• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
  • EDIT Edit this Article
  • EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
  • Browse Articles
  • Learn Something New
  • Quizzes Hot
  • This Or That Game New
  • Train Your Brain
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up

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 669,124 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

good reasons to miss work last minute

You’re not feeling well.

You can’t predict illness, so calling in sick is an effective excuse.

  • “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.

Sick kids get sympathy, especially if your boss has met them before.

  • “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.

Doctor’s appointments are cliché, but they work when used sparingly.

  • “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.

Food poisoning is sudden and severe, and people know how awful it is.

  • “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.

A chipped tooth is a great excuses to miss work last-minute.

  • “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.

Migraines are severe and make it nearly impossible to work efficiently.

  • “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.

Accidents happen to everybody.

  • “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.

Almost nothing is more universally loathed than a hurt or strained 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.

Mental health is personal, so empathetic bosses won’t push back hard.

  • “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.

In today’s world, Covid is the ultimate excuse to get out of work.

  • “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.

Donating 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.

Adorable pets will get you sympathy from your boss or manager.

  • “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.

Family emergencies work great since they can be vague or personal.

  • “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.

Childcare is hard to find when your usual daycare or caretaker falls through.

  • “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.

Unexpected friends or family are a valid excuse to take time off.

  • “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.

Most people understand that severe home issues can happen any time.

  • “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.

In the United States, almost 1.7 million packages are stolen every day.

  • “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.

If you need your car to get to work, this is a golden excuse to call off.

  • “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.

Getting locked out is a universally frustrating experience.

  • “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.

Religious holidays work as long as you tell your boss a little in advance.

  • “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

Amanda Cousins

  • 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 3 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 1
  • 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

good reasons to miss work last minute

  • 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 0

You Might Also Like

What to Say when Calling in Sick with Diarrhea

  • ↑ 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/

About This Article

Elaine Lou Cartas

  • Send fan mail to authors

Did this article help you?

Am I a Narcissist or an Empath Quiz

Featured Articles

Learn to Say No

Trending Articles

How to Take the Perfect Thirst Trap

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round Gift

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Career Sidekick

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

By Biron Clark

Published: November 1, 2023

Biron Clark

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.

Biron Clark

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

Create a Professional Resume for free!

No-sign up or payment required.

Explore Jobs

  • Jobs Near Me
  • Remote Jobs
  • Full Time Jobs
  • Part Time Jobs
  • Entry Level Jobs
  • Work From Home Jobs

Find Specific Jobs

  • $15 Per Hour Jobs
  • $20 Per Hour Jobs
  • Hiring Immediately Jobs
  • High School Jobs
  • H1b Visa Jobs

Explore Careers

  • Business And Financial
  • Architecture And Engineering
  • Computer And Mathematical

Explore Professions

  • What They Do
  • Certifications
  • Demographics

Best Companies

  • Health Care
  • Fortune 500

Explore Companies

  • CEO And Executies
  • Resume Builder
  • Career Advice
  • Explore Majors
  • Questions And Answers
  • Interview Questions

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
  • Day Off Request Email
  • Excuses To Leave Work Early
  • Doctors Note For Work

good excuses to miss work on short notice/last minute

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.

Sunday Night Shouldn’t Suck

Zippia+ is an AI-powered career map that enables you to map your future career.

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.

  • Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs

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.

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

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating / 5. Vote count:

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

' src=

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.

Recent Job Searches

  • Registered Nurse Jobs Resume Location
  • Truck Driver Jobs Resume Location
  • Call Center Representative Jobs Resume Location
  • Customer Service Representative Jobs Resume
  • Delivery Driver Jobs Resume Location
  • Warehouse Worker Jobs Resume Location
  • Account Executive Jobs Resume Location
  • Sales Associate Jobs Resume Location
  • Licensed Practical Nurse Jobs Resume Location
  • Company Driver Jobs Resume

Related posts

good reasons to miss work last minute

What Is Bereavement Leave?

How To Create An Employee Handbook

How To Create An Employee Handbook

good reasons to miss work last minute

What To Do When You’re Nervous About Your New Job

good reasons to miss work last minute

How To Come Up With Healthy Work Lunch Ideas (With Examples)

  • Career Advice >
  • Life At Work >

HQHIRE Logo (200 x 97 px)

9 Good Reasons to Call in Sick and Miss Work at the Last Minute (with Examples)

good reasons to miss work last minute

Good reasons to call in sick or call out of work at the last minute are often hard to find.

Like having good excuses to leave work early , you’ll need good reasons to miss work on short notice.

When that happens, knowing how to call in sick professionally with good believable reasons to take leave at the last minute is important.

Reasons to not go to work often fall into one of these categories.

  • Health issues
  • Family emergencies
  • Personal commitments

And if you are wondering if you should call in sick, you can take this short Quiz after this .

KEY TAKEAWAY

  • Missing work last minute is not a good practice, however if you have an legitimate reason and need to take a day off you should give your boss as much notice as possible.
  • Good excuse for missing work especially on short notice needs to be something that is unexpected, critical and immediate.
  • Best excuses to miss work or take a day off on short notice are often health related, family related and emergencies that requires immediate attention.

Good Reasons to Call In Sick and Miss Work On Short Notice

The best reason for sick leave to get out of work on short notice will be telling your employer that you simply aren’t feeling well. Even if you want to take a day off in advance, telling your employer that you aren’t feeling well at the last minute is a believable and good excuse.

Good reason to miss work is something that is relatable, believable and honest.

Honesty is often the best policy.

But if you are missing work on short notice for reasons you don’t want to share, here is a list of believable reasons to call in sick or get an excuse off work.

1. Musculoskeletal Pain

Musculoskeletal pain refers to pain in the muscle, bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves.

Back soreness or back pain is one of the most common medical conditions that is widely accepted.

When you are having back pain, it is almost impossible for you to come to work.

Often, the discomfort can become unbearable or even health threatening and it is best if you can call in sick and seek medical help immediately.

Example on how to get sick leave due to musculoskeletal pain.

  • “I am having back pain and will be seeing a doctor later.”
  • “I have a sore back and required bed rest to let it heal.”

2. Contagious illness

Contagious illnesses are such as flu, colds, or strep throat, which can spread from person to person. Often, these illnesses spread through body fluid by physical contact, or airborne when someone coughs or sneezes.

If you are having a contagious illness, it is acceptable to call in sick and stay at home to rest, or see a doctor, if it doesn’t get any better after a while.

Common contagious illness :

  • Common Cold
  • Stomach Flu
  • Strep Throat
  • Whooping Cough
  • Hand, Foot Mouth Disease (HFMD)

Not coming to work and taking sick leave can protect your coworkers and prevent the spread of the disease. This is one way of being a responsible and respectful coworker.

Example on how to get sick leave due to contracting a contagious illness.

  • “I am having flu and I will like to rest at home.”
  • “I had a sore throat and will need to see a doctor later.”

3. Accidents and Injury

Accidents do happen, and they can happen anywhere. Most employers will consider any conditions that make you unable to perform your job as a reasonable reason for taking sick leave.

Common injuries that may result in a sick leave are:

  • Slips, trips, and fall
  • Ankle sprain
  • Muscle strains
  • Knee injury
  • Crashes and collisions
  • Cuts and lacerations

When you’re injured, your boss will rather you recover quickly at home, than to come to work.

You are responsible of your own well-being.

Example on how to get sick leave due to a meeting with accidents or injury.

  • “I have accidentally sprained my ankle, and I am unable to walk, will need to rest for the day.”
  • “I had a car accident and have hit my head, I will be going to the hospital to have a check-up later.”

According to National Health Statistics, fall is the main cause of these injuries.

  • 2 in 5 people had sprains and strains due to accidents.
  • 1 in 5 people had fractures due to an accident.
  • 1 in 5 people had a superficial or contusion wound after an accident.

4. No Babysitter or Daycare

Saying a babysitter or daycare might not be available at the last minute, which requires you to work from home, taking a half day, being late for work , or even missing work for the day is a good reason to excuse from work on short notice.

Kids demand a lot of time and attention, it is normal that you need to miss work to attend to your child’s needs.

Example of getting an excuse off work due to a lack of babysitter or daycare.

  • “My daycare has notified us they are going to be closed for today.”
  • “My babysitter is unable to come today.”

5. Care for a sick child

Saying you need to take care of your sick child is one of the best excuses to get off work at the last minute.

This is especially true if your boss is a parent as well. Your boss will probably be able to relate to how worried and anxious are you when your child is sick and need attention.

Example of getting an excuse off work due to the need to take care of a sick child.

  • “My child is having a fever and I need to take care of him.”
  • “My baby is not feeling well, and I will need to bring him to a doctor.”

6. Emergency problem at home

Emergency happens, when things can go wrong, they often go wrong. Emergencies can range from household problems such as broken door locks, and flooding the basement, to break-ins by robbers, or collapsing rooftops.

When you want to use reasons to excuse yourself from work, make sure your reasons are believable and do not warrant concerns and questions from your coworkers when you are back at work .

Example of missing work due to an emergency problem at home.

  • “My basement is flooding and I need to get it fixed before it floods my whole house.”
  • “My main door is broken and I am unable to open the door, I need to get it fixed.”

7. Family emergency issues

Saying you have a family emergency is often an acceptable reason to miss work. Your boss will probably not dig deep into your private matters, but sometimes, they are concerned about your situation and will like to show their support.

Family emergency issues range from taking care of sick parents to getting into unfortunate events such as fatal accidents.

If a family emergency issue truly occurs, it is often good, to be honest.

It is best not to make up reasons that are unbelievable or cause great concern, such as, ‘someone from your family just died’.

But, if you are unwilling to talk about the reason. You can always let your boss know that you are uncomfortable talking about your personal family issues.

Or alternatively, you can use any other reasons in this list.

Example of missing work due to family emergency.

  • “My sister had a car incident, I need to get to the hospital.”
  • “My pregnant wife is going for her delivery.”
  • “My parent is not feeling well, I need to take them to see a doctor.”

8. Expecting major delivery

Big purchases such as furniture, or expensive electronics will require your presence to receive the delivery.

Occasionally, they may need to come into your house to get it set up or installed.

Example on excusing yourself from work due to unexpected delivery.

  • “My delivery man just called, they will be delivering my new bedframe today, thus I am unable to come for work.”

9. Picking someone up who comes from afar

Your elderly parents or relatives might be coming to visit, and you need to pick them up from the airport or station. When that happens, it is totally understandable to be excused from work at the last minute.

Example on excusing yourself from work due to unexpected arrival of visitors.

  • “My partner’s elderly parents just notified me that they are arriving today, and I’ll need to pick them up from the station.

Why Do You Need a Good Excuse to Call Out of Work Last Minute?

Most employers understand that sometimes, employees will call out of work or have to leave work early on short notice for reasons such as health issues, personal matters, and family-related emergencies.

Like you, your boss is human, and they too sometimes call out of work due to various reasons.

Offering your boss a good excuse why you need to call out of work helps to make the life of your boss and you easier by:

  • Give your boss a good reason to tell their boss why you are missing work.
  • Give your boss a good reason to tell your coworkers why you are missing work.
  • Give HR a valid reason why you are not at work.
  • Know what arrangements needs to be arrange to keep the team going.
  • Know if it is a one off event, or something that requires further discussion for special arrangements.

How to Get Out of Work Last Minute?

Getting out of work at the last minute requires you to do the following:

  • Have a believable excuses to miss work, the excuse needs to be critical, urgent and valid.
  • If you know you’ll be missing work especially on short notice give as much advance notice as possible.
  • Offer alternative work arrangement like working from home or working extra hours on other days to make up for the time you have miss work.
  • Be polite and professional when informing your boss that you need to take the day off.
  • Inform your coworkers on the urgent things that requires immediate attention during your absence.

It’s best to avoid getting into a situation where you need to miss work at the last minute, however oftentimes many things are not within our control.

Be sincere and apologetic when informing your boss even when you have a valid excuses for missing work. The key is to be professional and respectful.

Frequently Asked Questions on Missing Work on Short notice

Can you call in sick due to mental health.

Mental health issues can be just as damaging as physical ailments. It is not wrong for an employee to call out sick from work even if they are not physically sick but mentally exhausted.

Although calling in sick due to mental health issues is not widely accepted by most employers.

If an employee needs time off because of a mental health issue, it’s important to take the matter seriously and be supportive.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, if the company have 50 or more employees, the Family Medical Leave Act ( FMLA ) allows eligible employee to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave annually for family and medical reasons.

Can you call in sick due to lack of sleep?

Calling in sick because you haven’t slept enough is not a good reason, and most employers will not accept this reason, as it is seen as laziness and failure to prepare yourself for work for the next day.

That being said, calling in sick due to health issues caused by insomnia such as headaches might be an acceptable excuse for which you should be concerned about.

Lack of sleep can affect your immunity system, and people with prolong insomnia are more likely to get sick. Lack of sleep can also affect how fast you recover if you do get sick.

Lack of sleep is a common issue that can lead to absenteeism from work. Some studies suggest that up to 27% of workers report some type of sleep issue in the previous month.

There are a variety of reasons why someone may not be getting enough sleep, including

  • Work demands
  • Family obligations
  • Health issues.

While it is not always possible to get enough rest, there are some things that workers can do to improve their sleep habits, such as,

  • Avoid caffeinated drinks before sleep.
  • Avoid using phones or any digital devices 1 hour before sleep.
  • Avoid doing high-energy activities before sleep.

Is it bad or unethical to call in sick when you’re not?

Yes, it is bad and unethical to lie. But if you are not feeling well, mentally or physically, and require a sick day to recover your physical and mental health so you can work productivity, it is often understandable.

No matter your reasons, do not abuse the benefits that your company have given you.

Taking an occasional mental health day when you are overly stressed out or facing mental issues is understandable, but calling in sick because you have something better to do is not.

Consider the consequences for your employer and your colleagues, before making any decision.

If calling in sick when you are not will cause inconvenience to your employer or coworkers, then you shouldn’t do it.

Up Next… Acceptable reasons to call in sick when pregnant.

“Why doesn’t everyone take sick leave even when they need it?”

Check out this video below!

  • How to Become a Freelance Travel Writer (Step-by-Step Guide)
  • How to Become a Remote Freelance Technical Writer (Step Guide)
  • How to Become a Remote Content Writer For Beginners (Digital Writing Career)
  • +21 Best Types of Goal Setting Techniques (Succeeding at Work)
  • How to Get Remote Writing Jobs For Beginner (Freelance Writing)

Join  over 11,000+ achievers who are committed to achieving their career goals! 

good reasons to miss work last minute

Founder & Career Development Expert

Antony C. is the founder & career development expert of HQHIRE.com who writes about real-world career advice on remote work, job search, interview, career success, and hiring the right people for the team. With over years of management and hiring experience. He is a published author and has been featured in Irish Times, WikiHow and Chron.

Similar Posts

15 Ways on How to Not Think About Work on the Weekends

15 Ways on How to Not Think About Work on the Weekends

Are you thinking about work even during the weekends?

You are not alone.

Here are some of the best ways you can do to stop thinking about working during the weekends so you can rest and truly enjoy your well-deserved rest day.

Skills Required to Become a Compliance Officer and Excel in this Career

Skills Required to Become a Compliance Officer and Excel in this Career

Listen To Article Compliance officers play a crucial role in ensuring that organizations adhere to laws, regulations, and internal policies. Their responsibilities span across various industries, safeguarding companies against legal…

15 Fun Remote Onboarding Ideas New Hires Will Enjoy

15 Fun Remote Onboarding Ideas New Hires Will Enjoy

Onboarding new hires remotely can be fun and engaging!

With remote working becoming more common, it’s important to know how to make virtual or remote onboarding both enjoyable and stimulating.

Here are a few fun ideas for remote onboarding a new hire and integrate them into a new job!

Where to Setup Your Home Office (Complete Guide)

Where to Setup Your Home Office (Complete Guide)

Where is the best place to setup your home office?

Kitchen? Living Room? Outdoors?

Let’s discover your perfect working space now!

Empowering Medical Assistants: Building a Strong Skill Set for Today’s Healthcare Landscape

Empowering Medical Assistants: Building a Strong Skill Set for Today’s Healthcare Landscape

Listen To Article Medical assistants play a vital role in the healthcare industry, providing crucial support to healthcare professionals and ensuring smooth clinic operations. To excel in this rewarding career,…

Top Skills Every Creative Designers Needs

Top Skills Every Creative Designers Needs

In the creative field of arts, audio, video technology, and communications, designers play a crucial role in creating visually captivating and engaging content. To excel in this industry, designers must…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Login to your account

  • Enter Username or Email Address:

Forgot Password? | Sign Up

Reset Password

Already have an account? Login

Enter the username or e-mail you used in your profile. A password reset link will be sent to you by email.

Signup to your Account

  • Candidate I want to discover awesome companies.
  • Employer I want to attract the best talent.
  • First Name *
  • Last Name *
  • Visible Public Profile Yes No
  • Confirm Password *
  • Organization Name

By clicking checkbox, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy

Account Activation

Before you can login, you must activate your account with the code sent to your email address. If you did not receive this email, please check your junk/spam folder. Click here to resend the activation email. If you entered an incorrect email address, you will need to re-register with the correct email address.

  • Your Email:
  • Activation Code:

Buildremote

15 Excuses To Miss Work On Short Notice: Text Or Call

Only The Good Excuses To Miss Work On Short Notice

To highlight some good excuses to miss work on short notice , we dug through some earlier posts about leaving work early , missing work , and reasons to work from home . We found 15 good excuses to call off work last minute, and organized them into two categories:

  • The best last-minute examples that never fail
  • Notifications you can condense into a quick text message

Some will work right out of the box, while others, as stated, probably aren’t entirely safe to use on a boss who may be lacking in the humor department.  

The Best Excuses To Miss Work On Short Notice

Here are the nine best excuses to miss work on short notice that should do the trick last minute:

1. Family emergency

Excuse to miss work: family emergency

If you want to provide a very vague excuse, you can explain that you must respond to a family emergency and leave it at that. There is no further explanation in this excuse as long as you sound genuine. Most bosses would accept this excuse once a year without raising an eyebrow as long as you don’t have a history of being absent or asking for too much time off.

— Jennifer Curtis of She Cooks She Eats

2. Death of a loved one

Excuse to miss work: death of a loved one

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

Excuse to miss work: illness

Here are the best options that likely won’t be questioned:

  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • The 24-hour flu
  • Unexplained illness

4. Medical appointment

Excuse to miss work: medical appointment

Be careful with this one – some stingy employers may ask for a doctor’s note. But, for the most part, this is a trusted excuse to miss work.

5. Car maintenance/issues

Excuse to miss work: car issues

If you need to drop off your vehicle for maintenance, you must do so during business hours. Tell your boss you’ll finish some work before dropping off the car at three o’clock. It shows commitment — just don’t use it too often.

— Jeremy Dawes of Jezweb

6. Home maintenance

Excuse to miss work: home maintenance

A home emergency like the fire alarm going off or a water leak in the basement is a valid reason to leave work early. Anything that requires immediate attention would be seen as important enough to leave the office before the end of the day.

— Anthony Martin of Choice Mutual

7. Getting internet installed/upgraded

Excuse to miss work: internet installation

This one shows up on our list of the best reasons to work from home , too.

Understandably, you’d need to leave work early to deal with internet and cable installation. Network installation often takes place during business hours, so you’ll need to be at home. Don’t try to pull a fast one on your supervisor by asking to leave early from work; let him or her know a few days in advance.

— Tyler Seeger of Retirement Being

8. Jury duty

Excuse to miss work: jury duty

Jury duty to the rescue. You can simply excuse yourself and ask for some leniency on the day. It’s your responsibility as a citizen to become a juror and give your verdict on a case. It’s an excuse everyone can relate to, and you’ll get work from home.

– Fraser Matthews of Netcoins

9. Religious celebration

Excuse to miss work: religious ceremony

Even if your company doesn’t observe the holiday, you should be free to practice your religion. Any religious holiday is indeed a great justification for taking time off of work, and you shouldn’t face harassment because of it. Ask for a day in advance, give it the attention it needs, and have faith that your employer will take care of business without you.

– Adrian Paul of NC CuttingTools

   

Good Excuses To Call Off Work Last Minute: Text Message Edition

Looking for some good excuses to call off work last minute in a text message or email? Here are 11 options:

10. 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

11. My pet is sick

Emergency appointments for pets due to a major illness are an acceptable excuse to miss work. Pets can’t take care of themselves; in an emergency, it is necessary for the owner to take some time off to properly take care of the pet. Depending on the circumstances, everything from a clean-up to treatment and transporting the pet to the veterinarian may be necessary.

— Shirley Borg of Energy Casino

12. My sciatica is flaring up

Sciatica was one of my strongest justifications for leaving the office early in the past. Sciatica is a disorder that hurts the legs and lower back. Most of the time, I used this excuse to get out of work early.

— Nicole Pav of Nccuttingtools

13. Gotta pick up the kids

While you don’t necessarily want to take advantage of it, your kids needing to be picked up from anywhere, for any reason, is always the best excuse to leave work early. Employers have a hard time arguing with that reason to leave. Unless it’s the fifth time in as many days that you’ve had “an appointment” for your kid. Then you might catch some pushback.

— Amy Weiher of Weiher Creative

14. Personal emergency

You can always say you have to take care of a personal emergency. If this is truly the case, make sure to explain the situation to your boss before you leave. They’ll likely understand and let you go. It’s not uncommon for personal emergencies to crop up from time to time, and you may need to leave work early to take care of them. In this case, it’s best to be honest with your boss about the situation and provide any necessary documentation to support your need to leave work early.

— Jimmy Huh of JH SEO

15. 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

See more reasons by category:

  • Miss work altogether
  • Leave work early
  • Work from home that day

' src=

Similar Posts

How to improve your remote employee engagement.

Want to better engage remote employees and keep them engaged? I hate to say this… but you might have to stop doing so much first. That’s exactly what I learned managing a remote team for years – the more you’re online, the less engaged. The more shallow recognition, the less meaning. The more meetings and check-ins, the less bonding. In this guide, we start with what not…

43 Mind-Blowing Remote Work Statistics (2023 Update)

During the pandemic, many people thought remote work was a blip on the radar, a necessity until work could go back to “business as usual.” But then something interesting happened. People discovered they liked working remotely! They discovered the flexibility, health benefits, and cost savings remote work provided.  Now we’re in 2023, and statistics are still showing an upward trend. Remote work is not going…

Where—And How―To Find Remote Jobs

While working remotely is not a new concept (I’ve worked remotely for more than 10 years), prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, only a small fraction of the workforce worked away from a centralized office or business location. Like many workers, you may have gotten your first taste of remote work in 2020, as social distancing to slow the spread…

36 Challenges Of Working Remotely

While the conversation about remote work continues, there’s no question that employees (and employers) continue to see its benefits. True, some companies are issuing back-to-office orders, but others are making a permanent shift to remote work. But remote work is not without its difficulties. Addressing these issues is what will help drive the next flurry of moves to remote-first, so I asked our contributor list to share some of their…

16 Excuses To Work From Home: For A Day Or Forever

Look up ☝️. See our company name is Buildremote (emphasis on remote)? We don’t think you ever need an excuse to work from home, be it permanently or for a day. We asked our list of contributors to share their best excuses to work from home. We received 200+ reasons and organized the best ones into two categories. Click one of the links below to…

27 Best Remote Side Hustles [2024]

There are two good ways to start a search for remote side hustles: 1) look for skills and careers that are conducive to online, remote side hustles, or 2) find a marketplace with online projects and jobs. In this article, we’ve covered both options in depth. Click a link below to start your remote side hustle search in whichever way works best for you: 27…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

ResumeHead

  • Cover Letter

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

good reasons to miss work last minute

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.

Related Articles

  • 30 Professional Resume Header Examples for 2023
  • Educator Job Description: Salary, Skills, & More for 2023
  • 25 Restaurant Manager Resume Examples with Helpful Tips
  • Unit Secretary Job Description: A Blueprint for Success
  • Optometric Assistant: Job Description, Salary, and Skills

Rate this article

0 / 5. Reviews: 0

More from ResumeHead

good reasons to miss work last minute

6 valid reasons to miss work — and the excuses your boss won't go for, according to career experts

  • There are good and bad reasons to miss a workday.
  • Career strategists say taking time off to care for your health or for a loved one is acceptable.
  • Using a lack of sleep or a missed train as an excuse not to go to work likely won't fly, they said.

Insider Today

There are about 260 workdays in a year. That means many full-time employees are expected to spend about 70% of their time in the office, literally or figuratively.

But there are inevitably days when we need to miss work — for vacation, for personal or family matters, or for some other reason.

While many companies provide their employees an allotment of sick, personal, and vacation days, it can sometimes be hard to tell what constitutes a reasonable excuse for not showing up for work, particularly if it's a last-minute request.

"It needs to be something that helps your employer see why you wouldn't be productive or that the quality of your work would be degraded and lead to problems," Laura Smith-Proulx, an executive-résumé writer and former job recruiter who's coached thousands of employees through layoffs, relocations, promotions, office politics, and other work scenarios, told Insider.

If you're not sure whether you're justified in skipping out on a workday, here are the best reasons for not showing up — and advice for telling your boss.

Good reasons to miss work

1. you've had a traumatic experience.

Perhaps one of the toughest situations to navigate at work is when something unexpected and traumatic happens in your personal life, such as the death of a family member or a friend.

Smith-Proulx said employers most likely wouldn't expect an employee to be at their top performance after such an event, so if you need to request time off, it's best to have a conversation with your boss as soon as possible to allow them to make other plans in your absence.

"You can either share details of the event directly or summarize what happened, depending on what you are comfortable discussing and what actually occurred," she added. "It's possible your boss may quickly understand and you can keep the conversation at a high level with minimal detail.

"No matter what arrangement you set up, make your mental and physical health a priority, while checking in with your team or boss as you are able to do so."

2. You're sick, or you've been around someone who's contagious

Any illness that prevents you from doing your job effectively is a good excuse to stay home.

"If your profession requires you to sit at a desk or stand behind a counter and you're not able to handle these conditions due to flu, a kidney stone, pregnancy complication, broken bone, or other severe incident, most employers would excuse you from work duties until you are able to withstand the requirements," Smith-Proulx said.

Being exposed to something contagious, especially if you work in an office or closely with people in person, can also be a reasonable excuse for missing work.

"Even if you aren't feeling unwell, a positive COVID test means you could infect another worker who is more susceptible to severe effects or even the possibility of death," Smith-Proulx said. "In that case, you should steer clear of the workplace until cleared to return to work."

Smith-Proulx recommended notifying your boss quickly, especially if your workplace will need coverage for the day. Then tend to your needs by monitoring your symptoms.

"If you have a contagious illness such as COVID or the flu, contact your doctor for recommendations on when you can safely return to work — and make sure you're communicating with coworkers and supervisors so they can plan around your absence," Smith-Proulx said.

3. You have no means of getting to the office

Smith-Proulx said that a lack of reliable transportation is an excuse she's heard people use for skipping work.

"If your car or transportation source breaks down or roads are impassable due to ice or snow, you can typically expect an employer to understand the circumstances," Smith-Proulx said.

However, she added, don't expect your boss to give you more than one day off for a reason like this — unless it's an extenuating circumstance you've spoken with your boss about, they'll most likely expect you back the next day.

4. You don't have WiFi, or there are other problems with your work environment

Remote workers who depend on the internet or on childcare to do their job might face instances where these things fall through and they can't show up for work at home.

"Some employers will allow you to delay tasks or deadlines if you cannot access WiFi or are not able to complete tasks away from the office," she said.

However, Smith-Proulx added, companies would probably prefer that you find workarounds that allow you to continue your tasks on an interim basis. For example, she said, if you can't access WiFi at home, you may need to call your boss or use another means of communication to contact them.

"Don't rely on sending a passive email," she said, as your message could sit in your boss' inbox for hours.

If you're dealing with a complication at home — perhaps your daycare has fallen through and you need to take care of your children — it's best to set aside time to convey how you'll deal with this issue if it happens again, Smith-Proulx said.

"Most supervisors understand that life happens and you can't control every factor in your home environment, but may also view repeated episodes in a negative light," she said.

5. You need a mental-health day

There might be times when you just need a day to reset, whether it's because you're burned out or you're dealing with something personal.

"We are working in an unprecedented time, and people are working more than ever before, which can lead to a huge amount of stress," Amy Stoldt , the vice president of people and culture at Snappy, an employee-gifting company, told Insider.

Brooks Scott , an executive coach, recommended adopting a personal strategy for asking for time off for mental-health reasons.

"The best way to communicate with your manager that you'll need to miss work is to focus on your relationship with them by connecting your excuse to something you both share," Scott said.

He suggested using the following script: "Both of us need to have a professional relationship where we can be open and honest with each other. Some personal things have come up, and I need to ask for the day off to focus on my mental health. You know I wouldn't be asking unless it was necessary."

Scott added that it's best to use these types of excuses sparingly, wisely, and truthfully.

6. You're dealing with a family situation

Whether it's a child, a spouse, a parent, or a pet who needs you, it's OK to request a day off to be there for loved ones.

"The best way to communicate a family situation with your manager is to share as much about the situation as you are comfortable with, but of course you are not required to do so," Stoldt said.

She added that it can be good to share how much time you might need to take off so you can help manage job expectations. "You can also offer up that you will work with others on the team to assure your manager that someone is designated as your backup while you are away," Stoldt said.

Bad reasons to miss work

Smith-Proulx said the worst excuses for missing work are the ones your boss expects you to have control over, such as being up late or missing the train.

"When you commit to being on the job, it's expected that you will tend to your own sleep schedule or find alternative means of transportation," Smith-Proulx said. "If you find you are regularly missing work for reasons like these, spend time analyzing how long it takes for you to obtain transportation or ensure you're well rested, which should help avoid routine absences."

She suggested admitting what happened and asking if you can make it up by contributing in some other way.

Many employers understand that time off can't always be planned and should be taken, but they still expect their employees to be productive and regularly available for work. Constantly being absent from work, Smith-Proulx said, "can make it difficult for the employer to continue business, and they may need to replace you with a more reliable employee."

good reasons to miss work last minute

  • Main content

Live Bold and Bloom

Need to Miss Work on Short Notice? 27 Good Excuses That Bosses Will Understand

Missing work at the last minute can feel as pressured as negotiating a NATO peace treaty. 

Whether someone is calling in sick, needing a mental health day, or just “literally can't” on a given day, there are bulletproof excuses to get out of work and ways to massage the message to the managers.

The words, tone, and channels you use to ask for time off at the last minute are important. 

In some cases, you've got the power of the law backing you up. 

What Type of Excuses Do Bosses Generally Find Acceptable?

1. you just aren't feeling well. , 2. your kids are sick., 3. you are mentally unprepared for a work day. , 4. you see severe weather is in the forecast., 5. you have aches and pains that are too much to bear. , 6.  you have car trouble, new or ongoing, that needs to be handled., 7. you slipped and fell down and need to rest., 8. you have a time-sensitive delivery. , 9. your dental pain has reached an intolerable level. , 10. you have a last-minute guest coming to town., 11. your internet needs troubleshooting., 12. you are experiencing grief. , 13. your spot on a medical waiting list opened up., 14. you need to help a family member. , 15. you have a family member in the hospital., 16. you found a great last-minute travel deal., 17. the power is out or went out. , 18. you were involved in or witnessed a dog attack., 19. you have overwhelming anxiety for no reason., 20. you finally got taylor swift tickets. , 21. you ate something that isn't agreeing with you. , 22. you completely forget to ask and feel terrible about it. , 23. you had a car accident. , 24. your phone died or is on the fritz., 25. the environment around your home is too loud. , 26. you'll feel charitable and inclined to help someone. , 27. you don't have a reason but… be mysterious., 1. “i just don't feel like it.”, 2. “i'm still out of town.” , 3. “since bob missed yesterday, i'm missing today.” , 4. “i am so hungover.”, 5. “hello, backup boss i'm not coming in today.” , 6. “i had a verbal fight with a colleague and don't want to see her.” , 7. “here's an excuse with tons of reasonable doubt.” , 8. “you woke me up, so i'm just going to stay in bed.” , 9. “here's an elaborate story that i'm making up as i go.” , 10. “i'll figure out an excuse later.”, final thoughts.

The word “excuse” is a slippery slope. Are you justifying a fault or simply being released from a requirement?

Trying to find the best excuse to miss work can leave an employee with a sense of guilt that makes a day off feel like doomsday.

There's no magic formula here—the most believable excuses for missing work are the honest, authentic kind. 

  • Health Issues : Companies are more aware than after post-pandemic that forcing or quilting someone to call in sick can lead to more illness in the office. 
  • Legally Protected Issues: State laws vary about the use of mental health days, and your company handbook will detail the time-off allotments. FMLA is protected under federal law but requires paperwork in advance. 
  • Accidents: If you or one of your dependents has been in an accident, your boss likely won't push back. 
  • Burnout: Bosses who know good employees are at their wit's end might be more flexible.

27 Good Excuses To Miss Work On Short Notice

It's always wise not to “make up an excuse,” but you can take life events and challenges and parlay them into a day off.

Bosses have limitations and latitude as to how they can react to an employee's last-minute call to take the day off. 

COVID taught us that no illness presents the same in each person; bosses don't want to risk it. You should offer to work from home. Don't apologize. 

“I woke up with a fever and need to rest.”

“I have a sore throat with white patches. I'm going to the doctor and won't be in today.”

When a child is ill, you've been exposed. It's time to focus on healing and prevention for both of you.

woman in bed blowing nose Good Excuses To Miss Work On Short Notice

“My child has been vomiting all night. I need to stay home with him.”

“We have a bug going around our house. Out of the utmost caution, I'm staying home.”

School shootings, gun violence, political feuds, and severe weather wear on all of us. 

“I'm mentally shaken about the storms that kept us up all night. I am helping with community clean up today.” 

“My family needs a day to distance themselves from tragic news. We are all unplugging, and I won't be available.” 

If you're in a watch or advisory area, take action outside of work.

“The NWS advises this storm could be damaging, and I need to prepare my family today.”

“The winter storm will make road conditions treacherous, and on the advice of the weather experts, I'm staying off the streets.”  

The aches in necks and eyes from too much screen time need attention.  

“I'm going to the chiropractor to get my spine aligned. I need to rest after that. I'll be in tomorrow.” 

“I have a migraine aura and need to get away from screens and sounds. Please accept this as notice that I won't be in today.” 

You need reliable transportation to get to and from work, so use a day to deal with auto or bicycle issues. 

“My car battery died again today. This is inconvenient for everyone. I'm addressing it today and won't be in the office.” 

“We had a rash of car break-ins at my apartment complex, and I'm having a catalytic converter cage added.” 

More Related Articles

13 Signs You May Have An Introvert Hangover

43 Heart-Wrenching and Emotional Songs That Will Make You Cry

21 Happiness-Enhancing Rules to Live By Everyone Should Embrace

It just takes a little black ice to turn a step into a slip and fall. 

“I fell going to my car just now. I need to lay down the rest of the day and ice my ankle.”

“I saw three people fall today, and I can't risk that with my knee injury. I will be staying home today.” 

You have no control over delivery drivers in a distribution shortage.

“I have a major appliance being delivered between 10 am and 2 pm today. It just makes sense to take the day off.”

“The bug company is coming today to access all corners of my home, and I am required to be home.” 

Nobody can focus at work with dental pain, and even breathing can introduce new bacteria. 

woman shoveling snow Good Excuses To Miss Work On Short Notice

“I have a tooth infection so bad I can hardly see straight. I will be taking a sick day.” 

“The dentist told me this root canal requires me to be in bed for 12 hours afterward. I won't be available today.” 

The pandemic took away much-needed family and friends moments. Don't feel guilty. 

“My 60-year-old aunt can finally leave home, and she just showed up at my door. I'm spending the day with her while I can.”

“It turns out my best friend from college is in town for 24 hours, and we're going to reconnect after 20 years.” 

There are only so many “NO INTERNET” alerts we can handle with shoddy service. Take the day to fix it (finally!).

“My internet is down again this morning, and I know you said it's frustrating when you can't reach me. I'll be unplugged until it is fixed.”

“I am switching internet companies, and it could be a long wait.” 

Beyond the leave someone gets when a loved one passes, there are times weeks and months later grief can be overwhelming.

“It's my mother's birthday, and I didn't realize how the first one without her would hit so hard.”

“Today, my grief is overwhelming. I know you said if I ever needed anything to let you know. This is me letting you know.” 

Getting into a doctor's office last minute is like winning the lottery. 

“A last-minute cancelation opened for the mammogram. I need to be there and not at work.” 

“The new specialist in town for skin cancer has a sudden opening to take care of some issues I have; I hope you'll understand.” 

Family first. That is a full answer. 

“My dad can't use the snowblower anymore at his age. I need to get gas and clear their walkway.” 

“My diabetic grandma is having blood sugar spikes today and can't be left alone. I'm the only family member in town, so I'll be with her.” 

Don't wait until it's too late to be there for people in emergency situations. 

“My uncle was rushed to the hospital last night with a serious heart issue. I need to head to the ER now.”

“I have a nephew who broke his leg last night, and my sister is freaking out. I have to help them today.” 

Finesse this one with your boss if there is a way to make it seem work-related or a milestone event. 

man working on car Good Excuses To Miss Work On Short Notice

“I just got an alert about a $25 train ticket to Springfield for today's 10 am route. I know we've been looking to expand into that area, so I'm going.” 

“My boyfriend just surprised me with a trip. I think this might be the big weekend. He feels terrible he didn't clear it with you.”

A power outage can mean expensive losses if you don't jump on it.

“The power was out for three hours last night, and I need to check my food since I'm on that strict renal diet.” 

“Our neighborhood is without power, and with temperatures this hot, I will lose my food supply. I need to take action.” 

It's a traumatic experience whether a dog attack happens at the dog park or walking around your neighborhood.

“Buddy got bit this morning on our walk, and I need to get him to the vet now.” 

“There was a dog attack at the park this morning, and I need to file a witness statement with animal control.” 

Generalized anxiety disorder is a real thing, and you can't control when the attacks happen. 

“I'm having an anxiety attack now, and these last a while. I simply can't come in today.” 

“My heart is racing, and I have pain in my chest. I'm sure it's just anxiety, but I need to get it checked out with my family's heart history.” 

I'm not sure a human in this country wouldn't realize how big of a deal this is. 

“I know this might sound lame, but I just had two tickets to the Detroit Taylor Swift concert fall into my lap. I've got to head to the city for the day.” 

“I won the radio contest this morning for the Taylor Swift concert, and I won't make my swing shift tonight.” 

Whether it was a binge or a bad slice of sushi, nobody wants to see, hear, or smell it.

“That lobster roll really made my belly snap. I need to be close to a toilet for the next six hours.” 

“I promise I'm not hungover, but something in that keg of beer at the professional mixer last night is tearing up my stomach.”

It happens to all of us in this crazy, hectic life. 

“This is totally my bad, but I have a hair appointment two hours away and then lunch with my mom. I could've sworn I asked for the day off, but now I see I didn't.” 

“I'm on my way to the airport when I saw that meeting pop up. I am so sorry I didn't tell you about this trip.”

Big crash or fender bender, it doesn't matter. Injuries likely manifest hours afterward. 

“I had a car accident last night in the drive-through, and the more I think about it, the more I want to get seen by urgent care first thing.” 

“Did you hear about the big accident on I-80? I was in the middle of that, and I won't be in today.” 

What was once an inconvenience is now the loss of a lifeline. 

“My iPhone isn't holding a charge, and I can't make my sales calls without it. I need to get this addressed today.” 

“My Pixel camera got smashed in my purse, and I can't make marketing photos without it.” 

When we work from home, there's little control we have over the noise around us. 

“There's pothole construction outside today. They've been drilling since 5 am. They'll be making noise until 4 pm. I'm going to burn a day off.” 

“I didn't realize the roofers would be this loud, even with my office on the lower floor.”

So many tragedies tear at our hearts, and it's okay to turn a mental health day into a day of action.

“I saw those tornadoes in Missouri, and they need blood badly. I'm going to donate blood.

“You know how you guys joke about my doomsday supply of water? I'm putting it to good use to help wildfire victims get water.” 

Some issues can be too much to explain to a boss, especially if you don't feel comfortable with the relationship. 

“I have a personal emergency, and I won't be in today.” 

“I don't mean to some vague, but there's a serious issue that just popped up, and only I can address it.” 

10 Worst Excuses to Call Out of Work

Taking a day off work should come with mutual respect and genuine empathy on both sides. Follow the cardinal rule of “Don't be a jerk.”

Take a survey of anyone who feels like going to work today, and maybe one or two people (who weren't listening to the question) will raise their hands. This reflects more of your work ethic than your need for time off. 

You took a trip to Aspen in winter with a flight that landed an hour before your shift starts? That's bad planning and reflects on your organizational skills more than your Black Diamond run skills. 

When you're keeping score with colleagues, you're showing the wrong kind of competitive edge. You don't know Bob's situation from the day before and should be supportive, not trying to even the score. 

If you want to rage on a Wednesday night, fine. But have some self-discipline to keep it manageable so you can do your job. Your boss wants an ace, not a potential alcoholic. 

Don't use your boss's absence to mean you shouldn't have to show up and perform. It shows disrespect to your middle managers and will definitely get back to the bigwigs. 

This shows you have no conflict resolution skills and tells your colleague who's the real alpha dog of the office. Go in and face it or avoid it; just show up. 

Don't say someone died, that you tested positive for COVID, or you have an emergency when you don't. Chances are your social media prowess will give you away. If you've made it clear you only have one aunt, and three have now died, that's suspicious. 

The main thing you have to do in the morning is wake up. If you can't get that together, how are you going to focus on the other things you need to do? 

Your boss will know all your strengths and weaknesses, so when you drone on about the ghost that could've been a prowler, and you stubbed your toe, but now it's swollen, and you can't walk, but you're going to walk to the pharmacy to get meds… you're boss will call B.S.

Ghosting work is unprofessional and causes unnecessary panic among your teammates. If you're brave enough to ditch work, at least come up with a lame excuse.

What If You Lie About Your Excuses to Get Out of Work Last Minute?

Do you want to be lied to about a possible raise coming? A bonus potential in the works? No. So don't do that to your employer.

  • Company Handbook: The bible of your business will detail what is allowed for sick time or PTO. You'll be held accountable for that. 
  • Trust Erodes: If your boss can't trust you to show up on time, why would they trust you with a promotion? 
  • Employee File: Even if nobody lets on, your employee file is growing with notes of absences, legit or not. 
  • Colleague Conflicts: So you stuck it to your boss, but your colleagues picked up the slack… again. 

Getting time off work at the last minute starts long before building your reputation as a reliable and trusted worker. The more your boss sees your benefit, the more latitude you'll have when it's time for a day off or you're not feeling well.

Develop Good Habits

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

There might be affiliate links on this page, which means we get a small commission of anything you buy. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please do your own research before making any online purchase.

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.”

good excuses to miss work on short notice examples | good excuses to miss work on short notice for a week | good excuses to miss work on short notice text message

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.

fake excuses to get out of work | great excuses to miss work on short notice | good excuses to miss work on short notice reddit

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 to miss work text message | really unusual sick day excuses | family emergency excuses

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 .

fake excuses to get out of work | great excuses to miss work on short notice | good excuses to miss work on short notice reddit

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.

good reasons to miss work last minute

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 to miss 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.

good excuses to miss work

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.

best excuses to miss work for 2022

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!

good excuses to miss work

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?”

good excuses to miss work

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?”

good excuses to miss work

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 .

good excuses to miss work

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.

good excuses to miss 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,

author: patrick algrim

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 .

Popular Resources

phone interview questions

35+ Phone Interview Questions & Best Sample Answers

Phone interviews have become a core part of the process when attempting to find a secured placement for an open position. Companies receive massive responses from potential candidates for any..

questions to ask a recruiter

12+ Best Questions To Ask A Recruiter

Concerning a job search, you might receive numerous offers from your recruiters. Before you choose one, you need to assess all the conditions, for which it is vital that you know everything associated with the offered position..

what makes you unique

Answering "What Makes You Unique" In A Job Interview

Answering this question during a job interview requires more than knowing why you are unique as an individual. Yes, the true scientific answer is made up of two main components: your..

ice breaker questions

250+ Ice Breaker Questions for Life

An ice breaker question is a question that’s asked from one person to another person in order to act as a conversation starter. It brings a connection...

what motivates you

10 Best Answers to "What Motivates You?"

Open-ended questions like “What motivates you?” can elicit a deer-in-the-headlights reaction from job candidates if they are unprepared. It’s a broad question and can leave the interviewer..

how did you hear about this position

Answering "How Did You Hear About This Position" In An Interview

A lot of interviewers ask this question - how did you hear about this position? This way they can judge you if you are a passive or an active job seeker..

thank you email after an interview

8 Best Thank You Emails After an Interview (Samples, Free Templates)

Writing a thank you note after an interview says a lot about you as a potential employee. Most notably, it says that you care about the opportunities presented..

resignation letter

Writing a Resignation Letter (How To Write It, Samples)

Writing the perfect letter of resignation is more of an art than it is a science. And we’re going to cover how to master that art form in this full guide..

salutations

How to End a Letter (Example Salutations, Sign Off's)

Knowing how to end a business note or email is an important skill to develop. It helps portray a sense of confidence, respect and tone to your message..

Help us by spreading the word

  • Internships
  • All Resources
  • Cover Letters
  • Job Descriptions
  • Interview Questions
  • Most popular
  • Trivia Questions
  • Trivia Questions for Kids
  • 555 Meaning
  • 333 Angel Number Meaning
  • Most Likely To Questions
  • Good Pick Up Lines
  • Cute Names to Call Your Boyfriend
  • Funny Insults
  • Paranoia Questions
  • 777 Angel Number Meaning
  • Bad Pick Up Lines
  • Funny Names

© Copyright 2024, algrim.co - Terms & Conditions - Privacy Policy - Illustrations

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Career Sherpa

Guide for Lifetime Career Navigation

  • Search this site...

Facebook

17 Good Reasons & Excuses To Call Off Or Miss Work

October 20, 2023 by Hannah Morgan

There are plenty of valid excuses to call off work, but many people are afraid to use them! This usually comes from a concern that they’ll be viewed as unprofessional for missing work (especially last minute)

But let’s be clear, honest and hardworking employees should never feel bad about giving legitimate reasons for missing work.

A woman with a good excuse to call off work

This list of excuses for calling off work will give you the confidence to use them when the moment comes.

1. Sickness

If you’re feeling under the weather, don’t be a hero. Being sick is a perfectly valid excuse to call off work.

When you’re ill, you can’t perform at your best. Your productivity wanes, and you could bring your entire team down. If you work in an environment where everyone needs to be on their A-game, coming into work sick will do no one any good.

On top of all that, there’s the risk of spreading the illness to your coworkers. No manager wants to deal with a sweeping sickness that takes out the entire team. It’s best to stay home, rest, and come back refreshed.

Some employers will require a doctor’s note or proof of illness for this to be considered a legit reason to call off work. In that case, don’t be afraid to go to your general practitioner or a local health clinic. Not only will you get the proof you need, but you’ll likely get some treatment to speed up your recovery.

2. Family Emergency

Family emergencies refer to any unexpected situation that affects the health or safety of your family. The definition is pretty broad here, which is fine. Things happen all the time, and family comes first.

You might have to take off work because your child or spouse experienced a sudden illness. Or, it could be your grandmother who suddenly needs help handling a heavy delivery because she’s incapable of doing so herself. Whatever the case, family emergencies are valid excuses to miss work.

In some cases, you may even qualify for up to 12 weeks of unpaid time off under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Keep your employer informed and updated as things evolve.

3. Childcare Issues

If you have a child, you know how challenging being a working parent is. Many unexpected situations arise, and you have no choice but to adapt quickly. While your childcare arrangements might cover things most of the time, you might suddenly encounter problems when you cannot utilize your usual arrangements.

Once again, things happen! Babysitters can get sick, and daycare centers can experience problems that cause them to close down temporarily. Even if you have school-aged kids, you might have to take off to watch your child as they stay home.

You can’t leave your child home alone. While some managers might be more understanding about this reason than others, it’s valid. Your kids’ safety should always be a top priority.

4. Your Pet Is Ill

Here’s a good excuse for missing work that many people experience. Your furry friend is another family member, and illness is a big deal!

Pets can’t take care of themselves. While mild sickness usually isn’t a huge deal, it can snowball into something worse unless you seek veterinary care.

Going to the vet can be an all-day endeavor. Not only that, but you must be there to care for your animal, clean up accidents, and provide treatment. 

This isn’t an excuse to get out of work that you should use often. But if your pet is seriously ill and needs your care, you shouldn’t feel bad about taking time off (even if it’s at the last minute).

5. It’s a Special Occasion

Do you have a special occasion coming up? As long as you provide plenty of advance notice, most employers won’t mind that you miss a little work. Taking some time off doesn’t always have to follow illness or disaster.

Sometimes, your day off comes with tons of fantastic memories!

Special occasions don’t come often, so most managers consider this a perfectly acceptable reason to call off work. As always, be honest and upfront.

What constitutes a special occasion? Realistically, it’s anything that doesn’t occur in your everyday life. Maybe you have a class reunion, your child is doing a music performance, or you have a big family event. Each of those examples and more are good excuses for missing some work.

6. You’ve Been Selected for Jury Duty

When it comes to bulletproof excuses to get out of work, this might be at the top of the list. If you get called for jury duty, you have no choice but to fulfill your civic duty! Employers must give you time off. Otherwise, they could end up breaking the law.

You can get called for jury duty at any time. It tends to come unexpectedly and can last for several days or weeks, depending on the case and whether you’re selected as a juror. If you’ve never been to jury duty, it’s not something many people enjoy!

Many people dread it and would actually rather go to work. But if you get that notice, you can’t ignore it.

7. You Have School

If you’re in school, your education is likely your top long-term priority. Whether you’re actively paying tuition or not, it costs money to go to school. Skipping it to work would be a waste, and most employers fully understand that.

Plus, failing to go to class could cause your grades to suffer.

There’s a good chance that you’re going to school to further your career. Whether you stay at the company you’re at now or you transition to an entirely different industry, your priority should be to complete your education.

What makes your time at school a legitimate excuse for missing work is that it should be communicated to your employer ahead of time. Let them know you plan on attending classes, and help them find a schedule that works for both of you.

8. Food Poisoning 

Here’s an excuse to call off work that is hard to appreciate until it happens to you. Make no mistake: Food poisoning is no joke!

The severity of food poisoning can vary dramatically. Some people will get off relatively scot-free with mild symptoms. But for others, it can cause fever, sweats, and an overall awful feeling!

The symptoms can be so severe that people cannot get out of bed. It’s not always something you can “tough out” at work.

Here’s the thing about food poisoning: It comes and goes quickly. Because the condition shares an intrinsic link to food, it can seem to come out of nowhere after eating a bad meal. The symptoms might last a day, but most people recover quickly enough to return to work the next day. If you have a good relationship with your employer, this reason for missing work likely won’t be met with resistance.

9. Military Obligations

Like school, your military obligations are more important than your job.

In most cases, you have no choice when it comes to your military obligations. For example, people in the National Guard have to do monthly drill weekends and a two-week training period every year. These obligations aren’t something you should skip.

There are even laws covering those work absences, making it a bulletproof excuse for getting out of work. Most managers usually won’t fight you on this, but it’s still professional to provide plenty of notice if you can.

10. Your Pet Is Missing

Earlier, we covered the validity of calling off work if your pet is sick. Your pet going missing is just as much of a reasonable excuse for missing work as caring for them when they’re ill.

Again, it all comes down to the importance of your pet to you and your family. You love them immensely, so there’s no reason to hesitate taking time off work to find them when they go lost.

Whether they run away or accidentally wander outside, locating them can take an entire day. Don’t feel bad about wanting to focus your attention and energy on searching for your beloved pet rather than hopping on a conference call while they continue to wander away from your home.

11. You Need to Take Care of Someone in Your Family

This excuse for calling off work is similar to that of a family emergency. However, it might not occur suddenly, and you may have plenty of advance notice. 

No matter what the situation is, needing to care for someone in your family is an excellent reason to miss work. You may be the only one available who can care for your loved one. It could be an unexpected illness, or you could have to provide more extensive care after surgery.

If there is no one else to turn to, you have no choice but to take the mantle of caregiver. As always, be professional and give your employer as much of a heads up as possible.

12. Religious Holiday or Event

Most companies provide days off for nationally recognized holidays. But if you live in a country where many cultures are present, there are other religious holidays and events that millions of people take time off to enjoy.

Don’t be afraid to use this as a reason for calling off work. Just because no one else in your company is doing so doesn’t mean it’s not valid, and most managers are more than understanding. This is also something that you can easily notify your employer about ahead of time, since holidays are predictable events.

If your employer isn’t understanding, that could open up doors to legal issues due to the challenge of your religious freedom. Companies must respect your personal and spiritual needs. That’s why this reason for missing work is rarely contested.

13. Your Car Broke Down

This is an excuse that people use to get out of work all the time, even when it’s not true. That’s unfortunate, but if you run into car troubles, don’t be afraid to tell the truth and explain the problem.

Car troubles happen, and not everyone lives in an area where they can take public transit to work. If you do, your manager may ask if you could try to take a bus, train, or taxi. But if that’s not possible, don’t hesitate to take the day off.

That said, try to get things fixed or come up with another source of transportation as soon as possible. Some bosses understand the struggle and how debilitating a lack of proper transportation can be. But others will grow impatient if you take longer than a few days to address the issue.

14. Home Emergency

What would you do if you had a sudden pipe burst in your basement? Will you address the issue or let thousands of dollars of damage occur? Most people (including your managers )will choose the former!

Home emergencies can come out of nowhere, leaving you with few options. These problems require immediate attention, and you can’t address them at work. If it’s a repair issue, you must be there to allow experts in and assess the damage.

But it doesn’t have to be that catastrophic either. Last-minute important deliveries that require a signature can be a valid excuse for calling off work as well. 

Remember that you’ll likely be asked why this issue is occurring and why you didn’t have advanced notice. This is where it’s helpful to have a good relationship with your employer. If you’re an honest and hard worker, you’re less likely to get pushback.

15. Doctor’s Appointment

Of course, your health is the most important thing of all. Doctor’s appointments are a good excuse to miss work for a few hours (or an entire day depending on the situation). 

Some managers might ask you to reschedule, but here’s the thing: Most offices are only open during standard “nine to five” hours. If you work those same hours, that makes it impossible to get an appointment on your day off.

If you have one scheduled ahead of time, do what you can to notify your manager ahead of time. But remember that last-minute appointments are valid, too. Sometimes, the only time you can get in is when someone cancels. Your health comes first!

16. You’re Moving

Moving likely isn’t something that you do regularly, but it’s a monumental task everyone has to go through at some point.

Ideally, you’d schedule moving duties outside of work hours. But once again, not everyone has that luxury.

Emergencies can also force you to move out suddenly. For example, you or a close family member might be dealing with eviction. There’s also the issue of natural disasters, fires, and more. Those are more common than you think.

Explain your situation and why it’s necessary for you to miss work. We’ve all been there.

17. Migraine

At first, migraines might seem like an odd excuse for calling off work. Everyone experiences headaches, right? 

But a severe migraine can be so painful that you cannot focus on anything. It seriously hinders your productivity (to put it mildly). In many cases, migraines cause light and noise sensitivity. As a result, even being at work can make your situation far worse than it should be.

Most understanding managers aren’t going to question the issue too much. Migraines usually don’t require doctor’s notices, either. Fortunately, things can improve fast, allowing you to return to work the next day.

Migraines are an acceptable excuse to miss work. You can never plan around these debilitating issues, so your only choice is to take things easy and wait for things to pass at home.

How to Avoid Getting In Trouble When Calling Off Work

Requesting a day off can be daunting. You want your manager to see you as trustworthy and reliable, and many people think taking time off diminishes trust or hurts chances for a promotion. Fortunately, that’s not usually the case.

Things happen. You’re not a robot and can suffer from sudden emergencies and family issues just as much as the next person.

So how do you avoid getting into trouble or experiencing some backlash when providing these reasons?

The biggest tip is, to be truthful. There’s no need to lie about your reasoning. You don’t have to go into explicit details about what you’re going through, but don’t skirt around the truth.

Lying will change your managers’ perception of you. Dishonesty hurts you in the long run, so keep things above board.

You also want to brush up on company policy. Every organization has rules about time off. You may see a list of accepted reasons or procedures for making last-minute requests. Follow those rules to a tee to avoid any confusion and frustration.

Finally, try to avoid making it a regular thing to call off work. You can experience rough patches and occasional unavoidable emergencies. But when these issues become too frequent, people start to ask questions.

Suddenly, you cast some doubt over the validity of your past stories. Before long, managers will start to think that you’re unreliable or untrustworthy. 

Reasons to Avoid Giving

It’s okay to miss work every once in a while. As long as you have a valid excuse, it isn’t something you should feel bad about.

But if you think you can use the following reasons to call off work, think again.

Work Conflicts

Everyone goes through issues with colleagues at some point. Some personalities don’t mesh well even if your company focuses on collaboration and teamwork. Your differences could create an uncomfortable work environment, but that’s no excuse to call out from work.

Deal with those issues before they affect your productivity. You can try to work them out on your own. But if that doesn’t work, turn to HR. Anything is better than missing work for issues like this.

Let’s get one thing straight: Mental health days are reasonable to request every once in a while. If you’re genuinely feeling overwhelmed with your workload, talk to your boss and see if you can make improvements.

But asking for a day off because you’re tired? That’s probably not going to be received very well.

An excuse like that comes off as lazy, because everyone gets tired from time to time. Using tiredness as an excuse will not go over well.

Other Job Prospects

Here’s a big no-no: Don’t use an interview for another job as an excuse to get out of work! That’s a quick way to get on your manager’s bad side.

You’re within your right to explore career options and interview for new positions. But it would be best if you did that around your existing work schedule. Use lunch breaks, days off, and other accrued PTO to complete those interviews.

General Workplace Unhappiness

Job dissatisfaction is not a good excuse to skip out on work. If you’re unhappy with your job or certain day-to-day aspects, take it up with your manager or HR. There are many good ways to deal with those problems.

Not showing up isn’t one of them.

Avoidable Last-Minute Requests

Finally, avoid using any last-minute excuse for which you could have provided advance notice. Genuine emergencies happen. But if you simply forget to talk to your manager, it’s not going to reflect well on you.

It comes off as irresponsible. Always let your managers know when you plan to take time off whenever possible. Valid emergency scenarios are okay, but it’s always better to provide early notice when possible.

As you can see, there are plenty of legitimate reasons and excuses you can use for missing work.

As long as you do your best to give your job as much of a heads-up as possible, everything will be just fine.

Hannah Morgan Career Sherpa

Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including  Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success .

good reasons to miss work last minute

  • Interviewing
  • Career Management
  • Social Media
  • Summary Sunday
  • Products & Services

NEVER MISS A POST!

Don’t miss out on the latest tips and tricks for a successful job search! By subscribing, you’ll get a weekly digest of modern job hunting trends. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to take it to the next level, my newsletter has everything you need to succeed. Join the community today and stay ahead of the game!

SIGN UP HERE!

  • More Networks

Learn more

How it works

Transform your enterprise with the scalable mindsets, skills, & behavior change that drive performance.

Explore how BetterUp connects to your core business systems.

We pair AI with the latest in human-centered coaching to drive powerful, lasting learning and behavior change.

Build leaders that accelerate team performance and engagement.

Unlock performance potential at scale with AI-powered curated growth journeys.

Build resilience, well-being and agility to drive performance across your entire enterprise.

Transform your business, starting with your sales leaders.

Unlock business impact from the top with executive coaching.

Foster a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Accelerate the performance and potential of your agencies and employees.

See how innovative organizations use BetterUp to build a thriving workforce.

Discover how BetterUp measurably impacts key business outcomes for organizations like yours.

A demo is the first step to transforming your business. Meet with us to develop a plan for attaining your goals.

Request a demo

  • For Individuals

Best practices, research, and tools to fuel individual and business growth.

View on-demand BetterUp events and learn about upcoming live discussions.

The latest insights and ideas for building a high-performing workplace.

  • BetterUp Briefing

The online magazine that helps you understand tomorrow's workforce trends, today.

Innovative research featured in peer-reviewed journals, press, and more.

Founded in 2022 to deepen the understanding of the intersection of well-being, purpose, and performance

We're on a mission to help everyone live with clarity, purpose, and passion.

Join us and create impactful change.

Read the buzz about BetterUp.

Meet the leadership that's passionate about empowering your workforce.

Find your Coach

For Business

12 good reasons to call out of work (and 4 ways to communicate it)

reasons-to-call-out-of-work-mom-working-with-kids-at-home

Understand Yourself Better:

Big 5 Personality Test

Find my Coach

If you’re wondering how sick is too sick for work, you’re not alone. Recent research shows that many employees feel guilty for taking sick days , especially if they work from home. 

So what is a good reason to call out of work? Some might think physical pain or a family emergency is the only valid excuse to take a day off of work. But in reality, there are plenty of reasons that you might call out of work. From a bad cold to needing a mental health day, it’s OK to take the time you need to rest. 

Unfortunately, hustle culture has led many of us to believe that we should just “push through” illnesses and personal problems. In fact, the idea that showing up is more important than taking care of yourself is so common that it has a name: presenteeism . Though this behavior may come from a desire to succeed professionally, it can only lead to burnout in the long term. 

The truth is that there are plenty of valid reasons to miss work. As long as you’re not taking advantage of company policies, calling out of work should be reframed as a form of self-care. When you take the time you need to rest, you can be more effective, productive, and focused later. There’s science behind the power of Inner Work® and rest . In fact, at BetterUp, we’ve studied this. Engaging in different types of rest improves well-being, productivity, and focus . 

Let’s dive into 15 legitimate reasons to call out of work, how to communicate with your team when you need a day off, and tips for returning to work after time away. 

New call-to-action

12 good reasons to call out of work

If you work remotely, you may struggle over the decision to call in sick . Yet, studies show that working while sick negatively impacts your job performance . You might be doing the work, but if you’re not fully present, you’re bound to make errors or turn in lower-quality work. 

But being sick is just one of many valid excuses for missing work. We’re all human and sometimes, life happens. It’s important to understand when you need to take a step back. 

12 good reasons to call out work

  • Loss of a loved one
  • Feeling sick
  • Food poisoning
  • Someone else is sick 
  • Doctor’s appointment 
  • Caring for a pet 
  • Family emergency 
  • Lack of childcare
  • Car trouble
  • Internet connection issues
  • Jury duty 
  • Personal day

1. Loss of a loved one 

If someone you love passes away, the last thing you want to think about is work. On top of taking time to process your grief , you may need to deal with logistical and financial arrangements such as the funeral.  

Some companies have a formal bereavement leave policy to cover death in the family, so be sure to check your employee handbook for guidelines. If not, you can talk to human resources or your manager directly about what happened and why you need time off. 

2. Feeling sick 

If you’re suffering from seasonal allergies, a minor headache, or a mild case of the common cold, you can probably still get things done. However, if an illness is keeping you from being fully engaged or focused on your job, it’s best to take a day off to rest. Remember, even if you could work from the comfort of your bed, that doesn’t mean you’ll be effective. 

If you do have to go somewhere in-person, contagious symptoms like coughing could be considered a good excuse to call out of work. In this case, it’s best to check with your manager. Keep in mind that your employer may ask for a doctor’s note if you tell them you’re feeling seriously ill. 

3. Food poisoning 

Food poisoning wrecks your body and often, keeps you up all night. If you eat something bad and get sick afterward, it’s completely normal to call out of work. You may need to catch up on sleep or simply take some extra time to recover. 

4. Someone else is sick 

Maybe you’re feeling fine, but you have a sick child at home and need to take care of them. You might have to pick up a prescription, drive them to urgent care, or make sure their fever doesn’t spike. 

Whatever support your family member needs, it will be hard to juggle that on top of your work responsibilities (even if you work from home ). Yes, you could try, but more than likely your attention will be on other things. If you can, it’s best to step away from your desk for the day and take of your family. 

5. Last-minute doctor’s appointment 

Usually, you can give your employer advance notice if you need to take the day off for a medical appointment. But in some rare cases, you may need to call out at the last minute. 

For example, say you’re waiting to see a specialist that has limited availability. If they call you in the morning to say that someone canceled their appointment, you may want to jump at the chance to take that opening. If you don’t, it could be months before you see this doctor. It’s reasonable to miss work for the appointment. Make sure you communicate clearly with your manager to gain support and the time you need to focus on your health and well-being. 

reasons-to-call-out-of-work-woman-laying-on-bed-with-dog

6. Caring for a pet 

If your pet has an emergency, that’s certainly an acceptable excuse to call out of work. Your dog might’ve gotten into the trash and potentially eaten something poisonous. Or you notice your cat is limping and not eating. Or you need to take a pet to a surgical procedure or some other type of appointment. It’s OK to make your animals a priority. 

Pets are an important part of many people’s lives. If you can’t avoid missing work, your manager is likely to understand your need to attend to a pet emergency. 

7. Family emergency 

Any good employer will understand that family comes first . That means if you’re faced with a sudden and unexpected family emergency, it’s completely reasonable to call out — in these moments, we need to give our loved ones our full attention. 

Here are some examples of family emergencies that could cause you to miss work: 

  • Someone needs to have an unplanned, urgent surgery 
  • A family member was in a car accident 
  • An elderly family member is injured 
  • You need to travel to support relatives that were victims of a natural disaster 
  • A family member is going into labor and needs you to take care of their other kids
  • Someone is dealing with mental health issues and you need to be present to support them

8. Lack of childcare 

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic brought childcare problems for many working parents . And even though the effects of the pandemic have faded, parents still need workplace flexibility as they juggle raising their children and contributing to their jobs. 

This doesn’t just affect parents that need to go to the office, either. Even if you work from home, that doesn’t mean you can be productive when school is unexpectedly closed or your babysitter calls out sick. Needing some time to work out childcare arrangements is a great excuse to call out of work (as long as it’s true, of course). 

Calling out of work to prioritize childcare can also help curb the impact of caregiver fatigue . After all, caregivers are burdened with quite a lot of priorities. It’s important to make sure you’re helping your working parents focus their energy on what matters most. 

9. Car trouble  

Whether it’s a flat tire or a fender bender, car trouble can really ruin your day. Sometimes you can wait to address these issues until the weekend, but most likely, you’ll need to get that tire changed or submit insurance claims sooner rather than later. 

If you have a less serious car problem, you can just call out of work for a few hours. But if you get into an accident on the freeway, you could be held up for much longer. Whatever the trouble, just be sure to inform your manager as soon as you can. 

10. Internet connection issues 

If you’re having trouble with your internet connection, remote work can feel just about impossible. But before you call out, see if you can get online using your cell phone’s hotspot or by going to a local cafe that has free WiFi. 

If your WiFi problems are being caused by severe weather conditions, though, you may not want to leave your house to access the internet. If that’s the case, just take the day off and try to get online after the weather passes through.  

11. Jury duty 

If you receive a jury summons in the mail, you have one of the best excuses to call out of work. Jury duty is a responsibility that you can’t avoid, so be sure to ask for time off as soon as you know you need it. 

According to federal law, your employer is required to give you unpaid time off for jury duty — but depending on your state, they could also be required to pay you for those days off. Either way, you may be asked to show your official jury summons to your employer, so be prepared.

12. A personal day 

Sometimes, you just have too much on your plate. Maybe you’re moving to a new apartment or juggling home renovations on top of your work schedule. Or maybe you’ve hit a bout of challenges and need to take a mental health day . Whatever you’re dealing with, a personal day could be what you need to stay sane, run errands, and catch up on life. 

The one thing you shouldn’t use a personal day for is your job search . This is dishonest and could put your coworkers in a tough position if you call out at the last minute for no good reason. Use traditional paid time off for your interviews and plan ahead as much as you can. 

reasons-to-call-out-of-work-woman-working-at-desk

Reasons to call out of work last minute

As we all know, we can’t control what life throws at us. It would be nice to know when emergencies are going to happen, but that’s not realistic. At some point or another, you might need to call out of work at the last minute — here are three reasons why. 

Weather 

Severe weather can prevent you from commuting or knock out your internet connection. But hurricanes, tornadoes, and other dangerous events can also mean you need to evacuate on short notice. Even if you don’t evacuate, you may need to take a couple of hours off to stock up on supplies and groceries ahead of the storm. 

Home emergency 

Whether it’s a pipe burst or a bedbug infestation, problems with your home can distract you from working. These situations are almost always sudden and disruptive, so you’ll probably have to call out at the last minute to manage the emergency. 

Circumstances out of your control

Ultimately, any unexpected situation out of your control can keep you from working. It could be something as simple as running out of gas on the highway as you’re commuting to the office. Or, it can be as dramatic as the family emergencies we listed earlier. Regardless, it’s important to know when to call out so that you can take care of yourself and maintain a good work-life balance . 

A note on mental health days

Not every company allows for mental health days, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t a valid reason to call out of work. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, mentally exhausted , or constantly anxious, it’s time to find a way to step back. 

So how can you balance your employer’s policy while also preventing burnout ? Well, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act and HIPAA, you don’t have to tell anyone why you're taking sick time . That means you can use sick days to focus on your mental health — because it’s just as important as your physical health. 

There are plenty of ways to spend a mental health day . A mental health day can allow you to check in with your therapist or coach, get outdoors, or simply relax on the couch. Do whatever you need to do so that you can come back to work the next day with more energy and excitement. This will help you thrive at work in the long run. 

At BetterUp, we’ve studied a concept called Inner Work ®. It’s a practice that challenges us to look inward at our experience, though it’s personal and unique to every individual. 

After all, our inner world looks at how we show up for ourselves, what we value, and how we see the world around us. Without taking a pause to look inward, we risk grinding ourselves to dust. 

The science behind Inner Work® tells us that we return to our workplace as better communicators, better teammates, and better leaders. In fact, it’s been shown to improve employee retention , employee engagement , and even curb the impact of burnout. 

inner-work-is-self-care

How to call out of work

You might have a perfectly good reason to call out of work, but if you don’t communicate with your boss, you could put your job in jeopardy. Here are 4 steps to calling out of work the right way. 

1. Alert your boss ASAP 

As soon as you know that you won’t be able to work, give your boss a phone call or send them a message. If you wake up at 6 am with a migraine or you’re up with a sick child at 3 am, you can even go ahead and send them an email at this hour. Then, within work hours, it’s a good idea to follow up and confirm the message was received. 

2. Keep it simple

You don’t have to get into the nitty gritty of your food poisoning to request the day off.

Keep your message brief, direct, and clear so that your manager and team members know why you’re going to be away and when they can expect you back. 

3. Be honest  

Honesty is crucial when calling out of work. If you just want to sleep in, don’t lie and say you’re feeling ill. Remember, you were given sick days for a reason, and they should be used responsibly — but also at your discretion. If your kids kept you up all night and your mental health is going to suffer without some sleep, then you can be honest about that, too.

4. Share updates 

Finally, stay in touch with your company as much as possible. If you find out you need more time off than you originally thought, tell them immediately. When you’re feeling better, share that, too. This will make it clear to your team that you take your job seriously. 

Tips to return to work without feeling overwhelmed

Going back to work after time away can be stressful, even if you’ve been planning your vacation for months. When you have to step away suddenly and without preparation, it can be even tougher. 

Here are a few tips for avoiding overwhelm when you return to work: 

  • If you have time before you call out, send an email to your manager and team with a list of the most important things that need to be done while you’re away. 
  • Keep a document of all your current projects and their statuses. Update it regularly so your team can access it and continue to make progress when you’re not there. 
  • Create how-to tutorials for your most important tasks. When you’re dealing with a personal emergency, those tasks can then be handed over to a team member. 
  • Make sure to take plenty of breaks during your first few days back at work. It will be easy to get caught up in meetings, emails, and everything else, but try to ease yourself in.

The bottom line on calling out of work 

You might feel guilty for missing work, but if you don’t take care of your family, your health, and your well-being, you’ll struggle to be productive — even if you work from home. Plus, not taking the time off when you need it can reduce your job performance, keep you sick longer, and lead to burnout. 

When you take care of yourself, you can be fully present at work. That will make, you and your employer, happier in the long run. 

If you’re a leader, trusting and supporting your employees is one of the most important things you can do. But if you’re not sure where to start, BetterUp can help. Access to virtual coaching can provide personalized support to navigate challenges, especially the ones that we don’t anticipate.

See how BetterUp works - Watch Demo

Madeline Miles

Madeline is a writer, communicator, and storyteller who is passionate about using words to help drive positive change. She holds a bachelor's in English Creative Writing and Communication Studies and lives in Denver, Colorado. In her spare time, she's usually somewhere outside (preferably in the mountains) — and enjoys poetry and fiction.

Is presenteeism a problem? You may be encouraging it — do this instead

The hidden struggle of working moms guilt. here's how to overcome it, too much alone together. the risk factors for social isolation, how to be a working mom: 10 tips to have the best of both worlds, dealing with work anxiety how, when, and if you should tell your boss, avoid caregiver burnout: why asking for help is your secret weapon, don’t get boredout. here’s what to do when you’re bored at work, how inner child work enables healing and playful discovery, 10 ways to calm down anxiety when you're feeling overwhelmed, similar articles, feeling tired 7 reasons to take a vacation, how to get your groove back after a bad day at work, how to work from home with kids: 12 tips for remote and hybrid work, how to call in sick and what to say, mental health days: what, when and why you shouldn’t hesitate to take one, how to ask for time off in 7 steps, put out-of-office messages to work for you when you’re away, 5 ways to cultivate a beginner’s mind (and stay open to the possibility), what is absenteeism in the workplace and how much is acceptable, stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

3100 E 5th Street, Suite 350 Austin, TX 78702

  • Platform Overview
  • Integrations
  • Powered by AI
  • BetterUp Lead
  • BetterUp Manage™
  • BetterUp Care™
  • Sales Performance
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Case Studies
  • Why BetterUp?
  • Career Coaching
  • Communication Coaching
  • Life Coaching
  • News and Press
  • Leadership Team
  • Become a BetterUp Coach
  • BetterUp Labs
  • Center for Purpose & Performance
  • What is coaching?
  • Leadership Training
  • Business Coaching
  • Contact Support
  • Contact Sales
  • Privacy Policy
  • Acceptable Use Policy
  • Trust & Security
  • Cookie Preferences

Think Fast: Creative Excuses for Missing Work on Short Notice

Navigating the professional world means inevitably facing moments when one needs to miss work on short notice. Whether it’s an unexpected family emergency, a sudden bout of illness, or a situation that simply can’t be sidestepped, presenting a believable excuse to superiors can induce anxiety. Good excuses to miss work on short notice. Yet, life’s unpredictability doesn’t always align with a 9-to-5 schedule. 

This guide endeavors not just to provide a list of viable excuses but to also arm you with strategies to address such unforeseen circumstances with grace, ensuring that your professional reputation remains intact even when life throws a curveball.

Believable Excuses for Missing Work on Short Notice

In the ever-demanding realm of professional life, circumstances often arise that may necessitate taking a day off on short notice. Good excuses to miss work on short notice while most employers understand that life can be unpredictable, it’s still crucial to provide a genuine and believable reason for one’s absence. 

After all, credibility and trust are fundamental in any working relationship. From sudden health hiccups to pressing personal emergencies, a myriad of reasons can disrupt our usual work routine. Yet, the key is in ensuring your employer comprehends and empathizes with your situation. Let’s explore some of the most commonly accepted reasons for missing work unexpectedly.

1. Health-Related Excuses:

Sudden health issues, while unfortunate, are an inescapable part of life. Migraines , acute stomach ailments, or unexpected allergic reactions are not just valid but often indisputable reasons to miss a day. Even an impromptu visit to the doctor or dentist can be deemed acceptable. After all, health should always be a priority, and most employers recognize and respect this. It’s essential, however, to ensure that such excuses are not overused, as this might raise suspicion.

2. Family or Personal Emergencies:

Life doesn’t always operate on a timetable, and emergencies can occur at the most inconvenient times. A child falling sick at school, a spouse having an accident, or even a sudden death in the family are all credible reasons to miss work. Employers, being humans themselves, often show understanding and compassion in these situations, recognizing that family must come first.

3. Transportation or Weather Issues:

Sometimes, factors beyond our control like a vehicle breakdown, public transport strikes, or extreme weather conditions can disrupt our commute. While these reasons are generally deemed acceptable, especially if they’re widely known issues, it’s always good practice to inform your employer at the earliest and, if possible, offer to work remotely or make up for lost time.

Tips and Tricks for Handling Last-Minute Emergencies

Life has a knack for throwing curveballs, often when least expected. Whether it’s a work-related challenge or a personal crisis, the sudden onset of emergencies can be both stressful and disorienting. Navigating these waters requires foresight, prioritization, and an unwavering presence of mind. 

Although we can’t always predict the unexpected, we can certainly prepare for it and handle it with grace. From devising contingency plans to maintaining professionalism during tumultuous times, here’s a comprehensive guide to effectively dealing with those unplanned hiccups in your professional life.

1. How to Plan Ahead for Unexpected Situations:

Planning is your first line of defense against unforeseen challenges. Create an emergency contact list, keeping it accessible at all times. Regularly back up critical work data to avoid any losses. Moreover, familiarize yourself with the company’s protocols for unexpected absences, ensuring you know the steps to take when faced with sudden emergencies. By being proactive, you can mitigate the adverse effects of any unexpected situation.

2. How to Prioritize Your Responsibilities:

When time is of the essence, effective prioritization becomes crucial. Begin by distinguishing between ‘urgent’ and ‘important’ tasks. Understand the potential implications of not completing certain tasks and evaluate if some can be delegated or rescheduled. If missing work, ensure you provide colleagues with essential handovers or guides to cover your responsibilities. By systematically ordering your duties, you can ensure that the most critical aspects are addressed first.

3. How to Stay Calm and Professional in a Crisis:

A calm demeanor can make all the difference during a crisis. Deep breathing exercises can help regulate stress, while keeping a clear mind aids in logical thinking. Always communicate transparently with your employer, explaining the situation concisely. Remember, everyone faces emergencies; it’s the composed and professional handling of these that sets you apart. In moments of chaos, showcasing professionalism can earn you immense respect in the workplace.

Strategies for Avoiding Last-Minute Emergencies

While it’s true that some emergencies are unavoidable, many can be prevented with foresight, planning, and proactive strategies. Balancing our personal and professional lives, mastering time management, and cultivating a robust support network are instrumental in dodging unforeseen predicaments. 

It’s essential not only to react appropriately when faced with challenges but also to anticipate them and prepare accordingly. Let’s dive deeper into these strategies, exploring how they can minimize the chances of facing those unwelcome last-minute crises.

1. How to Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance:

Achieving a harmonious equilibrium between work and personal life ensures you’re mentally and physically prepared to handle challenges in both spheres. To do this, establish clear boundaries: designate ‘unplugged’ times, engage in regular exercise, ensure you’re dedicating quality time to loved ones, and prioritize self-care. A balanced life equips you with resilience, making it easier to navigate unexpected hurdles without becoming overwhelmed.

2. How to Manage Your Time Effectively:

Effective time management can be your most powerful weapon against sudden disruptions. Start by setting daily goals, organizing tasks by importance, and avoiding procrastination. Utilize tools like calendars or time management apps to allocate specific blocks of time for each task. By ensuring every minute counts and avoiding the pitfalls of last-minute rushes, you’re better positioned to address any unforeseen challenges head-on.

3. How to Build a Support Network:

Your support network—comprising colleagues, family, friends, or even professional mentors—can be your lifeline during sudden emergencies. Regularly communicate with this network, fostering trust and mutual support. Knowing there’s someone you can rely on, be it for advice, assistance, or even just emotional support, can drastically reduce the stress of unexpected situations, giving you a backup when things don’t go according to plan.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Missing Work on Short Notice

Emergencies happen, and sometimes missing work on short notice is unavoidable. However, the manner in which you handle these situations can significantly impact your professional image and relationship with your employer. While being upfront and responsible is appreciated, some mistakes are commonly committed by employees, potentially tarnishing their reputation. 

By recognizing these pitfalls, you can navigate unexpected absences more gracefully, ensuring that both you and your employer remain on good terms. Let’s explore some of the most common missteps to be wary of.

1. Lying or Exaggerating the Truth:

Honesty remains the best policy, even when it comes to missing work. Fabricating or exaggerating reasons for absence might seem tempting, but being caught in a lie can lead to serious trust issues with your employer. Moreover, a simple truth is often more believable and easy to maintain than a fabricated story.

2. Failing to Communicate with Your Employer:

Communication is crucial. Whenever you know you’re going to miss work, it’s essential to inform your employer as soon as possible. This allows them to adjust plans, redistribute tasks, and keep operations running smoothly in your absence. Late or no communication can lead to operational hiccups, putting additional strain on colleagues and superiors.

3. Overusing Excuses or Taking Advantage of the System:

While employers typically understand occasional emergencies, frequently missing work on short notice raises red flags. Consistently providing different reasons for your absence or trying to game the system can lead to doubts regarding your commitment and reliability. Ensure your reasons are genuine and strive for consistency in your work attendance.

Navigating the unpredictable twists and turns of life, especially in the professional realm, requires a blend of foresight, honesty, and adaptability. Unforeseen challenges and emergencies are par for the course, but it’s our response to these situations that sets the tone for our professional relationships. 

By embracing a proactive approach, upholding honesty even in the most trying times, and maintaining a steadfast professional demeanor, employees can not only address unexpected challenges but also earn respect and trust. In this ever-evolving world, it’s not just about facing challenges but doing so with grace, understanding, and integrity.

In case you want more content like this, visit Orderific right now!

How can I avoid missing work on short notice in the first place?

Schedule regular check-ins with yourself to assess upcoming work tasks and personal obligations. Prioritize self-care to manage stress.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when missing work on short notice?

Being dishonest or crafting elaborate tales can backfire if caught. Not communicating your absence in a timely manner leaves the team in a lurch. 

How can I build a support network to help me in case of emergencies?

Building a dependable support network requires time and effort. Start by cultivating close relationships with colleagues, friends, and family members. 

What are some health-related excuses that are believable and acceptable for missing work on short notice?

Common health-related reasons include sudden onsets of migraines, catching the flu, or unexpected medical appointments, especially if they’re for diagnostic tests. 

Can I use transportation issues as an excuse for missing work on short notice?

Transportation issues like car breakdowns, flat tires, or public transportation delays due to severe weather conditions are common and often beyond one’s control.

How can I prioritize my responsibilities when I need to miss work on short notice?

Begin by analyzing the urgency and importance of tasks. Can any of them be rescheduled? Can someone else cover for you? Delegate tasks if possible.

Introduction In the dynamic world of work, the best excuse to call out of work can sometimes be inevitable. Whether Read more

Running a bar can seem like a Herculean task in today's fast-paced world. However, the right bar management software can Read more

Picture yourself as an employee in the picturesque state of Maine. You've just clocked in for your new job, optimistic Read more

Navigating the bustling world of the mobile eatery business is no small feat. Amidst the sizzling grills, the aroma of Read more

You might also like

5 tips to increase your bakery sales with better presentation, 5 reasons why ghost kitchens are becoming popular, what is a bistro restaurant, 5 major benefits of using qr menus, restaurant names, how are qr codes used in marketing , get a free demo now, turn your food business into a smart restaurant for free with orderific pay at the table software.

36 Good Excuses to Miss Work on Short Notice [Remote & On-Site Workers]

good excuses to miss work on short notice

Are you a remote or an on-site employee looking for a list of good excuses to miss work on short notice? This article will give you a list of 36 good excuses to miss work last minute for remote as well as on-site workers. Examples will also be provided.

Things to Consider …

Missing work can be a touchy subject, but sometimes there are legitimate reasons for wanting to take a day off. This article will focus on both remote employees as well as on-site workers excuses to call out of work last minute.

Since COVID struck, companies have become extremely lenient about allowing employees who don’t have to be on-site to work remotely. Some workers don’t have the luxury of working from home and have to be at the lunch counter, on the manufacturing floor, at a hotel receptionist desk, or waiting tables.

If your job can be done remotely and your company doesn’t allow any remote working, that might be a good reason for job change . The reality is that there are many companies out there that will allow you to work remotely and reap the numerous remote working benefits .

The problem as a remote employee is that you need to have a good enough excuse to not even log into your work computer and actually do work. So the excuse needs to last for the full day unless you are only looking for a valid reason to leave work early .

As an on-site worker if you call out of work, you simply don’t have the ability to do your job at home. So, once you get the OK from your supervisor you are in the clear and have the day off.

Table of Contents

36 Good Excuses to Miss Work on Short Notice

So what are some good excuses to miss work if you’ve just woken up and dread the thought of working? An easier way to let your boss know is by using a call out of work text rather than actually having to talk to him directly.

Check out my list of bulletproof excuses to call off work last minute below.

excuses to miss work

1. You’re Not Feeling Well – One of the Last-Minute Good Excuses for Missing Work

You woke up not feeling well. This is one of the most common and best excuses to miss work on short notice. Some common examples can be seen below.

  • You have the flu and can’t even get out of bed.
  • You don’t have any energy and feel really run down and need to sleep. This is one of many good excuses to get out of work on short notice.
  • You have really bad menstrual cramps.

good excuses to miss work last minute

2. You’ve Been Exposed to COVID

You just found out in the morning that your friend who you saw the previous night tested positive for COVID. So you have definitely been exposed and run the risk of testing positive in the near future. Make sure you keep your manager abreast of the situation.

COVID exposure is no joke and your company has a policy that if you have been exposed to COVID, you are required to avoid coming into work for three days. Each day you should take a COVID test and, if you have tested negative after three days, you can resume working.

3. Tested Positive for COVID – Another One of the Good Excuses to Call Out of Work

If you can work remotely, the COVID outbreak has led to the luxury of you being able to work from home, even today when most people are vaccinated and boosted. If you have had COVID you understand that for most people it feels like a bad cold and it hits you hard when it comes to your energy level.

As a result, you are constantly lying down or sleeping so you can’t even think of working from home (assuming you can) unless you have an asymptomatic case.

You can’t just call your boss and say “ I have COVID .” Just remember, you will have to prove to your employer that you had COVID and will have to show them a positive test result so this would be a tough one to fake if you truly didn’t have COVID.

If you have proof , testing positive for COVID is one of the most believable reasons to call off work.

4. You Have a Case of Food Poisoning

If you’re looking for good excuses to call off work, this one is a solid one. What is great about it is that you don’t even really have to prove it. An example can be seen below.

You went out to a new restaurant the previous night and woke up during the night feeling terrible. You’ve spent most of the night running to the bathroom so you need to stay home for the day. You simply cannot risk trying to commute into work.

This might be a tough excuse for a remote worker as you should still be able to work as long as your office is close to the bathroom! But, if you play it right, you could tell your boss you need to stay in bed due to dehydration and exhaustion.

Essentially you’re calling out of work for a sick day. It is the perfect reason to do so. Food poisoning is comparable to a stomach bug. Hopefully you only need one day off. Calling in sick is one of the valid reasons to call off work last minute.

5. You Have a Bad Migraine

You historically have had bad migraines in the past. This is typically related to stress at work. Not only could you not even focus on working, a day away from the office should alleviate your stress and help eliminate your migraine. This is one of the believable excuses to ask for a day off work.

6. You Hurt Your Back Exercising

You were working out with weights and tweaked your back. You’ve done this before and you know it takes about a week to fully recover. This might just keep you out of work for multiple days.

If you cannot sit in your home office chair this excuse might be a valid one for a remote worker as well.

7. You Severely Turned an Ankle (Non-Remote Worker Excuse Only)

During a pickup basketball game the previous night, you turned your ankle so badly you thought it was broken. You went to the emergency room and had x-rays taken.

It turns out it’s not broken but you cannot drive for at least until the swelling is down. If you’re a remote worker you can still work since you can sit at your desk in your home office.

8. Computer Crashed (Remote Worker Excuse Only)

You just got the infamous blue screen of death on your computer and are unable to restart it. You’ll have to bring it to a local computer repair shop until it is resolved. As a result, you cannot log on and do your job remotely.

If you’re looking for one of the really good excuses for missing work, this one is certainly one of those. To be honest, it may not be the work excuse you wanted to use because, if it’s true, it’s a real pain in the butt.

9. Family Emergency – One of the Fail-Safe and Best Excuses to Call Out of Work

This excuse is pretty much always a failsafe one. Companies these days are always trying to make their employees happy and will be very lenient with an employee when it comes to any type of family emergency.

You want to ensure that the emergency spans the whole day or more than one day if you are a remote worker. If not, you may have to work part of the day online. For example, some family emergencies are seen below.

  • Your mother needs to be brought to the hospital for a barrage of medical tests and various appointments.
  • Your son got sick in school and needs to be brought home in the middle of the day.
  • Your brother was in a car accident and you need to go to the hospital to await word on his condition. You’ll also be sticking around there until you can visit with him in his room.

10. Home Emergency – One of the Best Excuses to Get out of Work

excuses to get out of work

Out of the blue , you have an emergency at your home. A home emergency is one of the best excuses to get out of work. Severe home issues need to be dealt with immediately. Some common examples are listed below.

  • A tree fell on your house from a wind storm and you need to tend to it with your chain saw. It may take all day to clean it up. You will also have to call a carpenter to fix the damage to the house. This is another one of the valid good excuses to call out of work.
  • You’ve lost power at your home due to a transformer blew near your home. The whole neighborhood is out of power.
  • There is a leak in the water pipes in your basement and the floor is flooded. You need to call a plumber in order to get it resolved. It will take you most of the day to clean up the flooded basement. This is certainly one of the best excuses to call out of work for the day.

11. Death of an Extended Family Member

One of your extended family members passed away unexpectedly. You need to be with your family for at least a day to help set up arrangements for a wake and funeral. An extended family member may not fall under your company’s bereavement policy but there should be no questions asked about this day off.

The death of a loved one is always a trying time for any of us. Even though you have to use it, of all of the good excuses to call out of work, this one is a solid one.

12. Unexpected Circumstances – Many Good Excuses to Get Out of Work

excuses for missing work

Sometimes it happens and you have to deal with circumstances that are out of your control. Here are some examples of valid work excuses.

  • While coming back from your vacation your flight was canceled and you need to stay over in another state until the next day.
  • Your vehicle broke down over the weekend but it happened 200 miles from your home. You needed to have it towed to a service station in that area so you need the day off to get it serviced. You also did not bring your laptop with you so you cannot work remotely while waiting for your car.
  • Your dog got in a fight with another dog over the weekend and you need to bring it to the veterinarian. It could be an all-day event since you don’t have a prior appointment scheduled.
  • Out of the blue your brother is in town on business and you need to spend the day with him.
  • Your wife broke a tooth and you need to take her to the dentist. This is a personal emergency with which you need to deal.

13. Childcare Unavailable or Day Care is Closed – One of the More Popular Work Excuses

There was a maintenance issue at your child’s daycare and there is no heat. Your child needs to be kept at home for the day. Your child requires constant care so you won’t be able to work at all remotely that day ( if you are a remote worker ) and you have no other childcare options.

This is one of the ultimate and great excuses to miss work last minute.

14. Funeral of Family Member

You need to attend a funeral for an immediate family member. Most companies allow a minimum of 3 days off due to the death of an immediate family member. This is certainly one of the unquestioned reasons or good excuses to call out of work.

15. You Need a Mental Health Day

excuses to call out of work

You’re going through a lot these days and you need a personal or mental health day to relax and re-energize. Your boss is aware that you’ve been stressed of late so it’s really not a big surprise to him. If your company believes in work-life balance, an excuse of this type is certainly understood and accepted.

16. Jury Duty

good excuses for missing work

You were notified late the previous day you need to attend jury duty the following morning. You’ll be out of work at least for that day and, if you are chosen to be on the jury , it could be for an extended period.

You will have to attend jury duty unless you are not qualified to attend, excused, or exempt. Depending on which state you are in you can request an excuse or a postponement. It may or may not be granted based on the circumstances.

This is certainly one of the exceptionally good excuses for missing work because you have the law on your side.

17. Taking a Personal Day – One of the Legitimate Reasons to Call Off Work

Taking a personal day could be considered similar to a mental health day but you are given a certain amount of personal days at your company. When you woke up you just thought it was one of the better reasons to call off work.

18. Observance of a Religious Holiday

Religious holidays are valid excuses but you must give your supervisor a heads-up. Short notice can be considered a day in advance but you may want to give your boss more time than that in preparation of your day off.

19. Locked Out of Your Car or House

This excuse is a valid one to give to your boss. Possibly you went outside for the paper and the wind shut the door while it was still locked. Your house and car keys are in the house. Instead of breaking a window you need to call a locksmith to get you back into your house.

Another possibility is that you inadvertently left your car keys in your car and locked the door shut. Since you drive a 15 year old car there aren’t any safety measures on the car to prevent that from happening. You need to call AAA or the police to help you get into your car.

20. Car Trouble ( Non-Remote Workers Excuse Only )

Everyone has car trouble every now and then. This is a great last-minute excuse if you aren’t a remote worker. If you are a remote worker you certainly do not need your car to get to work. This excuse is only valid for on-site workers who cannot get to their job.

This excuse might not work for you if you live in an area where there is adequate public transportation though. But if you need to be around for AAA to pick up your car by then it might be too late to get into work.

If you’re a remote worker you might be able to get a few hours off if you need to wait at the service station or dealer for the car to get repaired. That might not even work because most car dealerships have WIFI so you could still work. Bummer…

21. You Cracked a Tooth and Need to Urgently see Your Dentist

You happened to crack one of your molars while inadvertently biting on a chicken bone ( this actually happened to me ) and it exposed the root of the tooth. You are in agony and need to set up an emergency appointment with your dentist. He has to see more patients so it could be a long wait.

22. You Have a Pet Emergency

Your dog isn’t eating and that is quite unusual. You have to bring her to the vet as soon as possible and won’t be able to make it into work today. Pets and their welfare are considered a high priority to any company who touts work-life balance.

23. You have a Sick Child on Your Hands

Your daughter woke up with a fever and needs an appointment with her pediatrician. You’ll probably spend most of the day at the doctor’s office waiting for a spot to open up to see your daughter and prescribe medications.

Having to care for a sick child is always a good excuse to miss work last-minute.

24. Snowstorm or Bad Weather is Predicted ( Non-Remote Workers Only )

You don’t think it makes sense to try to drive into work only to have to leave early to avoid the traffic on the way home. You also need to be home should your child’s school is let out early.

Obviously a remote worker can still do the job so this excuse is for on-site workers only. Sometimes being able to work from home doesn’t pay off!

25. Bad Traffic Problem ( Non-Remote Workers Only )

You checked the morning news and there is no way you will be able to commute into work today. There are major accidents on the highway and that has clogged up the back roads for commuting into work. It makes sense to not even attempt to drive into work today.

Once again this wouldn’t make sense for a remote worker as the daily commute is a thing of the past!

26. Work is Being Done on Your House

You need to be home while work is being done on the house. Here are some examples:

  • The plumber is coming to fix a leaky faucet.
  • The pipes in your basement are leaking and flooding is occurring on your basement floor.
  • Your electrical box needs to be upgraded to the latest building standards as it is a fire hazard according to your electrician.
  • Your internet is sporadic and you need to be home for the technician to scope out the problem.
  • Your tub and shower is being replaced and you need to be home for the plumber and carpenter to complete the work.

27. Your Wife is Sick and Needs to see a Doctor

You need to do all of the tasks that your wife usually does such as dropping off and picking up your daughter from school. You also may have to bring your wife to the doctor’s office if she isn’t feeling any better as the day drags on.

28. You’ve Lost Power at Home

Since it’s in the middle of winter and you’ve lost power, you need to start up and monitor your gas generator. If you don’t there is a strong possibility your pipes will freeze in the house which could be a major catastrophe.

If this happens during the warmer months you still will need to run the gas generator so your refrigerator can keep your perishable items cold.

29. Need to Pick up Relatives at the Airport

Your parents are in town and you need to pick them up at the airport. You don’t feel right asking them to take a taxi or an Uber to your house. There is no way you can make it into work after taking the trek to and from the airport.

30. Expecting an Important Delivery

There is a monthly delivery of medication that are expected today. You don’t feel right just having them left on the doorstep.

You’ve also heard about packages being stolen randomly in your neighborhood and are concerned about theft. You’re going to take the day off to be there when they arrive.

31. You Slept Right Through the Alarm

This one might sound a little bit suspect to your boss but he knows how hard you’ve been working lately. You’ve been burning the candle at both ends trying to meet an important project deadline.

You really need your sleep today. So you’ve requested to spend the day resting up from all the extra time you’ve been putting in for the company.

32. You Have a Court Appearance

You’ve been a witness to an accident where you were behind the scene of the accident in your car going to work. You saw who caused the accident and have been asked by the insurance company of one of the parties to testify in court.

The court appearance is at 11AM so it doesn’t make any sense to drive into work for the morning only to have to leave to attend the court appearance.

33. Your Child has a Mid-Day School Event

Your daughter is in elementary school and there is a performance she is in that you need to attend. It takes place at noon and there is also a luncheon involved after the performance.

This is a valid excuse as this is a very important school function for your daughter. You vowed never to miss an event of this type. This is an acceptable excuse to call out of work as it falls under work-life balance which is a policy your company supports.

34. Need to Study for Certification

Your job requires you to be certified in a particular software that’s used at your firm. The exam is the day after tomorrow but you need today to be able to focus on the material without being bothered by coworkers. This is a valid last minute excuse to miss work but it is supported by your boss.

35. Community Service | Volunteering

You are known to be one who volunteers to help out at a local soup kitchen. They are short-handed today as some of the other volunteers called in sick. You got called at the last minute to help out for a holiday-related event.

This would definitely be considered a believable excuse to miss work on short notice.

36. Contractor is Coming to Give Estimate

This could be a number of various estimates you are looking to get from a contractor. Here are some examples:

  • Estimate on a new roof which is currently leaking.
  • Estimate on your house getting painted as you are moving in the near future and need to get this done.
  • Quotes on having a new deck built off of your dining room.
  • Quotes on having the siding replaced on your home.
  • Estimate on replacing your septic tank and leach field.

Good Excuses to Miss Work on Short Notice – A Recap

good excuses to call out of work

Being allowed to work remotely is an awesome perk for many reasons such as gas savings, no commute time, and eliminating any wear and tear on your car or truck. But with that perk also comes some drawbacks when it comes to coming up with good excuses to miss work.

Actually if you are a non-remote worker you have a little bit more leeway on excuses to miss work last minute. Since you don’t even have the technology to work from home, once you get approval for the day off, you’re scot free!

The list above will hopefully give you at least a day’s break from working in a g r e y – w a l l e d cubicle . Who knows, maybe you can stretch that excuse a little bit further!

Frequently Asked Questions About Good Excuses for Missing Work on Short Notice

Are there any legal implications of using these good excuses to miss work on short notice.

While there are no specific laws that prohibit employees from using excuses for missing work last minute, it is important to note that employers may have their own policies and procedures in place regarding attendance and absences. You should consult your employee handbook or speak to a Human Resources representative for more details specific to your company.

Employers may require employees to provide documentation or proof of their absence, and repeated absences without proper justification could lead to disciplinary action or even termination.

It is also important to be completely honest and transparent with your employer about the reason for your absence from work, as providing false information could potentially lead to legal consequences.

How can I ensure that my work excuses are believable and won’t damage my reputation at work?

The key to ensuring that your excuse is believable is to be honest and upfront with your employer. If you have a legitimate reason for needing to miss work on short notice, such as a family emergency or illness, communicate this to your employer as soon as possible.

If there is one aspect of your work situation that you have complete control over it’s your reputation . If you have always been a conscientious worker who has no prior history of being delinquent on your job, your work excuses should be believable and not questioned.

Be specific about the reason for your absence and provide any necessary documentation or proof to support your claim. It is also important to show your commitment to your job by offering to make up any missed work or finding a suitable replacement to cover your responsibilities while you are away.

Going that extra mile to work on a weekend or after hours to make up work lost will go a long way in the eyes of your employer, specifically your boss.

What should I do if I need to take time off on short notice frequently?

If you find yourself needing to take time off on short notice frequently, it may be worth considering a more flexible work arrangement, such as remote work or a part-time schedule. You can also explore options for taking advantage of your employer’s leave policies, such as sick leave or personal time off.

Most companies today are very lenient when it comes to work-life balance and will work with you if there are special circumstances associated with your time off requests.

It is important to communicate your needs and concerns with your employer and work together to find a solution that works for both parties. Additionally, consider taking steps to improve your overall health and well-being, such as getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and practicing stress-reducing activities like meditation or exercise, as this can help reduce the need for frequent absences.

What to Read Next:

  • 25 Clear-Cut Signs Your Boss is Threatened By You
  • How To Make the Workday Go By Faster – 35 Top Tips
  • Working in a Cubicle – Everything You Need to Know
  • 8 Ergonomic Exercises you MUST Practice at Work Every Day
  • Cubicle vs Open Office – What is Better? (Full Comparison)

Bob Bessette

Bob has been blogging for over 20 years and has been an office and cubicle dweller for more than 35 years. He has been featured in numerous online publications such as US News and World Report, Bustle, and  Work Awesome ( you can read his articles here ). He created the popular office website CubicleBliss in January 2011 and rebranded it as WorkspaceBliss in April 2020.

In the office he’s been an IT Manager, Applications Engineer, Systems Analyst, Software Project leader, and Programmer Analyst in his long career. He’s a Certified Microsoft Professional and possesses a Masters of Science degree and two Bachelor of Science degrees, one of those in Informational Technology.

During his career he has worked in the office full-time, as a hybrid remote worker, and has worked from home permanently.

home workspace with grey wall PTE4VNA

Top Sellers

good reasons to miss work last minute

Stay Focused and Private with a Cubicle Privacy Screen

good reasons to miss work last minute

Organize your Workspace with a Brother P-Touch Label Maker!

good reasons to miss work last minute

Add some Much-Needed Storage Under Your Printer

Advertisements

good reasons to miss work last minute

Communicate your work status with Flip it

Sign up for Updates

TheBalanceWork

16 Good Excuses To Miss Work On Short Notice

Each one of us needs to miss a day from work. The reason can be an actual sickness, or you want to take a break for a day.

If you are looking to miss work for a day, remember not to use excuses too often. It can make the manager suspicious, and he can catch onto your patterns.

If you recently got into some trouble at work, keep these excuses for some other day.

There’s a list of good excuses to miss work on short notice. The listed reasons aren’t guaranteed and can backfire.

But if used often with confidence, you can be successful .

1. You Have To Consult Your Doctor: – Fake An Illness:

Telling the employer that you have an appointment with your doctor is the most used excuse.

However, for some reason, it works the most. Out of the fear of misstepping, your boss won’t ask you too many questions.

This Excuse Can Not Be Turned Down By Your Boss

However, it’s a go-to-excuse used by everyone once in their life. A doctor’s appointment is less doubted. But if overused, it can be troubling for you.

For instance, your boss might demand a note from your doctor or any proof. If you occasionally use this excuse, it will work every time.

2. There’s A Case Of Need At Your Home:

It’s a great excuse whose reasons can vary. The emergency can be in the form of a severe accident or a sick parent at home.

This excuse is quite time-sensitive, and you can skip the whole workday or take a mid-day leave.

You’ve to inform your boss that you can’t come to work because of this. Once you return to work, you must have to mention it once not to look fake.

3. A Sick Toddler Is The Best Excuse To Miss Work On Short Notice:

If you have kids at home, you’d agree with this excuse. Because for parents, children are the topmost priority and then comes their work.

So when it comes to kids, it’s valid for a parent to drop everything, even work for them.

A Sick Child At Home Is A Heart Melting Excuse

You have to mention that your child is sick or he’s coming down due to a fever. So you have to stay at home with your kid or take him to the doctor.

4. You’ve To Take Your Car To Workshop:

Some of the problems in life are unavoidable. Facing car troubles is one of these issues.

It’s a good excuse to say to your employer that your car broke down last night.

Yet, if you’re living in a big city having a transportation system, it’s challenging to use this excuse.

good reasons to miss work last minute

For the people who drive cars, it’s a fact that the car breaks down many times.

However, you don’t need to go in-depth while giving this excuse. Because it happens with most of us and your boss would understand this.

5. A Toothache Hit You Out Of Nowhere – Visiting Dentist:

Like a doctor’s appointment, a dentist’s appointment is a great excuse to miss work. If you tell your manager that you have a toothache and going to a dentist to get it cured.

You might get sympathy, and your boss won’t ask you so many questions.

We all hate toothache, and no one of us wants to go to a dentist. So this excuse, when used, gets sympathy to you.

6. You Are Expecting A Purchase Delivery Is A Good Excuse

An unbelievable number of parcels get stolen daily. And you don’t want it to happen to you.

If it’s a big delivery like furniture, electronics, or jewelry, you don’t want to take a chance.

Good Excuses To Miss Work On Short Notice

However, big purchases require your presence to sign for it and get it installed in the home.

The time of delivery is not sure, so you need to be present all day at home. It makes this excuse a great reason to miss work on short notice.

7. You Forgot Your House Keys Inside:

Although it sounds funny, it happens. If you have a slam lock, you might get locked out with your keys inside the home.

Being locked out of the house means you’ll have to wait for a roommate or spouse.

If you’re living alone , you’ll need to call a locksmith to help you out with this. And it can be time taking, might take even the whole day.

So if you don’t have a spare key under the mat, this excuse is a good fit to use.

8. Good Excuses To Miss Work On Short Notice – Your Pet Ate Ball:

If you own a pet , it must have fallen sick one or two times a year. Any pet owner will take their pet to a veterinarian when it gets sick. So is the case with you.

Your Pet Having An Emergency Is A Good Excuse

It’s a great excuse, and it works well if you’ve shown the pictures of your pet to your manager before.

This way, he’ll feel a closer relationship with your pet and give you the leave out of sympathy.

9. You Got To Correct The Electricity Issue At Home:

Just like owning a car, to have a house makes you responsible for its maintenance.

It’s not an easy task, and you’ll have to take care of it from any minor issue to fixing the backyard.

Sometimes major issues can occur, and you’ll need professional help to sort them out.

It can be plumbing, electricity issues, or an appliance going out of order.

Your boss will surely understand this because it’s a general issue and can happen to anyone.

10. You Are Facing A Family Problem

This excuse works well if it’s not used too often. Because using it much will cause troubles for your job .

If you have a good relationship with your manager, you’ll be comfortable using this excuse.

Family Issue Is A Good Excuse To Miss Work On Short Notice

You can easily let him know that you have a family problem and need time to deal with it.

If your boss is wise , he won’t ask questions to disturb your personal space.

11. It Is A Good Excuse That You Suffer From Severe Stomachache:

If you got food poisoning and you go to work, you’ll spend the entire day in the restroom. So what’s the point of coming to work?

It means that it’s a useful excuse to miss work. It would help if you told your boss that you went to a popular restaurant and got food poisoning.

He’ll probably give you the day off so you can recover at home.

12. Good Excuses To Miss Work On Short Notice – You Got A Hidden Injury:

Accidents are, unfortunately, a part of life, and these can happen to anyone. If you want to use this excuse, it’s enough to say that an accident occurred.

It Is A Good Excuse To Say You Had A Small Accident

There’s no need to go into too much detail. It will be sufficient to say that a small accident occurred and you can’t show up to work.

13. You Have To Visit A Friend In Hospital:

It always feels wrong when you have to go to the hospital. Most of the time, going to the hospital is a last-minute decision.

It’s an easy-to-use excuse. You need to tell your boss that you are in the hospital either for a family member or yourself.

So you won’t be able to make it to work that day. However, avoid using this excuse too much because it can doubt your employer.

14. Your Relatives From Another Town Are Visiting You:

To take a day off, tell your manager that some visitors from out of the town are there to visit you.

Being their host, you need to make some arrangements for them at your home. Or you need to take them on a short tour of the city.

Having Guests Is Always A Good Excuse To Miss Work

In that case, you can miss work, and that’s entirely valid for you.

15. Good Excuses To Miss Work On Short Notice – Weightlifting Gone Wrong:

If you go to the gym, you can tell your boss that you stretched incorrectly. And so you got a sore back.

good reasons to miss work last minute

It needs bed rest to heal from a sore back, so you can’t possibly be at work if you’re in bed.

Tell your manager that you’ll be resting at home soothing your back.

16. There’s A Religious Holiday:

If you’re making an excuse for observing a religious holiday, make it look like a genuine one.

The one in which people can believe that you have to observe a religious event.

You must tell your boss beforehand that you need a day off in respect of observance.

3 Bad Excuses To Miss Work You Should Avoid

Not all excuses to miss work are valid and genuine. Here are some insufficient reasons you must avoid if you don’t want to get in trouble.

1. You Are Unhappy With Your Job

If you use dissatisfaction as an excuse to miss work, you might get your job in danger.

Because it will affect your standing, and you might get terminated.

Showing Dissatisfaction As An Excuse Is A Bad Idea

However, if you’re dissatisfied and tired of your job , arrange a meeting with your boss.

And make him aware of the issues you are facing. When you present your concerns in front of him, he’ll do something to help you.

If you think that things aren’t getting any better, then explore other job options.

2. Feeling Tired Is A Bad Excuse To Miss Work

Although it’s quite uncomfortable to feel tired and it lowers the motivation level. You still can’t say to your manager because he might consider you non-serious.

Instead, it would help if you tried to find the reason behind your tiredness. It maybe because you were up all night or had to take care of a sick child.

Never Tell Your Employer That You Can Not Work Because You Are Tired

Dealing with a family emergency can be another reason. So deal with the reasoning behind instead of venting.

Yet, if you feel tired because of the workload, speak to your boss and ask for fewer responsibilities.

3. Poor Planning Is A Bad Excuse

If you missed a meeting or arrived late and you say that you ran out of gas. That’s a pretty lousy excuse. Even it sounds so unprofessional.

If you make mistakes at work, your boss might forgive you once or two. But if you are a late riser and don’t give a damn to your shift timings . Then things can go worse!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you tell your boss you can't work today.

If you call out of work, inform your manager before so he can arrange your alternative. It won't let your work go missing. Be precise while telling your boss the reason for not showing up.

What Do You Say When You Call In Sick For Anxiety?

You can call your manager and say that your anxiety levels have gone high. And you can't perform well if you go to work that day. You can ask for a day off by saying that you need time to focus on yourself.

Is Anxiety A Valid Reason To Miss Work?

Yes, anxiety and stress are quite valid reasons for missing work. Yet research shows that people are still embarrassed to take a day off for such reasons.

How Do You Ask For A Day Off Last Minute?

Set your expectations early and inform your manager as soon as possible. Make a plan to get your work covered after you come back. Please don't make it a habit to take days off for no reason.

When it comes to using an excuse from any of the above, it depends on believability and confidence.

Make a story for the excuse beforehand and be stick to it. Try to sound this excuse as if things happened.

Call your manager and be calm while stating your excuse. Apologizing for the last-minute notice would be good.

If it’s your first time making an excuse, you shouldn’t get worried much. However, if you have been missing work for some days, you should go to work because no one wants to get their job in danger!

Leave a comment to let us know which excuse you have used before.

Last Updated on 3 months by Saad

  • Recent Posts

Assma Riaz

  • Narcissism At Workplace – Signs & Tips To Deal With It - July 29, 2023
  • 7 Jobs For People With Cerebral Palsy – Tips To Manage Yourself - October 6, 2022
  • 15 Easy-On-Hand Jobs For People With Chronic Fatigue In 2022 - October 2, 2022

15 Jobs For People Who Hate People – An Introvert Guide

Coworkers Making False Accusations – What To Do

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

At TheBalanceWork, we always put our readers first. Simply reach out to us and we’ll do everything we can to assist you.

Quick Links

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Condition
  • Communication
  • Office Address
  • Postal Address
  • Operation Manager
  • Resume Templates
  • Resume Examples
  • Free Resume Builder
  • How to Write a Resume
  • Resume Format
  • Resume Packs
  • Cover Letter Templates
  • Cover Letter Examples
  • Free Cover Letter Generator
  • How To Write a Cover Letter
  • CV Templates
  • CV Examples
  • Free CV Maker
  • Resume Help
  • Cover Letter Help
  • Job Interview
  • Career Advice

8 Good Excuses to Miss Work on Short Notice (+ Sample Email)

Elena Prokopets

You’re a hard worker. You always go the extra mile to do an excellent job. You follow company policy. When you need time off, you always give plenty of notice. Despite that, there are times when you need the day off because something urgent just came up. So how do you politely articulate your reasons to call out of work? 

This guide offers a quick overview of perfectly good excuses to miss work on short notice — and explains the best way to communicate the request to your employer. 

8 Good Excuses to Miss Work on a Short Notice

Do you have a good reason for calling off? It isn’t ideal to call off on short notice. However, a good boss knows that some things are unavoidable.  Here are eight legitimate excuses for taking the day off on short notice.

1. Personal Sickness

If you are not feeling well, you should never go to work. That just risks spreading illness to others. If you work remotely, you shouldn’t try to “power through” this from your couch. You won’t be doing anyone a favor by trying. 

As Trey Barnette, regional vice president at Robert Half, well sums it up : 

“People aren’t at 100% when they’re coming in sick, so it’s going to show within the work that they do. Employers should lead by example. If you’re sick, definitely take time off”

2. Family Emergency

It is perfectly reasonable to take a day to deal with a family emergency — family member sickness, at-home issues due to a natural disaster, or a more grave issue. When you don’t, the situation could snowball, and you might need even more time away from work. If the matters are serious, don’t hesitate to request a longer bereavement leave .

3. Household Problems

A household problem could be an emergency repair or other trouble at your home premises. Most repair companies require the homeowner to be present. Of course, a reasonable employer would be understanding about this.

4. Commute Issues

Traffic jams cause a temporary delay. However, there can be severe issues that make your commute impossible — heavy rain, snow, severe road icing, and so on. Don’t hesitate to stay safe and request a leave from work. If possible, you can offer to log in remotely. 

commuting during snow storm

5. Accident

Even if you aren’t badly injured, an accident is seriously difficult to handle. You will likely be shaky and unsure of yourself. Don’t work in that condition. Call off, and give yourself a day to recover.

6. Tech Issues

This one mostly applies to remote workers. Technical issues can prevent you from logging in for the day or maintaining a secure connection. Ask your boss for guidance. Then don’t feel guilty for taking the day off.

7. Jury Duty

Jury duty can be unpredictable. You may know when you are called at first, but you never know if you will be called to serve on a trial, or when that trial is going to be extended. Inform your employer as soon as you got the call. The federal laws require employers to provide time off for jury duty (though unpaid), but some states have laws for paid leave.  

8. Need For PTO

PTO is personal time off. It is intended to provide workers with the time off they need to take care of a variety of personal businesses. Think of this as the ‘everything else’ category. A good employer won’t prevent you from taking a paid “mental day” when you are nearing burnout and exhaustion. 

How do I Ask For Time Off Work at The Last Minute?

First, follow company policy to call off work at the last minute. Contact your supervisor or other designated person as soon as you realize the need for leave. Be polite, but direct and to the point. The more time you give them to make arrangements the better. Also, do give your boss any pertinent information that they or your sub might need for the day.

Good Excuses to Miss Work on Short Notice Sample Email

If sending an email is okay under company policy, do that. This way, things are documented. It might look something like this.

Hello [Supervisor], 

Just emailing you early to let you know I won’t be in today. The reason for my absence is (short explainer). I will return to the office tomorrow at the usual time.  

If anybody needs them, the keys to the supply closet are in the top drawer of my desk. Also, the maintenance team is coming to change the lightbulbs in the conference room this afternoon.

Thanks for your understanding,

Whatever you do, don’t overdo things. Don’t apologize. Don’t offer to schedule your own replacement.  Don’t go into great detail about your reason for needing the day off. If you do this, you will create the impression that your right to take time off is up for debate. It shouldn’t be.

How Do I Tell My Boss I Can’t Come In Person?

Call your boss politely and as soon as possible to inform them about your absence. Briefly state your reason for requesting a last-reason leave. Keep in mind that good managers can handle changes to the staffing schedule. Don’t feel guilty about taking the time you need.

Final Thoughts

Don’t feel guilty about taking time away from work if you have an illness or emergency. This happens to the best workers. Just be sure to inform your employer as early as possible and be professional about it. Finally, don’t feel guilty, don’t take on the responsibility of managing the company’s schedule, and don’t go to work when you aren’t in any condition to be productive.

Elena Prokopets

Elena runs content operations at Freesumes since 2017. She works closely with copywriters, designers, and invited career experts to ensure that all content meets our highest editorial standards. Up to date, she wrote over 200 career-related pieces around resume writing, career advice... more

you might also like

upset employee

My Boss Treats Me Differently Than Others: What Should I Do?

meta skills for workplace

What Are Meta Skills? (and Why Do Employers Look For Them?)

best colors for resume

6 Best Colors For Your Resume (According to Pro Designers)

employee onboarding process

What is Job Orientation: Your FAQs Answered

unimpressed boss

6 Strong Signs Your Boss Wants You to Leave

Leave a response cancel reply.

9 Good Excuses to Miss Work on Short Notice

good reasons to miss work last minute

Once in a while, you need a good excuse to miss work on short notice — a believable excuse that won’t cause alarm and won’t land you on the chopping block. A sick day, doctor’s appointment, and family emergencies are some of the common excuses (and valid reasons) for missing work.

A good excuse to miss work is a real one. OK, I will withhold judgment temporarily. If you know that missing work is inevitable for reasons you don’t want to share, here is a sample list of the best excuses from which you can choose to call off work at the last minute (without getting fired):

1. Vehicle or Transportation Problems (Traffic Jam, Missed Bus)

Here’s an obvious one that works only if you are not currently in the office and if you commute to work. Everyone knows that machines fail, usually at the most inopportune times, and the result is often beyond your control.

“Hi Boss, I’m stuck in traffic; I’ll be available to answer phone calls but won’t be in the office for a while yet.”

2. Family or Personal Emergency

Here’s a general excuse that works for everyone. The key is to not share too many details. Plus, your employer doesn’t really care WHY you’re not there, they want to know when they can expect you back to work and, depending on your job, who will be covering your responsibilities.

“I’m taking personal leave today.”

“I’m sick today.”

It’s Mother’s Day .”

3. Picking Someone Up from Airport or Bringing Them to an Appointment

If you live somewhere that doesn’t have Uber or some other car-sharing service, this excuse can work. Or if you’re picking up an elderly relative or someone unfamiliar with your town or city, missing work to meet that person at the airport is understandable. Performing delivery services for elderly community members and relatives might even get you promoted….

“My partner’s elderly parents are arriving today and now I have to go pick them up at the airport.”

“My elderly neighbour needs a ride to their appointment today, and they don’t have family nearby.”

4. Pet Emergency

Any excuse, from my pet had a seizure to is barking all day, could work. Everybody who has a pet can relate to the pain of hearing about a pet emergency (especially if your supervisor or boss is also a pet owner ).

“My child fell on my dog, I need to take her to the vet.”

“My cat is acting weird and not moving, I need to take her to the vet ASAP.”

5. Child Care Needs: Doctor’s Appointment, Dentist, Vaccinations

If you have a kid, you never need to make up any excuse; kids demand a lot of time and attention and nobody is going to object to you missing work to attend to your child’s needs.

6. Appointment to Buy a Home or Car

These big purchases don’t happen everyday. Leaving work on short notice to meet a realtor with a hot deal, or to buy a used car that can’t be seen at any other time, could be reasonable excuses for leaving work on short notice.

7. Doctor, Checkup, Therapy, Vehicle Licensing Appointment or Driving Test

Sometimes a wait-listed or cancellation list appointment opens up at the last minute.

8. Food Poisoning, Sudden Illness or 24-Hour Flu

Nobody wants to know the details of this one.

“I think I have a 24-hour flu.”

“I should not have had that sashimi.”

9. Leaky Pipe or Hot Water Heater Leak

If you own a home or manage rentals, you’ll be forgiven for skipping out on work to prevent water damage.

“My building is calling me about a leak upstairs, gotta go / wait for the plumber / make sure my toilet isn’t leaking!”

10. Furnace Shut Off in Winter, Pipes Might Freeze

Home-related emergencies — if you have a house, you can have home-related problems: shower faucet spraying water, kitchen pipe rotted through, water leaking from the upstairs condo, whatever.

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

This one is personal. My brother has a reputation for flaking out and not going to work on Mondays, and not bothering to call to let anyone know. How does he keep his job? I have no idea. I think there are very few good workers left in certain fields and of a certain generation, and employers are desperate for anybody, so they tolerate more than employers of the past did.

But. If your employer has higher standards, then these suggestions are for you. If you choose not to show up AND you don’t give your workplace the common courtesy of calling to let someone know, you are making things difficult for yourself.

I will give you the benefit of the doubt here and assume that you really wanted to call but were somehow prevented from doing so, in which case, take the high road and call your employer ASAP and tell them what happened, how your behaviour and lack of integrity affected everyone’s day, what you will do to make sure that doesn’t happen again, and what you are going to do now to restore integrity. Easier said than done. Do it anyway.

Weird Excuses People Have Actually Used to Miss Work Without Getting Caught

good reasons to miss work last minute

Related Links:

14 Good Excuses to Leave Work Early

good reasons to miss work last minute

Keep Reading

76+ Retirement Messages & Wishes To Send a Retiring Colleague (Retiring Boss, Nurse, Teacher)

76+ Retirement Messages & Wishes To Send a Retiring Colleague (Retiring Boss, Nurse, Teacher)

Looking for some appropriate retirement quotes, wishes, phrases, sayings or the right words to write in a retirement card for…

Thank-You Note for the Gift in the Workplace

Thank-You Note for the Gift in the Workplace

As professionals, we spend a significant amount of our time at work. And during this time, we build strong relationships…

Thank-You Note Examples For a Business Favor

Thank-You Note Examples For a Business Favor

In the fast-paced world of business, it’s important to show gratitude and appreciation whenever someone does something nice for you.…

web analytics

ScreenRant

9 Reasons Bob Marley: One Love's Box Office Is So Good: Breaking Down $80 Million Opening

  • One Love triumphed over weak box office competition, including a superhero flop.
  • Bob Marley's musical legend status appeals to fans of all ages.
  • The film's success was boosted by aggressive marketing and a feel-good storyline.

Bob Marley: One Love has been turning heads at the box office since its release on Valentine's Day of 2024, with several important contributing factors making up the film's success. Blowing away the expectations of both audiences and producers alike, Bob Marley: One Love has broken records as the highest-grossing Valentine's Day release ever, taking away a tremendous 14 million dollars upon hitting theaters on the holiday. The musical biopic's momentum hasn't slowed since then, raking in a cumulative 80 million dollars worldwide as of 2024's President's Day ( via The Source ), an impressive take for a 70 million dollar budget.

The movie tells the story of Bob Marley's life, following the ups and downs of his career, with Bob Marley: One Love ending right around the time of the legendary musician's death in 1981. The film also provides some much-needed context for Marley's performances amid the political upheaval in Jamaica at the time, shedding light on a part of his story that general audiences familiar with Marley's iconic music might not be aware of. Beyond positive word-of-mouth and subject matter, the reasons behind One Love 's astounding success lie within the film's marketing and the timing of its release.

One Love Had Weak Box Office Competition

Bob marley's story triumphed over sony's superhero flop.

Bob Marley: One Love had the advantage of releasing during a relatively dry period, with theaters still feeling the lingering effects of 2023's SAG-AFTRA strikes on production. The film's biggest competition, also releasing on Valentine's Day, was Sony's Madame Web, the latest installment of the media conglomerate's Spider-Man spin-off universe. Madame Web 's failure compared to Bob Marley: One Love at the box office makes for an interesting comparison, but the most pertinent take-away is that there was little else in theaters to distract audiences from Bob Marley's story.

Madame Web Report Reveals A Last-Minute Reason The Marvel Movie's Box Office Was So Low

Bob marley is a musical legend with cross-generational appeal, forty years after his death, bob marley continues to have fans of all ages.

Perhaps one of the biggest stars in music history to have never gotten a film, Bob Marley's appeal reaches an incredibly wide range of generations. Despite being most active in the mid-to-late 70s, Marley continues to have die-hard fans to this day, with Paramount distribution chief Chris Aronson explaining that Marley's story was most popular with moviegoers aged 18 to 24 ( via VOA news ). From Rastafarian old-heads to those who grew up after the songwriter's death, the appeal of Marley's force of personality and Bob Marley: One Love 's excellent soundtrack has a generation-spanning appeal.

Everyone Loves A Feel-Good Movie

The universal appeal of marley's inspiring story helped propel the film's success.

Despite Marley's untimely death tinging Bob Marley: One Love with a bittersweet pang of sadness, the film has an overall positive presentation that celebrates the musician's life and message. So-called "Feel-Good" movies have been relatively few and far between as of late, with moody dramas and explosive action films tending to take the spotlight as tentpole blockbuster releases. The success of Bob Marley: One Love may represent a positive audience reaction to a largely unfulfilled cinematic niche, providing viewers with some much-needed comfort and positive energy in uncertain times.

The Trailer Was Aggressively Marketed

Few were unaware of bob marley: one love's release.

As important as the substance and quality of a given film is as a portent of monetary success, there's no denying that marketing plays an equally-important role, if not more so. Bob Marley: One Love had an incredibly aggressive advertising campaign, with its trailer worming its way into the previews of many films, not to mention a healthy digital presence in ad spots on YouTube. By the time Bob Marley: One Love finally released, there were few moviegoers who weren't aware of the film, exponentially increasing the chances at which potentially interested viewers would show up at the box office.

One Love Took Advantage Of President’s Day Weekend

A three-day weekend helped to inflate u.s. numbers.

Timing is everything when it comes to a healthy release for a grounded film like Bob Marley: One Love , and the reggae-fueled biopic couldn't have picked a better release day. Beyond premiering on Valentine's Day, taking advantage of thousands of movie dates across the country, the film was able to double-dip on holiday free time with a three-day weekend . In the United States, President's Day gave many working-class audiences an additional day off, allowing Bob Marley: One Love to enjoy an opening weekend that converted extra leisure time into domestic box office success.

Musical Biopics Have Become More And More Popular

The stories of famous artists are quickly becoming safe investments.

Few genres can claim to have as much recent success as biopics revolving around musicians . Taking advantage of the recognition of a famous star while studding the score with some hall-of-fame tracks is a great way to engage audiences, and the turbulent stories of many famous songwriters are rife with critical appeal. Bob Marley: One Love has been the lastest to take advantage of this burgeoning genre, emulating the recent success of films like Rocketman , Bohemian Rhapsody , and Elvis while putting its own positive spin on the reliably highly-grossing genre.

The Director’s Previous Work Was A Critical Success

Reinaldo marcus green is now two-for-two with famous biopics.

Bob Marley: One Love is far from the first offering from the mind of director Reinaldo Marcus Green to put up impressive numbers commercially. Green has proven the ability to navigate delicate subjects with movies like Monsters and Men and Joe Bell , which navigated difficult topics like racism and homophobia respectfully and thoughtfully, wowing critics and audiences. However, his overwhelming success was 2021's King Richard , another biopic which told the story of tennis legends Serena and Venus Williams' father. King Richard alone was a good enough track record to get audiences invested in Green's next project.

One Love Had The Blessing Of The Marely Estate

Bob marley's biopic avoided the pitfalls of priscilla.

Securing the blessing of the living relatives of famous artists is an important step in the development of any Hollywood film looking to celebrate the story of a legendary artist. Whereas recent biopic Priscilla drew the ire of the Elvis estate , coming under fire for the less-than-favorable representation of the King of Rock and Roll, Bob Marley: One Love was sure to work closely with Bob Marley's living relatives. Citing the Marley estate with a producer credit, the film's clear admiration for its subject helped to draw in Bob Marley fans the world over.

Audiences Have Been Rating One Love Highly

Even if critics haven't been feeling the love, marley's fans have shown up for the film.

Bob Marley: One Love is quickly joining a curious cadre of films whose critical reception sits in stark contrast to its success with general audiences. Despite critics having an overall negative reaction to the film, dismissing it as a formulaic biopic that played it too safe, audiences have been rating the film highly much more consistently. Even if Bob Marley: One Love has an enormous 51% gap between critics and audiences on Rotten Tomatoes , the positive reaction among average viewers may have contributed to some positive word-of-mouth, inflating ticket sales.

Bob Marley: One Love

Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, Bob Marley: One Love is a biographical music-drama that explores the life of Bob Marley, as portrayed by Kingsley Ben-Adir. The film highlights the ups and downs of Marley's life and career until his untimely death in 1981.

Director Reinaldo Marcus Green

Release Date February 14, 2024

9 Reasons Bob Marley: One Love's Box Office Is So Good: Breaking Down $80 Million Opening

IMAGES

  1. 35 Best Excuses for Missing Work

    good reasons to miss work last minute

  2. 31 Good Excuses to Miss Work on Short Notice (EXAMPLES)

    good reasons to miss work last minute

  3. 34 Best Excuses to Get Out of Work (Or Miss Work)

    good reasons to miss work last minute

  4. Good Excuses to Miss Work on Short Notice

    good reasons to miss work last minute

  5. 11 Good Excuses To Miss Work (Short Notice/Last Minute)

    good reasons to miss work last minute

  6. Best Excuses To Miss Work on Short Notice

    good reasons to miss work last minute

COMMENTS

  1. 20 Believable 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.

  2. 12 Best Excuses to Miss Work (Last Minute/Short Notice)

    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.

  3. 11 Good Excuses To Miss Work on Short Notice

    By Chris Kolmar Jun. 11, 2023 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.

  4. 9 Good Reasons To Call In Sick And Miss Work At The Last Minute (with

    1. Musculoskeletal Pain Musculoskeletal pain refers to pain in the muscle, bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. Back soreness or back pain is one of the most common medical conditions that is widely accepted. When you are having back pain, it is almost impossible for you to come to work.

  5. 15 Excuses To Miss Work On Short Notice: Text Or Call

    1. Family emergency If you want to provide a very vague excuse, you can explain that you must respond to a family emergency and leave it at that. There is no further explanation in this excuse as long as you sound genuine.

  6. Best Excuses To Miss Work on Short Notice

    1. Personal Illness 2. Sick Family Member or Pet 3. Personal or Family Emergency 4. Unexpected Circumstances 5. An Appointment 6. Household Problem 7. Death of a Loved One 8. Unused Personal Day Off 9.

  7. 14 Acceptable Excuses to Miss Work (Even Last Minute or ...

    1. You're sick. If you wake up in the morning feeling sick, it's a completely legitimate excuse for missing work that day. "Not only should workers take their sick days, but it is a necessity that they do," says Caroline Reidy, Managing Director of HR consultancy The HR Suite .

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

    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.

  9. 6 Good Excuses to Miss Work

    Career strategists say the worst excuses for missing work are things you could control, like not getting enough sleep. iStock. There are good and bad reasons to miss a workday. Career strategists ...

  10. 19 of the Best Excuses to Miss Work

    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.

  11. 27 Good Excuses To Miss Work On Short Notice

    1. You just aren't feeling well. COVID taught us that no illness presents the same in each person; bosses don't want to risk it. You should offer to work from home. Don't apologize. "I woke up with a fever and need to rest." "I have a sore throat with white patches. I'm going to the doctor and won't be in today." 2. Your kids are sick.

  12. 31 Good Excuses to Miss Work on Short Notice (EXAMPLES)

    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.

  13. 34 Best Excuses to Get Out of Work (Or Miss Work)

    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.

  14. 5 of the Best Reasons To Miss Work (And 4 of the Worst)

    There are many reasons you might miss work, such as illness, family emergencies, transportation issues or important appointments. While many are legitimate for taking time off, some can appear unprofessional or irresponsible—especially if you use the same reason habitually. Here are a few good reasons to take time off without notice: 1. Illness

  15. 17 Good Reasons & Excuses To Call Off Or Miss Work

    This list of excuses for calling off work will give you the confidence to use them when the moment comes. 1. Sickness. If you're feeling under the weather, don't be a hero. Being sick is a perfectly valid excuse to call off work. When you're ill, you can't perform at your best.

  16. 12 Good Reasons to Call Out of Work and 4 Tips for Asking

    It's reasonable to miss work for the appointment. Make sure you communicate clearly with your manager to gain support and the time you need to focus on your health and well-being. 6. Caring for a pet. If your pet has an emergency, that's certainly an acceptable excuse to call out of work.

  17. Good excuses to call off work last minute text: 8 Valid Excuses

    Whether it's a family member who suddenly falls ill, a summon for jury duty, or needing a mental health day, there are numerous legitimate reasons to miss work. The challenge lies in conveying these reasons to your boss in a professional way that warrants understanding and even paid sick leave.

  18. Valid Excuses for Missing Work (With Examples)

    Career Development Valid Excuses for Missing Work (With Examples) Valid Excuses for Missing Work (With Examples) Indeed Editorial Team Updated February 13, 2024 Although there's usually a policy of scheduling and applying for official leave, employers also understand the need to miss work without notice sometimes.

  19. Good Excuses to Miss Work on Short Notice: Tips and Tricks

    Let's explore some of the most commonly accepted reasons for missing work unexpectedly. 1. Health-Related Excuses: Sudden health issues, while unfortunate, are an inescapable part of life. Migraines, acute stomach ailments, or unexpected allergic reactions are not just valid but often indisputable reasons to miss a day. Even an impromptu ...

  20. 36 Good Excuses to Miss Work on Short Notice [Remote & On-Site Workers]

    1. You're Not Feeling Well - One of the Last-Minute Good Excuses for Missing Work You woke up not feeling well. This is one of the most common and best excuses to miss work on short notice. Some common examples can be seen below. You have the flu and can't even get out of bed. You don't have any energy and feel really run down and need to sleep.

  21. 16 Good Excuses To Miss Work On Short Notice

    Contents show 16 Good Excuses To Miss Work On Short Notice If you recently got into some trouble at work, keep these excuses for some other day. There's a list of good excuses to miss work on short notice. The listed reasons aren't guaranteed and can backfire. But if used often with confidence, you can be successful. 1.

  22. 8 Good Excuses to Miss Work on Short Notice (+ Sample Email)

    It isn't ideal to call off on short notice. However, a good boss knows that some things are unavoidable. Here are eight legitimate excuses for taking the day off on short notice. 1. Personal Sickness. If you are not feeling well, you should never go to work. That just risks spreading illness to others.

  23. 9 Good Excuses to Miss Work on Short Notice

    A sick day, doctor's appointment, and family emergencies are some of the common excuses (and valid reasons) for missing work. A good excuse to miss work is a real one. OK, I will withhold judgment temporarily.

  24. Crystal Nicole |Speaker |Coach |Consultant on Instagram: "This time

    82 likes, 7 comments - absolutelycrystalnicole on February 16, 2024: "This time last week I was finishing up some last minute work things so I could make my way to ...

  25. 9 Reasons Bob Marley: One Love's Box Office Is So Good: Breaking ...

    Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, Bob Marley: One Love is a biographical music-drama that explores the life of Bob Marley, as portrayed by Kingsley Ben-Adir. The film highlights the ups and downs ...