Is there ever a time when it's ok to lie to your boss?

Question

I am in college and am heading back on the 16th of this month. Classes don't start until the 21st but I'd like a little time to get settled in my new dorm. My boss back there wanted to know if I could start working again as soon as I arrived. I didn't want to do this, but I didn't just want to say "I don't want to..." so I told her I wouldn't be back in town yet. My boyfriend doesn't think this was ok to do and gave me a whole lecture on how it's never ok to lie to your employer. I see where he is coming from, but is what I did really SO bad?

I don't know if it makes a difference or not, but my job is through federal work study (my paycheck comes from Financial aid through the university)

Answer 1

A white lie to your employer is fine, I am sure that your employer has done it themselves, we have all said at one time another that we have an appointment that doesn't actually exist or that we will be out of town longer than we really are, you are normal and just being polite.

Answer 2

It is not a lie to tell your boss that while you anticipate resuming your position, the conditions of your situation are not right for you to return to work just yet. You just moved back, for crying out loud. Just put it in terms that will seem appropriate to the industry and her situation and logical and which she will understand. Put it to school or resideintal life issues or something. You are not a slave.

PS: I am a bit more concerned about the position taken by your boyfriend, which seems reactionary, fundamentalist, and controlling. There are some issues the two of you will have to bring out in the open if your relationship is going to continue.

Answer 3

There is never a good reason to lie. Just tell the truth and you will feel better. No matter how you sneak around and lie to your boss God sees you and HE is not pleased with you lying

Answer 4

no but sometimes things happen...if she doesn't think that you are going to be back in time...she may replace you...that's the Karma part of lying well, give her a call and unless someone is going to see you, or through the school she will know you are there...tell her your coming back in time...but you need to get some personal time to get somethings straight with school stuff first...and maybe give a date when you can come back.... too work...

Answer 5

You're unable to work for them on that day. As far as your employer is consened, it doesn't matter why. I'd put it better: "I won't be back from my vacation yet." They don't need to know exact location of your vacation.

So no, not wrong by me. If I were employer and were to find out, I wouldn't care.

Answer 6

Can you just tell your boss that you found out that you will be back but you would prefer to get settled before you start back to work. I'm sure that he'll understand.

Answer 7

I don't see anything wrong with it. Your boss may have wanted you to work really bad, and something like I don't want to would not have sounded very good. I think it was okay to tell this little white lie.

It's not like you were calling out of work, stealing, or anything like that.

Answer 8

You just tell him you have personal problems to take care of. That is guaranteed by labor law. If he fires you for that he is a criminal and in violation of the law. So it's not necessary to lie about anything.

Answer 9

If you wanted the extra time for yourself I see nothing wrong with what you did. I'd watch out for your BF. He sounds controlling and controlling men make nasty husbands.

Answer 10

Make sure she don't see you from the 16th to the 21st, then she will know you lied.