Calling in to work: Should I lie or tell the truth?

Question

My attendance record at work is almost perfect. For the past year, I think I have been late once, and I think I called in sick once.

I'm in college, and hopefully this will be my last semester to get my Bachelor's degree. Well, I have a major test tomorrow, and I need time to study and to catch up on other schoolwork.

Mondays are the worst days of the week to call in, but it's not like I can reschedule my test.

I've already decided that I'm going to call in to work. Should I lie and say I'm sick or truthfully state that I need the day off to take a test and to catch up on schoolwork.

Let me add that my employer has been very flexible in the past to give me time off for school purposes, but I always got the time approved in advance.

What should I do?

Answer 1

Go ahead and call in to say that you are taking a "Personal day". That should work.
Good luck on your test!

Answer 2

well I know that being truthful is right and good, however it doesn't always reap good outcomes. I guess it would really depend on your boss. I'm not promoting a lie but if telling the truth is only going to hurt you then sometimes you end up telling people what they want to hear. The truth is when you are working for someone they don't necessarily care about your personal life even if your education benefits them in the end. Your employer really only cares about you showing up for work. Does your school give you a class schedule with the dates of your tests and finals? If so try in the future to schedule time off around test dates if it is possible to ensure time needed for study and a replacement for your boss. I know schooling and work is very difficult been there and done that. Good Luck

Answer 3

I say since you have an almost perfect record than teling a white lie about being sick because you absolutely need the day off is the way to go. Since you haven't given your boss a heads up and the fact it is a Monday, he's going to wonder where your responsiblity is. For example, can you honestly say that from Friday night, all day Saturday, all day Sunday that you've been studying for this test? If you call him on Monday requesting the day off for school work, he's going to think you were out all weekend having fun with your freinds and realized by Sunday you needed extra time. That's what I would think. Since you've kept an outstanding attendence record you will be afforded this one small white lie, but don't do it too often. You won't be considered as someone they can count on.

Answer 4

Since your employer has been flexible in the past, why did you not ask off in advance this time? Honesty is the best policy. I know that is cliche, and old fashioned, but accurate none the less. I think the question is pointed at the fact that you are definitely calling in, but just want advice on whether to lie or not. But I think that to give you my genuine and sincere advice on what you should do, I should say this: don't call in at all. Stay up all night, cram in study at breaks, etc. Do all that you can to fulfill your obligations to both your studies and your employer. Let the sleep deprivation teach you a lesson. Next time don't get behind on schoolwork. Then you want have to "catch up".

Answer 5

The truth is your best bet IMO if you know your boss well and you think he/she will understand the situation. It sounds as if you have been pretty much a model employee in terms of attendance and showing up on time. I guess you have to gauge how you think the persons that wield the power at your job will react to you telling them the truth. Taking a sick day is safe and they probably will not question it. If I were your boss, I would respect that you are trying to better yourself by improving your education, but if that Bachelors Degree means that you will quit the company to seek a higher level of employment, it might make the boss nervous and you are better off saying that you are sick.

Answer 6

If you have worked there for any length of time, do you not have any personal days? Normally you can take those w/o having to ask weeks in advance. Will this job be used as a reference once you get your degree? If not, then tell them you are sick. But more than likely, if you have good repor with your boss, he would let you have the day off if you told him about the big test. If they find out you lied, that would might hurt you later. just a thought!

Answer 7

if your employer already knows your situation, you should be fine to tell the truth.

you don't say though what type of business you are in and whether or not you missing monday will put them in a bind. they may feel you should have planned better, as you knew the test was coming up and could have asked off.

is this the type of job you can work a 1/2 day if you are putting them in a bind? in the end, you have to do what you can live with on Tuesday when you face your boss...and the rest of the time.

Answer 8

Normally you should always be honest.
Otherwise it could bite you in the *** later.

I work in staffing at a hospital and if you are going to call in sick or cancel a shift, I would recommend giving lots of notice.
Espeically if you lie and it is found out depending on the story ( and performance you give.) Also company the might fire you.

If you do go down the lie route, just give a "reasonable" reason, like gastroentronitist ie. flu, food posioning but don't play it up, they will know if you are faking.

Good luck.
On the other hand, stay home stu

Answer 9

If you have personal days and have any left then take a personal day. If not then can you take a vacation day from your annual leave? Calling in sick when you're not and they find out can lead them to not trust you, which isn't good. If your bosses know that you are in school just tell them that you need the day to study. Next time tell them that you have a big test when you find out about it and arrange to have the day off before hand.

Either way - good luck.

Answer 10

Do you have to give a reason? Can't you just say you need to take the day off? If you have to give a reason, it's always best to tell the truth. It builds trust and mutual respect. If you tell the trust and are denied leave, then it is time to tell your employer you are looking for a new job because they are no longer an employer of choice for you.

Answer 11

Tell the truth. Bosses always appreciate the truth because believe it or not, they can tell most of the time when someone is lying. Telling the truth will help you to stand out in the company and your boss will remember your honesty in the future and consider you for things like raises and promotions.

Plus, you will feel guilty all day if you lie and won't be able to concentrate on studying.