt” is a charge for not attending court, and it is punishable by law. So, your court date is more pressing at the time.

You should always try to contact your employer as soon as possible to inform them of the situation.

Excuse #11 – Home Emergency

If you own your home, there are always unexpected issues to take care of. Plumbing leaks, broken windows, and faulty wiring can all turn into emergencies if not taken care of right away.

This is one the good excuses to miss work on short notice.

That’s why it’s important to have a plan for when these things happen. Make sure you have a list of contacts for emergency repairs and keep some money saved up in case you need to pay for them out-of-pocket.

Your boss will understand if you have to miss work to take care of an emergency at home – just be sure to mention the emergency problem when you call in sick.

Excuse #12 – Religious holidays

The holidays we celebrate are a reminder of the holidays and traditions of countries all around the world. The recognized holidays are usually the common holidays in the country where you work.

However, if you are from a different country, you may want to recognize a religious holiday that is sacred to you.

This is a protected excuse to miss work. Just say, “I am observing a religious holiday that does not fall on a recognized national holiday.”

Bonus – Good Reason: Mental Health Day

Mental health days are a great way to take a break from work and relax. Sometimes, we all need a day to just forget about our responsibilities and stressors.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, taking a mental health day can be incredibly beneficial for your well-being.

This is a great way to take advantage of your sick time.

Bad excuses to miss work

There are a number of reasons why you might not be feeling like coming in to work.

However, it is important to be aware that some excuses may be less convincing than others. Thus, why below are bad excuses to miss work – these should not be used under any circumstance.

Employers may be less understanding if employees give excuses such as “I don’t feel well” or “I don’t have anything to wear.” Also, employers sense when you don’t feel like coming to work, so they might ask for more of a reason.

Poor excuses will make your manager tired of your absenteeism and might end up asking “What’s your excuse this time?”

Bad idea #1 – Feeling tired

There are many reasons why you may feel tired. Some of these reasons may be valid excuses to miss work, while others will not hold up in a court of law.

If you have been feeling tired and are not well-rested, it is best to explain the circumstances to your manager. This will help them understand why you may not be able to come to work.

If you have reasons to believe that your tiredness is a result of burnout or overwork, you may need to make a plan on how to discuss this with your employer.

Bad idea #2 – I just don’t feel like going in today for any reason.

Instead of saying you don’t feel like going in today, try explaining the situation to your boss and see if they will allow you to use a vacation or personal day instead.

Your boss may require a discussion about why you are feeling overwhelmed or what needs to change at work before granting such permission.

This will lead to longer job satisfaction rather than I hate my job.

Bad idea #3 – Unhappy in your job

If you are unhappy in your job, the first step is to schedule a time to talk to your manager about the issues. You may be surprised at how understanding they can be.

There are many reasons that employees may want to get out of work, but those reasons are inappropriate and could lead to disciplinary action such as termination.

If you have already made up your mind about leaving your job, do not use this as a reason for missing work if you are interviewing for another job. If you are granted an interview for another position, use a vacation or personal day.

Bad idea #4 – I overslept and can’t make it to work on time

There are a lot of excuses people use to miss work, but some are better than others. “I overslept and can’t make it to work on time” is not a good excuse.

And at the very least, buy an alarm clock and admit you messed up.

If you struggle waking up in the morning, then try some of these billionaire morning routines.

Bad idea #5 – I had a fight with my spouse or partner and don’t want to be around people

This is one of the most common excuses for missing work. It’s less documented than other reasons for calling out. Your boss should be understanding because this can happen to anyone.

More often than not, these are the times you need the most support even if it is from your co-workers. Going to work will actually be better for your mindset than staying at home.

However, you should not make up excuses to skip work. You will likely be fired if you use these excuses.

Bad idea #6 – Poor planning

It’s not always the case that an employee has missed work because of a one-time mistake. Sometimes, employees take advantage of sick days or vacation time without having a legitimate excuse. This can be damaging to their career and may lead to disciplinary action.

There are many valid reasons to call out of work, not just personal life. Employees should try to plan their absences in advance when possible, so as not to inconvenience their team or boss.

If there is an emergency situation arises, they should contact their supervisor as soon as possible.

Bad Idea #7 – It’s my birthday and I’m celebrating

“It’s my birthday and I’m celebrating! I hope you don’t mind that I’m taking the day off to spend time with my family.”

This may not go over very well if you didn’t plan to take the time off in advance.

While we all what to be treated like a princess on our birthdays, we still have obligations.

This poor excuse should not be used in order to call in with no advance planned day off. Using bad excuses makes it seem like you’re not taking your job seriously and could lead to negative consequences.

Bad idea #8 – I had an unexpected issue arise at my other job or side hustle

While in reality, this may be true, don’t expect to keep the job you are calling into miss work.

There are always going to be unexpected issues that come up when you’re working two jobs or your side hustle. But, there is a reason you are hustling to make more money fast, so you want to keep both opportunities.

If something unexpected comes up and you can’t make it to work, offer to make up the day. By making a proactive solution to the problem, you are less likely to get in trouble and keep both jobs.

Bad idea # 9 – Have Another Job Interview

There is absolutely no reason to tell your current employer that you are looking and interviewing for another job.

That isn’t their business.

It is important not to tell your manager upfront that you are interviewing for another job. Telling your manager you are feeling tired is generally not considered a good excuse to get out of work.

Bad idea #10 – I had the wrong schedule

Forgetting you are scheduled for work is not an excuse to miss work.

Always call in if you are going to miss work, even if it’s just a teen first-time worker.

Nowadays, companies make it very easy to access your schedule and with everything computerized, this bad excuse won’t work anymore.

Bad idea #11 – I don’t like you

If you are having issues with management, take it up with the HR head of the department or speak with an employment lawyer before taking any action.

Dissatisfaction or arguments at work is unfortunately not a valid reason to take time off from work (unless it’s an emergency).

You must follow the company’s procedures when working with a difficult boss.

What to Say If You Miss Work and Don’t Call

Missing work can be a difficult decision to make, but it’s important to know what to say if you need to take that step.

If you don’t call in, you aren’t making things easy on yourself. You’ll have to answer questions about:

• why you didn’t show up for work?
• how do you plan to make up the lost hours?
• how does this keep happening?

If you’re unable to show up for work and don’t want to call in, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Employers are Desperate

First of all, employers are much more understanding than they have been in the past.

With the current economy, companies are desperate for employees and will tolerate more excuses than they would have in previous years. However, if your employer has higher standards, then these are suggestions for you to follow if you need to miss work without calling.

This is especially true for part-time jobs and jobs making around $15 an hour.

Apologize

Second of all, it’s always a good idea to apologize when missing work–even if it’s not your fault.

A sincere apology is a rarity in our society and may even help your situation.

Also, showing up for extra work when you missed it is a nice thing to do and can help smooth things over with your boss or coworkers.

Be Honest

Finally, if you are going to miss work and not call, be honest about what happened and how your behavior may have impacted the people around you.

Take the high road and call your employer as soon as possible (preferably before the start of your shift) to tell them what happened. Make sure to tell them and ensure that doesn’t happen again in the future.

Employers are desperate for good workers, so they’re more likely to tolerate poor behavior.

Most Common Reasons for Missing Work

There are many reasons why people might miss work, but some of the most common reasons include traffic, oversleeping, bad weather, and feeling too tired.

Other potential reasons for missing work include forgetting something important, being sick or injured, and having a conflict with your boss.

Whatever the reason may be, it’s important to document it properly so that you don’t get in trouble with your employer. If you have to miss work frequently, talk to your boss about setting up a plan for making up the missed time.

Be careful or you may have to use one of the best excuse to quit a job without notice.

How do I get out of work ASAP?

First and foremost, try to avoid writing long stories or emails when trying to get out of work. This will only prolong the process and may raise suspicion. Keep it short and sweet, and be direct with your boss.

Second, make sure that you have a good excuse.

What If I Need to Take Off in Advance

Times have changed and with the new generation, employers are more flexible when it comes to taking time off from work.

In fact, many employers will now allow employees to take a day off without giving any notice at all! This is a great policy because it recognizes that people sometimes need to take care of personal or family matters that come up unexpectedly.

Of course, there are still some employers who require employees to give advanced notice before taking time off. If this is the case for you, don’t worry–there are plenty of ways to get out of work without getting caught!

Simply contact your boss and follow the procedures to take a sick day, vacation day, or just a non-paid day off.

Which of these Believable excuses for missing work will you use?

Missing work can be a difficult decision, but sometimes it is necessary. If you are feeling sick, please stay home. If you have an emergency, please take the time off to deal with it.

When you must miss work, try to provide a valid excuse that is related to your job.

There are all sorts of excuses for missing work, but some are more believable than others.

The list above includes some bad excuses for missing work that are not considered valid reasons.

Your employer will see you as unreliable if you always find yourself with an alarm clock, car, or babysitter emergencies. If your workplace is too challenging and it’s not worth the health risks associated with being sick while working, it may be time to consider looking for a new job.

Are you going to try one of these work excuses?

Now, work on keeping working to be financially sound.

Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!