10 excuses for missing work for #BlackFriday

Black Friday falls on 24 November and what do you tell your boss when you want to skip out of the office and rather go shopping for bargains for the day? Here are five excuses to try and five to avoid.

Smart excuses for missing work

• I’ve earned it: No one can argue with performance. Come in two or three hours early or stay late for a week or two. Then negotiate a day off in advance.
• I’m playing golf with a client: For this one to work, you’ve got to have a job that requires you to meet and court current and prospective clients.I have a doctor’s appointment: This excuse will get you out of work for a half-day or so. Make the appointment first thing in the morning or late in the day, say at about 3pm.
• I have cramps: Before you dismiss this one, think about it: Who can argue? One important point: Don’t use this one if you’re a man.
• I’m working from home: This is an excellent way to give yourself a break if your company allows it. Although you’ll need to do some work at home, you can generally get away with a shortened day. And you’ll eliminate your commuting time.

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Bad excuses for missing work

• There’s a death in the family: Don’t ever use this excuse if it’s not true. Your employer will lose all trust in you.
• I’m too sleepy.
• I can’t get my car out of the garage.
• I can’t find my polling place. Someone actually used this when they needed an entire day to figure out where they had to go to vote in the presidential election.
• I have a personal emergency: This one is so vague that it rarely works. It could mean anything from fatigue to an appointment with your hairdresser, and your boss knows it.

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Don’t lie, no matter which excuse you use. Don’t lie to your boss, your supervisor or your clients. You’re guaranteed they will be the ones you will run into while you’re walking down the street in your jeans.