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This article originally appeared in the June 2015 issue.
I rarely go to the movie theatre anymore, not that I was ever really into the whole silver screen experience anyway. I’ve never been compelled to be the first one in my circles to see a new release, but rather I’m the type who has no problem waiting for it to go to Redbox. Besides, I still enjoy watching classic movies like Ferris Bueller's Day Off, which I just watched last weekend.
I’ve always loved this movie and I don’t think it’s possible to ever watch it without fantasizing a little about taking an unplanned day off from work every once in a while. However, it seems like ever since the unemployment rate jump, “calling in sick” or taking unexpected time off has fallen out of fashion in the workforce. It’s actually reached the point where employees are coming to work, even when they shouldn't. Yes, it’s true. Even when we have a legitimate reason to miss work, we’re still finding a way to do our jobs.
Commendable? Well maybe, but I’m going to go as far as to actually recommend that as the weather starts getting nicer, it might be time to skip out of work early and head to the lake. At my favorite body of water, the launch ramp fee is actually cheaper during the week compared to the weekend, so really it would be irresponsible of me to not take advantage of the price break.
Sometimes leaving work early is a lot harder said than done. That’s why I’ve created this handy little cheat sheet that you can keep close by if you’re ever in need of a quick, believable and heart-breaking reason to cut out of work without cutting your paycheck.
Even if you have the strictest boss on the planet, just choose one of the reasons below that sounds best for your situation and you’ll be free and on your way to the lake in less than 10 minutes.
10. Tell your boss you recently had annual blood work done and there was an “irregularity” and you need to go in right away for follow-up testing.
9. Your sister’s potentially-violent boyfriend has kicked her out, and you've got to go help her move—today!
8. Your septic tank overflowed and your yard is flooded with sewage. No one will question your need to take care of this one! Plus your boss doesn’t want to ask for too many details in fear of you recruiting him for help.
7. If your boss is a pet lover, go with a pet emergency. Animal lovers will let you out of work every time!
6. Food poisoning. This works without fail! Just be sure not to blame it on your boss's favorite restaurant. You don’t want to have to answer too many questions.
5. Just say, “My spouse/child/roommate is sick, so I've got to leave now so I can care for him/her.”
4. You have diarrhea. Let’s be honest, everyone will be so embarrassed to question you about it that you'll be out of the office in five minutes!
3. Just say, “I threw my back out.” People use this excuse all the time and no one really knows what it means, yet no one seems to question it!
2. Claim a urinary tract infection. This one is great because it can show up overnight and can clear in a day or two without medication. Simply put, no need for a doctor's note!
1. A migraine is a great excuse. Anyone who's really had one will know how painful they are, plus this can set you up perfectly for recurring migraines which translate to even more days off!
While I make no guarantees, I’m confident any one of these excuses should do the trick. Share your success stories or other fail-proof excuses on our Facebook page. Just make sure your boss doesn’t frequent the page; it could blow your cover.
