Discussion » Questions » Jobs » What’s the biggest lie and excuse you gave when calling in sick to work?
Rizz

What’s the biggest lie and excuse you gave when calling in sick to work?

I’ve been at my current job for over sixteen years. I have called in sick three times. I jokingly called in sick to my supervisor once claiming I had eye trouble. I said, “This is *my name*. I can’t make it to work today because I’m having eye trouble.“ he replied, “What’s wrong?” I responded with, “I can’t see going to work today.” He cussed at me and then laughed.

Another time I called the captain’s office from the phone in the hallway where we wait until it’s time to go to work. I told the captain I was sick and couldn’t make it. He started to say, “I hope you feel better” before looking at the caller ID realizing where I was calling from. Thankfully he has a sense of humor and laughed.

Posted - October 7, 2018
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Responses


  • 22891
    ive never lied when i called in sick
      October 7, 2018 4:22 PM MDT
    3

  • 44602
    I was still a bit drunk from the previous night, so I called in sick, saying I had to take my wife to the hospital. She had just had four surgeries on her forearm, but didn't really need to go.
      October 7, 2018 4:27 PM MDT
    3

  • 1502
    It was smart to not go to work drunk regardless if you lied. 
      October 7, 2018 4:58 PM MDT
    3

  • 44602
    Not around students.
      October 7, 2018 5:06 PM MDT
    3

  • 53503
     
      (i I)

      I never have to lie about it because at my job, sick leave is a right extended to all employees that doesn't have to be explained when requested. About 25 years ago, a double-edged ruling was handed down that a) it's an invasion of privacy to divulge medical information to management that's not pertinent to the organization's ability to operate, and b) managers are not medical professionals who can evaluate or determine whether or not an employee is medically fit for duty.  All of this stemmed from when a manager had denied an employee's telephoned request, stating, "You don't sound sick to me,".  The employee initiated a formal complaint that one need not have to convince management nor have to be "sick enough". Even so, to this day, some of my coworkers still do the whole Academy Award performance when they call in: "(Cough, cough) I'm feeling horrible (wheeze) today and I can't make it in (hack), sorry."

      Lastly, at my job, sick leave can also be used if an employee's family member is sick, infirm, injured, has a medical/dental appointment, etc.  None of that information is pertinent either, so requesting sick leave is technically the employee informing management that sick leave will be used that day. 


    ~
      October 7, 2018 4:28 PM MDT
    3

  • 1502
    You are correct. Our supervisors are under strict orders to not inquire any information. They’re supposed to take our word for it. I’ve never lied to call in sick. My first job I only called in sick once in five years. I ended up in the ER with the flu. I was severely dehydrated as well. I was given a shot, two IV bags of liquid, and a prescription. I’ve called in sick three times at my current job in sixteen years. Once with the flu. Once when I had severe heat exhaustion and was out a week, and recently when I needed a mental health day. I don’t count when I broke my thumb and was out for a few weeks. This post was edited by Rizz at October 7, 2018 9:52 PM MDT
      October 7, 2018 4:33 PM MDT
    3

  • 10634
    I have NEVER lied about being sick!  In fact, I hardly ever called in sick to work.   And on those few rare times I did call in, I was so sick that I literally couldn't function. 
      October 7, 2018 4:49 PM MDT
    3

  • 1502
    I’m the same way.
      October 7, 2018 4:53 PM MDT
    2

  • "I never lied calling-in sick."  I worked for a great company and I really liked my job.
      October 7, 2018 5:52 PM MDT
    4

  • 10052
    I'd be afraid to make up an illness because I'd probably end up getting it! 


      October 7, 2018 9:51 PM MDT
    3

  • I worked in a hospital pharmacy for a couple of years. While it wasn't a lie when I called, I found out that you don't call in sick when you work in a hospital. They really do tell you that you need to be in a hospital if you're sick.
      October 10, 2018 8:00 PM MDT
    3

  • There were two that come to mind. 
     I told my boss that I had never been to Yosemite (her favorite place), and I was whisked away for the weekend, but we were having car issues, and we are stuck there an extra day.   
    I told the same boss that a tree fell and broke one of our windows, and because they gave us a 4 hour window time that they would arrive to repair it, I am not going to bother driving that far to work just half the day.     (now, that one no one believed) This post was edited by Benedict Arnold at October 11, 2018 12:52 PM MDT
      October 11, 2018 12:39 PM MDT
    1