15 Bulletproof Excuses to Get out of Work
We’ve all been there—feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or just plain tired and wishing we could take a break from work. Whether you need some time to recharge or have a personal matter to take care of, you might need a solid excuse to step away from the office.
But don’t worry, we’ve got your back!
Here are some bulletproof excuses that are realistic and won’t raise any red flags.
1. Feeling Sick (Stomach Flu or Cold)
Sometimes, the easiest excuse is the most believable. If you’re feeling under the weather but don’t want to be specific, saying you have a stomach bug or a cold is a common go-to. No one wants to risk catching something from you, so this excuse is rarely questioned. Just be sure to sound convincingly tired and offer to check in later in the day.
Pro tip: If you’re working remotely, you can easily say you’re feeling too sick to focus properly.
2. Family Emergency
A family emergency is a classic excuse that can be used when you need to take time off unexpectedly. Whether it’s an emergency with your child, a parent, or another family member, people usually won’t question it, and it’s understandable that family comes first. Just be careful not to overuse this one, or it may come across as disingenuous.
Pro tip: Keep it vague, but sincere. Saying something like, “I need to deal with a family emergency; I’ll keep you posted” works wonders.
3. Car or Transportation Problems
If you’re commuting to work, car troubles can easily serve as an excuse. Whether your car broke down or you’re having trouble with public transportation, these are legitimate reasons to be late or not come in at all. You don’t need to go into detail—just make sure to apologize and assure them you’re working to resolve the issue.
Pro tip: Be sure to sound stressed or apologetic, especially if you’re late, so it comes off as believable.
4. Doctor’s Appointment
Sometimes, you can’t avoid needing medical attention. Scheduling a doctor’s appointment for something routine or necessary is a valid excuse. You don’t need to share what the appointment is for, just that it’s important and unavoidable. If you’re really looking to cover yourself, you can even schedule a telehealth visit that takes place during work hours.
Pro tip: If it’s a last-minute request, let your employer know early in the day or the night before, so it seems planned.
5. Mental Health Day
Taking a day off for mental health has become more accepted in recent years. If you’re feeling drained, anxious, or mentally exhausted, it’s okay to take a step back. Just be upfront and honest with your employer (without oversharing), explaining that you need a day to recharge.
Pro tip: You can be direct but still vague, saying, “I need to take a mental health day to recharge. I’ll be back to work tomorrow.”
6. Child Care Issues
If you have young children, unexpected things can come up. Whether your babysitter canceled or your child is sick, this is a good excuse that will be hard to argue with. Parents can easily use this as a valid reason for needing to stay home or leave work early.
Pro tip: Keep it brief and keep your tone apologetic, like, “I have an issue with my babysitter today, and I need to be home with my child.”
7. Urgent Household Repairs
Everyone has experienced the stress of an unexpected household emergency, like a plumbing issue or broken appliance. If you’re the one responsible for handling the repairs, you can easily take the day off to manage the situation. It’s a believable and understandable reason that most employers won’t argue with.
Pro tip: Let your boss know you’re dealing with the situation as soon as possible so they’re not left wondering why you’re unavailable.
8. Death in the Family
Although this is a more sensitive excuse, it’s often used when someone has lost a loved one. Most workplaces will understand that you need to take time off for the funeral or to grieve, and it’s usually not questioned. As with any sensitive excuse, be respectful and sincere.
Pro tip: Keep it simple and avoid over-explaining. A quick, “I’ve experienced a loss in the family and need to take some time,” should suffice.
9. Overdue Home Delivery
Sometimes deliveries get delayed, and if you’re waiting for an important item, such as furniture, appliances, or even something you’ve ordered for work, you can use that as a reason to stay home. The delivery window is often a wide range, so it’s believable.
Pro tip: Give a heads-up early in the morning, and let your boss know you might be in and out during the day, just in case the delivery comes at an inconvenient time.
10. Exhaustion or Burnout
If you’re experiencing burnout or extreme fatigue, sometimes it’s best to be honest. While not every employer will be open to this excuse, many are now recognizing the importance of mental and physical rest. If you’ve been working non-stop or dealing with personal issues, explaining that you need a day to recharge can often be enough.
Pro tip: Be honest about needing a break, but also emphasize that you’ll be ready to get back to work after taking the time off.
Bulletproof Excuses to Get out of Work for Remote Workers
1. Internet Connection Issues
“My internet is down, and I’m waiting for my provider to fix it.”
Remote work relies heavily on internet connectivity. If your Wi-Fi or internet service provider experiences a disruption, it’s a valid excuse that many employers will understand, especially if you’re working in a location where service interruptions are common.
2. Software Glitch or System Crash
“I’m having trouble accessing the system due to a software glitch, and IT is working on it.”
Sometimes, software systems can crash or have bugs that prevent you from accessing work files or communication tools. It’s a valid reason for temporary unavailability, especially if you’re waiting for IT support to resolve the issue.
3. Power Outage
“My area is experiencing a power outage, and I can’t work until the electricity comes back.”
If you’re working remotely and there’s a power outage in your area, it’s hard to work without electricity. This can be a serious issue for remote workers, as they may need power for their devices and internet access.
4. Technical Difficulty with Equipment
“My laptop is having hardware issues (e.g., a malfunctioning keyboard or screen), and I’m waiting for a repair.”
Sometimes, remote workers rely on personal devices, and if there’s an issue with essential equipment, it can delay your work. If your work device breaks down unexpectedly, explaining the situation is a valid excuse, especially if you’re waiting for a replacement or repair.
5. Family Emergency or Child Care Issues
“I’m dealing with a family emergency at the moment and can’t be fully available.”
Even for remote workers, family emergencies happen. Whether it’s a sick child, a sudden need to care for an elderly relative, or any urgent personal issue, employers are likely to understand that your immediate attention is required at home.
These excuses are realistic for remote workers and, when communicated early and clearly, are typically understood by most employers.
Conclusion
Taking time off from work is sometimes necessary for your health and well-being. The key to making sure your excuse isn’t questioned is to keep it simple, sincere, and realistic. Whether it’s a medical issue, family obligation, or something else, choose an excuse that feels natural and makes sense in your situation. Just remember, your work-life balance matters too, so don’t feel guilty about taking a day when you need it!
