oh and also, try being salaried and not eligible for overtime, but being short staffed but ending up working between 50 and 80 hours a month unpaid. it's fucking FANTASTIC to say the least!!

i only call in sick when i am in the hospital, on narcotics (because i have to administer medications) or if i am highly contagious because of the field i work in. i am the supervisor of a group home for mentally challenged adults, and even then, sometimes if i am feeling up to it, i just wear one of the silly looking masks they make you wear in the ER or doctors office when you have the cough or flu-like symptoms so i don't spread my germs.

in the field i am in, it is difficult to find someone to cover your shift if anyone is to call out because we are always short staffed, and working short staffed affects the consumers. if i worked in an office and didn't do direct care work, you can bet that i wouldn't give a shit about whether i felt fine or not, i wouldn't go to work looking like a fool wearing a mask. but because it is the quality of life of my consumers at stake, i suck it up even if i am feeling like complete crap and make sure they are taken care of before myself because that's what i have always been taught to do from a young age, always put others before myself.

well, and the fact that i don't get paid sick time and they are paying for my master's degree helps a lot as well.

no carry over sick leave use or lose it CA law

thats like going on website thats asking about gas mileage on a corvette, and then posting to them that they need to get a bike. Stick to the questions.

For the people answering the question with "tell the truth". Why don't you go to the Jesus loves me chat room, or stick to actually answering the questions, instead of proposing something new all together.

feminine problems dont work because last time i had cramps and went to the doctor they wanted an update and asked if i had ovarian scists! none of their business but they think it is

i work for family freinds. a husband and wife run business. i have requested time off 3 months ahead and was denied. then i planned a vacation on days we are not scheduled and they decided that week that we were to work those days. i of course told them my vaca plans and he still wanted me to cancel but i refused. then they told me i have to let them know if i plan on vacationing on my days off just incase they need to be open more.now to not even bother i just call in sick. when there are no rewards for doing things the right way we must result to being ’sick’. i am going to vegas this week and calling in with the flu.

i work for family freinds. a husband and wife run business. i have requested time off 3 months ahead and was denied. then i planned a vacation on days we are not scheduled and they decided that week that we were to work those days. i of course told them my vaca plans and he still wanted me to cancel but i refused. then they told me i have to let them know if i plan on vacationing on my days off just incase they need to be open more.now to not even bother i just call in sick. when there are no rewards for doing things the right way we must result to being 'sick'. i am going to vegas this week and calling in with the flu.

My best excuse is I have anul glocoma. I can't see mt ass going to work.

RIGHT ON!!

One sure way you know you're working way too much overtime is when your doctor tells you you have to have surgery and you're gonna be laid up for two weeks after that and you're excited because you're looking forward to the time off. This actually happened to me on one occasion once upon a time.

My ghost kept me awake all night.

that was hilarious!

Ahhh... so true to the one's who have said that we are overworked. My experience is that, yes.. we do not have many good companies in this country that appreciate employee's. It's a give and take like anything in life. If you take , take, take, all the time, people get sick of feeling and being used. And as soon as something goes bad with the company, you are the first to go (again goes back to respect and appreciation.) Other countries manage to still run a company, make a profit and keep the employee's happy. So what's wrong with this picture here in the United States?? I'll tell ya...PURE GREED!!!

Best excuse I ever received was "Someone stole my driveway."

I think Sylvia's reply was superb! As a HR prof, I knew of someone very like her. I think people should be as honest as they can be for their reasons for needing time off. Employers can be mean spirited, though. So, if you can work your company's system, do so. Everyone needs a day away from it all, especially if your company runs like high school socio-politically (am I being too mean-spirited?)

Many interesting comments and ideas about work here. It all depends on the individual and the situation. I personally put work at about 4-5th on my list of things that are important to me. Family, Friends, Myself then maybe my job? Work should not control your life unless you want it to and in that case it probably wouldn't seem like work then.

Interesting stuff! Where I work, we have an excellent crew, no one takes advantage of the laid back atmosphere because everyone knows we could lose it in a heartbeat. We work 4 10s giving me a 3-day vacation every week.

I am rarely ever sick, and although a lot of it may be genetics I think some of it has do with attitude toward your job - as well as co-workers attitudes. If you don't like what you do it's easy to "get sick" of your job.

I'm fortunate where I'm at that we are given plenty of roll over PTO when compared to previous jobs.

If you're "sick" of your job, try finding another. Seeing what else is out there - or lack - might help you appreciate what you've got more.

I had a similar situation to Pam, and I always made sure my employer received my doctor excuses and they had the nerve to tell me that I wasn't dependable enough. I thought that as long as it was a valid reason and you had the proof to back it up they wouldn't be allowed to fire you but now here I am... very jobless...

I was a teacher for 18 tears. My 1st ISD told us to take a day off if we were “having a bad day” so as not to take it out on the kids. The last one told us not to take a day off unless we were in the hospital or extremely contagious, & made us take free flu shots. Working 70 hours a week is always hard, so I agree with the first one.

The problem is many people calling in have jobs not careers! At a job you watch the clock all day and will say anything not to go if you can afford it that pay period. When you have a career, (which I do) you look forward to getting up and you don't have to lie when you don't want to go in, because your usually there.

Lee Lee :-)

Some of these comments are hilarious!!! I was fed up with the whole work situation in the USA- especially with management not appreciating me or my skills. I decided to move overseas where I get 30 days vacation, paid holidays, sick days and other perks. Too bad the taxes are higher, but after 6 months probation, a company here is REQUIRED to have a valid reason to fire you- not often imaginary excuses used in the States...

As for my response, layoffs are on the increase in this neck of the woods,flooding the labor market. Anyone messing with the employer's attendance policy could quickly be replaces with someone just a little "hungrier" than themselves.

I worked at one office where I was there for over 3 years and never took a sick day. I was going to school pt at night to get my degree and had midterms coming up and really needed to pre for them so I decided to call out sick. No one answered, so I left a message in the managers box and called back later in the morning to make sure they received it. She received it alright. Along with a message from the owner to CAN ME!?! So much for being allowed 3 sick days a year.

I've noticed that several replies refer to calling in sick as to "Called Out" is this
a northern, or west coast term?

Richard said: Sorry, but I’ve NEVER called in sick for any reason other than being physically ill to the point that I was a hazard to others or being to ill to accomplish anything. I’ve gone to work with pneumonia, after a day of antibiotics.

I too don't see any reason to lie to skip work and I understand the responsibility to your employer. It is irresponsible to go to work with pneumonia, even after a day of antibiotics. If you are coughing at all, or have a fever, or sneezing, you are still contagious. Depending on the disease and your immune system, you may be contagious even without those things. DON'T GO TO WORK!

Even if you have a strong immune system and rarely get sick, everyone else around you may not. Who knows who at your workplace may be immuno-compromised! Or who may have an infant or elderly person at home to take care of! Even if a coworker doesn't get horribly ill, they may be able to pass on the virus or bacteria. I'm immuno-compromised and had to miss a month (an entire MONTH) of work, because one of my coworkers thought it would be a bright idea to come in with influenza, because they "were on medication and didn't feel too bad." I could tell they were sick and thus avoided contact, but I still caught it.

You may think that you're helping your company by showing up. But you calling in for a few days is better than someone else having to call in for a month or more! Someone else's absence might affect your employer MUCH more than yours. Be responsible and don't spread dangerous diseases just because of your pride.

Some of these excuses aren't so far-fetched. I actually do know someone who missed work because he found a body in the woods the night before and was being interrogated by the police into the wee hours of the morning.

I like how one person commented "If you don't like your job go out and find another one". Apparently the economy tanking has had no effect on you...congratulations. For the rest of us finding a "new job" really hasn't been that easy. NO ONE IS HIRING!!!! I put my resume out there and don't get a response back. I call to follow up and there's been an unexpected "hiring freeze". I graduated from college with a 3.6 GPA, I have over 2 years experience in my field, and I have excellent references, so it's not for lack of being qualified. I've been stuck temping and I hate it, but what am I supposed to do?

My company allows 4 hours PTO accumulated every month that the employee is present more than 15 days. I am not a doctor so when an employee calls in sick I assume he's sick. People who abuse the system will continue to abuse it and will wind up being terminated when they actually do have a good excuse eventually. Slackers weed themselves out more often than not.

Definitely an interesting read. Yea for the people who dont miss work and go in on their death bed! more power to you NOT!! I find that absolutely ridiculous and must agree with those that believe that living life and being there for family, health and taking whatever personal time you need. What really sucks is that those people really didnt sound like they were rewarded for doing what you would think is commendable, but lost out more than those that actually used and abused the time off.

Yea all of this is crazy and it definitely is a fact that our country is over-worked and stressed to the max!! I agree, jobs come and go but considering where the economy is you have to kind of suck it up on those jobs that you hate and stick it out because jobs are going more than they're coming....

And you know what??? I've worked almost my whole life... In Europe they give the proper amount of time off, we are over worked in this country... I say.. life is too short to be busting your ass at work all the day every single day.... Anytime, I've given my everything to a job... put in years,,, even given up on family vacation... jobs are not loyal... as soon as they have to make cut backs... who's the first to go? The one that's been there the longest.. making the most money.. in this case me...

So, I say.. live it up.. make up excuses... take long vacations with your family... I didn't go to that family vacation and my aunt died shortly there after..... I missed out due to a job... PEOPLE, LIVE YOUR LIFE LIKE THERE IS NO TOMORROW. DON'T LISTEN TO ALL OF THESE UPTIGHT FREAKS.... Jobs come and go... family needs you NOW.

ENJOY LIFE TODAY!

I agree! If your company has "paid time off" where all days -- vacation, sick time, etc. -- are lumped together AND you'll be cashed out for whatever unused time you have when you move on, then it makes sense to bank them. Otherwise, "it's not a benefit if you don't use it."

I think Mark is 100% correct. Is my boss worth my good work ethic? HELL NO!!!! NOT MY BOSS!!!! Take as much time off as you can if you hate your job. Work it baby!!!

Chris you are lucky...I think I need a career change!

...Employee said he had a heart attack early that morning, but that he was “all better now.”

I have to take exception to this one: I checked into an emergency room 1 night (late) thinking it was a heart attack, the diagnosis was atrial fibrillation. I felt fine the next day and was ready to leave... no such luck; 4 days later I was sent home.

The funny part is that on the very 1st morning I called my boss and told him I had been hopitalized... his response was 'ok, sure take a couple of days off'.... I don't think he took me seriously.

I guess I'm really lucky. I work from home (most of the time) and the work is fairly laid back so I usually don't get stressed to the point of faking sick. However, ocassionally my boss will send me messages telling me to take personal days. He tells me I need to use every single possible day off that is avaiable every year, so that I don't stress out on him.

That and even though I've used most of my days off for the year, he told me to take the whole week of thanksgiving and christmas and new years off. His reason were that he didn't want to work those weeks and so he doesn't want me to either so that he has no billing to deal with from those weeks. Ahhh...the joys of being an IT consulant with a way cool boss!!

The best excuse to use when calling in sick is that you are taking a "mental health day". Yes it's vague, but it kind of sounds like your sick too...and since it pertains to your overall mental 'stability'...your boss can't deny you the right to stay home.

Very interesting read. I have to comment on the guy who went to work with pneumonia. Please stay home! I realize that is not a communicable disease, but I've worked alongside people who are too ill to do their job. Even if you think you are able, believe me, your co-workers have a different opinion. Nothing irritates me more than having a sick person come in to work just so s/he can say, 'I've never used a sick day.' Do us all a favor if you are sick, stay home. Don't spread those germs to the rest of us.

I wish I knew who some of these more horrific employers were, so I could avoid these businesses. The older I get, the less I can stand businesses treating people like dirt.

Wow, I'm so shocked by all of the people who have never used sick days. My personal opinion is that if you get days off- vacation/personal/sick USE THEM. If you heart your job just that much that you never want to miss a day- congrats! I think most people will say that they don't feel that way.

As for moral/ethical obligations to your employer- get real!!! Have you seen the state of the economy and the amount of lay-offs??? All of us are hanging on by a thread and you with your precious unused sick days can be the first one let go like everyone else.

I do NOT feel any ethical obligation to my employer and I ABSOLUTELY USE all of my time in the calendar year- since we don't get to keep it.

Mam - I really don't think 75% are calling in because of hangovers. There is a real problem of over-stressed people just needing to jump off the rollercoaster to catch up on ... "fill in the blank"...or just life.

With the majority of the work force multitasking and forced to be so much to so many people. Calling in sick is a mild symptom of a much larger increasing issue....stress-burnout in this generation.

Wow, reading this just shows that you've got all types out there. Good and bad employees, good and bad employers. And you have all possible combinations of employers and employees.

I was raised with my parent's work ethic; To work 40 hours a week, work when you are at work (don't spend you day at the water cooler), put in overtime if necessary, be on time, and don't take sick days unless you are sick. And if you don't like a job, go find another one.

I guess the big question for employees is going to be "Does the employer deserve my work ethic?"

We live in a high turn over world now. Employers know that there's always someone waiting in line to replace anyone on their staff. Keeping that in mind, they push their employee's to burn out stage and beyond.

If you're offered payed time off, it's use it or lose it in many cases, so use it, and it's never a good time by the bosses watch to schedule a vacation, so that leaves one option....call in. No job, no amount of money is worth sacrificing your sanity and principles over!

Where I work, I've been there only a year. I called off once because I had a killer migraine, but recently I did take a couple vacation days just to be home with my family and relax. But I made sure the time was approved and my time was covered at work.

if you went to work when you had pneumonia, I think you may need to talk to someone about potentially being a work-aholic.

Employers provide you with sick time so that you may use them when you are not feeling well, this can include days where you feel you are under mental duress or where you would be inefficient at work due to personal reasons, as long as you do not abuse the system people - there is nothing wrong with catching up on sleep or taking a mental health day once in a while. By the way stress can and is considered a physical/psychological condition.

My dad accepts calls at a call center from employees mostly to call off in the morning, these are nothing, one employee called in 4 days in arrow saying that he was in State College (2.5 hours away) had car trouble and won't be in today, but also didn't come back in for the next 3 days either under the same reason.

Others include I don't feel like coming in, well duh! ! !

And the ever so popular my house has been quarentined and I won't be in till at least next week. (It happened 3 times in 2 months, and the employee was sighted out in the community.)

As a warehouse manager I've heard more than my share of reasons for calling out. Each empoyee has 6 sick day per year starting in January, the company will buy back any unused sick time at the end of the year. I have 40+ empoyees that work with me and by April 80% are out of sick time for the year, 20% have used gone beyond and have received warnings. Then they won't call out until the next year, it's a cycle some people can't seem to break. If they have sick time they feel the need to use it. When they are really sick they drag themselves in just so they don't get fired.

When you call out you put more pressure on your co-workers to pick up your slack and it creates tention bewteen the slackers and the honest people who are responsible.

Rafael
Sorry to say it but yes they d have the right.It is writen in the fine print on the job requirments.Sadly they are also allowed to have cameras everywhere in the building accept the stalls in the restroom.It is outragous all the rights that employers are allowed these days.

Um....I have no quams about calling in sick. My boss is a bitch and some days...I just dont want to see her face....I dont do it frequently...just when needed... I stay home and Help my mom with whatever she needs, checking out other job positions...housework...nothing! every other month or so...Advice...Plan around a co-workers sick day out....say, 4-5 days after. Keeps the focus off you... Works for me!

As for my excuses...Dentist, migraine problems(you gotta set this one up though from the beginning!), bad cramps, any female issues...A female boss will empathize and a male one doent want details...! Just stay home and get well... Not to say I dont like my career, just that we all need an unscheduled break everynow and then.

Rafael:
They can enable the GPS device as long as they have provided documents that you have signed off on or it is in the company policy stipulating that they use "electronics monitoring devices" and yes you can put a GPS tracking device in a laptop, or car, clothes, anything.
I worked for Time Warner cable and our vans had GPS in them so dispatch knew where we were to respond to a trouble call or give an ETA. They then wanted to put cameras in our vans but that didnt fly due to us being able to take home the vans it would be considered an invasion of privacy. Same thing with the GPS, but once you turn off the cell phone the GPS turns off

I once worked with a person who was ex-military, and she bragged because she never took a sick day. The only problem was, she DID get sick-- she just came to work and gave it to everyone else. As a supervisor, I am more likely to tell someone to go home or stay home than I am to tell him or her to come in.

Why? Because I don't want to spend another six months with bronchitis, because I caught the flu from some selfish butt and it turned to bronchitis!!!! I think that if a person comes to work when he or she is sick, and other people get sick from him or her, that the person making everyone sick should have to do the work of the other people that he or she made sick!