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TeresahRN
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Good reason 1: Contagious illness, such as the common cold or flu.
There's no better reason to stay home than legitimate sickness, especially if it's of the contagious variety. A sick employee is typically not a productive employee, and can spread germs to other workers.
Do yourself and your co-workers a favor, and chill out at home until you feel better.
Your organization and co-workers shouldn't have to pick up the slack for your good time.
Take a shower, have a strong cup of coffee, and suck it up. And vow to make better decisions on work nights, for everyone's sake
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TeresahRN
25447 posts
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Good reason 2: You need a mental health day
If you are feeling blah and burnt out, and feel like you need a day off to recharge your batteries, schedule a mental health day in advance so you don't leave co-workers in the lurch.
If a spur-of-the moment mental health day is necessary, it's okay to use sickness as an excuse. Just remember to keep your reason simple, don't go into detail, and choose an illness that is quickly resolved -- like migraine or stomach bug.
Lame reason 2: Opening day of Major League Baseball
Okay, this is a tough one! It's hard to justify missing an important sporting event, concert (even if it's your fourth-grader's band concert), or other significant happening. You don't have to.
If the event is that important, you should know well ahead of time when it's occurring. Instead of leaving co-workers hanging, schedule a day off in advance
Good reason 3: Family issues, such as sick child
Most workplaces are tolerant of a certain number of family-related absences per year. Sick kids, lack of childcare, or a spouse with a sudden medical condition who needs support or help are all valid reasons to miss work.
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TeresahRN
25447 posts
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Lame reason 3: Beach issues, such as you would rather be on one
And so would everyone else in the working world. But unless you are a supermodel who has a shoot scheduled for Sports Illustrated's upcoming swimsuit issue, your job is not to frolic in the sand. Instead of heeding the call of the ocean (or golf links, or tennis court), resolve to get to work early and be extra productive so you can cut out on time -- or maybe even a little early -- to enjoy a couple hours in the surf
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TeresahRN
25447 posts
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Good reason 4: Severe weather
If the weather is severe enough to close roads, schools, and businesses, it’s okay to call in sick.
Most employers are concerned about the health and safety of their employees, and do not expect them to risk their lives to get to the office.
Lame reason 4: Mildly annoying weather
Smaller weather-related issues, like the unplowed driveway you haven't gotten around to dealing with yet, or rainy-day malaise that's more conducive to PJs than a power suit, are not good reasons for calling in sick!
Call the plow guy, attire yourself in something extra cheerful, and get yourself to work!
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TeresahRN
25447 posts
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Good reason 5: Loss of a family member or loved one
This has long been one of the most acceptable reasons for calling in sick. It goes without saying that you should never use this excuse if it isn't true.
Lying about a death in the family is a particularly intolerable lie, and if you're found out others will forever wonder about your character and ethics.
Lame reason 5: You wish you could lose your boss
According to a poll done by the Conference Board research group, 49 percent of workers don't like their managers, so you are in good company. Instead of focusing on your manager's behavior, focus on your own.
Show up and do the best job you can. You'll likely move up the ranks, and maybe he'll be working for you someday.
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TeresahRN
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Good reason 6: Your toilet has exploded
Or your heating system is on the blink, or your well is dry.
Household emergencies happen, and it's okay to miss work to take care of them, as long as you miss only the amount of time that's needed to set things right.
Lame reason 6: Your workload has exploded
Staying at home with your head under the covers won't make your work go away, and will only postpone your problems. Instead of letting your company and co-workers down, show up to work with your game face on, and commit to getting as much done as possible.
Ask for help from co-workers, stay late, or do whatever necessary to catch up. Once caught up, sit down and design a time management plan that ensures future work will get done on time.
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TeresahRN
25447 posts
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Good reason 7: You have a job interview
It's okay to miss work for an opportunity that could have a positive impact on your career and future. If you are unable to schedule this in advance, be sure to keep your excuse simple -- no long stories or creative tales.
A simple "I'm not feeling well today, but hope to be in tomorrow," should suffice.
Lame reason 7: Your job is boring
Instead of wallowing at home, take positive steps to change the direction of your life.
Volunteer for extra tasks at work, ask your boss for more responsibility, or increase your knowledge and skill set by taking classes.
Consider your reasons carefully
Calling in sick may not always be an easy choice—but sometimes it’s the right choice.
Before picking up the phone consider your reasons carefully, and determine the positive or negative impact of staying home on you, your co-workers, and your organization.
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