We've all been there. You're stuck at work, overwhelmed, with a real problem to solve outside, and wishing you could leave early. But could your reason be accepted? Whether you need to pick up the kids, have an appointment, or need a mental health break, these reasons may be acceptable. Well, here are some good excuses to leave work early that can help you get out the door without feeling guilty or looking wrong.
Even if you are insecure about asking your boos, they will probably let you exit early. So don't feel guilty about wanting to leave work before – check if you have any of these reasons and get out of there!
Table of Contents
- Not Feeling Well
- Food Poison
- Migraine
- Doctor's Appointment.
- Dentist Appointment
- You Hurt Your Back
- Personal Injury
- You Will Get A Vaccine
- Your Child Is Sick
- Need To Pick Up Your Child Earlier At School
- Your Baby's Nanny Had To Leave Earlier
- Emergency With Someone In Your Family
- Need To Pick Up Someone From Your Family
- Your Parents Need Your Help
- Your Grandparents Need Your Help
- Death In The Family
- Car Accident In The Family
- You Need To Take Your Pet To The Veterinarian
- Your Pet Escaped
- Home Maintenance Is Coming
- Your Home Alarm Went Off
- Fire At Home
- Your House Has Flooded
- Someone Broke Into Your House
- Religious Observance
- Need To Visit A Client
- Need To See A Company Supplier
- Your Car Has Been Stolen
- Attorney Appointment
- Previously Agreed Volunteer Work
- You Have To Donate Blood
- You Sold A Real Estate Property
- You Sold Your Car
Recently you published about acceptable reasons not to go to work at all. If you need to ask for a day off, check the article.
Without further ado, let’s check good excuses to leave work early.
Good Excuses to Leave Work Early Related to Your Health
1) Not Feeling Well
Feeling unwell can be one of the most common good excuses to leave work early. Your body sometimes needs some rest, whether you're feeling dizzy, queasy, or under the weather.
If you don't take the time to care for yourself, the condition may worsen, and your work will suffer. Don't be ashamed to admit you're not feeling well and must leave early.
Listening to your body and taking good care of yourself are essential. Don't be afraid to ask for help and explain why you must leave early. Your colleagues and managers will understand and appreciate that you are first looking out for your health.
2) Food Poison
Food poisoning can be a severe health risk, often leaving you feeling weak, nauseous, and unable to focus. If you're feeling any of these symptoms, it might be best to go to work early to take care of yourself and get some rest.
It's important to recognize when your body needs a break, and taking a few hours off of work could be just what the doctor ordered.
If you're worried about what your boss might think, remember that they would rather have you fully recovered and back at work sooner rather than later. Plus, food poisoning is a legitimate excuse to take time off, and there's really no need to feel guilty about it!
3) You Have A Migraine
Having a migraine is a valid excuse to leave work early. You don't need to suffer through your workday in pain if you have a migraine.
Many employers understand that migraines can be debilitating and will be accommodating if you need to take some time off to rest. Don't hesitate to ask your employer if you can leave work early to care for yourself.
Your health and well-being should always be your top priority. Plus, it's not like your employer won't benefit from you taking time off to recover – they will get a more productive and better-rested employee when you return!
4) Doctor's Appointment
A doctor's appointment is one of the most acceptable and good excuses to leave work early. Whether it's an annual checkup, a routine physical, or a specialist visit, taking the time to care for your health is essential.
If you must leave work early for a doctor's appointment, give your employer enough notice. Explain why you need to go and provide them with the appointment details. With proper preparation and communication, you can make your way to the appointment while keeping your job secure. Staying healthy is worth the effort!
5) Dentist Appointment
It's not uncommon to need to leave work early for a dentist appointment. Everyone needs a dentist appointment at some point. But how do you explain why you need the time off to your boss? We've got the goods on the best excuses to leave work early for a dentist appointment.
First, if you need to leave work early for a dental emergency, you can explain that you have a dental emergency that needs to be taken care of. This is an understandable excuse that your boss will likely accept.
Second, if you need to leave for a routine check-up or cleaning, you can explain that you've got an appointment that can't be rescheduled. You can add that you need regular check-ups and cleanings to maintain good oral health.
Third, if you're in pain and need to leave work early for a dentist appointment, you can explain that you're not feeling well and need to go to the dentist. This is a readily accepted excuse that your boss should understand.
Fourth, if necessary, you can always explain that the dentist's office is only open during office hours, and it's essential for you to take care of your dental needs as soon as possible.
Finally, if you're really stuck, you can always mention that taking care of your teeth is vital for overall health and wellness—and who doesn't want their employees to be healthy and happy?
No matter what excuse you use, make sure it's valid and believable so your boss will accept it. With these excuses in mind, there's no reason why leaving work early for a dentist appointment has to be complicated.
6) You Hurt Your Back
It's inevitable – life happens, and sometimes you need to leave work early. If you hurt your back, that's one of the best excuses you can use to get out of the office.
After all, you need to take care of yourself. Not only will you be able to rest and recover, but you may also be able to avoid further injury. When you return to work, have a doctor's note to prove the injury was real.
It's the best way to ensure your boss takes your excuse seriously.
7) Personal Injury
If you've been injured at work, you may wonder if you have the right to leave work early or take time off. Thin circumstances, you may be legally able to leave work early due to a personal injury. If you've been injured on the job, here are some good excuses to leave work early.
First and foremost, you should get medical attention. Whether it's a visit to the ER or a follow-up with your primary care physician, your health should be your priority. If your injury is severe and your doctor advises you to take time off of work, that's a great reason to leave early.
Additionally, if you are in pain due to an injury and need time off to recover, that is a valid reason to leave work early. Finally, if your doctor has prescribed physical therapy or other treatments that require you to miss work, that's another reason to take time off. Remember: Your health comes first!
8) You Will Get A Vaccine
We all want to get the vaccine. We know that getting the COVID vaccine was a huge step towards returning to normal.
It's essential to explain the situation to your boss professionally. Don't be afraid to explain why you must leave work early if your schedule conflicts with your job. Ensure you have a backup plan in case your boss isn't convinced!
Good Excuses to Leave Work Early Related To Your Family
9) Your Child Is Sick
No parent wants to hear that their child is sick, but it happens. When it does, it can be tough to know what to do. Should you stay at work and try to power through, or leave early to care for your child?
Your employer may not be happy, but it's a valid reason, and they should understand. Actually, this is one of the most understandable and good excuses to leave work early.
10) Need To Pick Up Your Child Earlier At School
If you need to pick up your child, try explaining it to your boss in advance and be prepared for any questions.
Try being honest and explain the situation you are in. You can also offer to stay longer the following day or make up for the lost hours by taking on extra work.
Let your boss know you will go the extra mile and respect their time and duties. Communication is vital, so be clear and concise to get the desired result.
11) Your Baby's Nanny Had To Leave Earlier
If your baby's nanny is suddenly unable to stay late one day, don't worry. Many parents face this situation at some point, and it's important to be understanding.
For example, if your nanny has a family emergency, you should be sympathetic and allow them to take care of it. If they need to take a sick family member to the hospital or pick up a sick child from school, you should help them in any way you can. It's also understandable if they have an unexpected doctor's appointment or need to take care of something related to their own health.
Whatever the reason, your nanny needs your understanding and support. And this is a legit reason for you to leave your day-work early.
12) Emergency With Someone In Your Family
When emergencies happen with someone in your family, it can be challenging to know what to do. Do you stay at work and keep up with your responsibilities, or leave work early to ensure your family is cared for? While finding a good excuse to leave work can be hard, sometimes it's necessary. Here are some good reasons you can use when you have an emergency with someone in your family and must leave early.
First, explain the situation as soon as possible. Don't wait until the last minute to tell your boss you must go. Also, make sure you communicate clearly and explain what's going on without going into too much detail.
Second, offer alternatives. If you can, suggest ways to work still while taking care of the emergency. This could be working from home or having a colleague cover you while you're gone.
Finally, be honest and direct with your boss. Explain why you must leave and give them a timeline for your return. They may not be happy about it, but they will appreciate your honesty and understanding of the situation.
When dealing with an emergency involving family, taking care of them first is essential. If leaving work early is necessary, use these tips to ensure your boss understands the situation.
13) Need To Pick Up Someone From Your Family
Do you need to pick up someone from your family and don't know how to make an excuse? Don't worry; just be honest, as your boss will appreciate it. Whatever reasons put you in this situation, explain it well and offer solutions.
Taking care of your family is important; your boss will understand that.
14) Your Parents Need Your Help
Sometimes work can wait. If you get a call from your parents saying they need your help, don't hesitate to leave work early. Your parents should always be your priority for a special event or an emergency.
Show them that you care about them and their needs by taking the time to help them. It's important to remember that no job is more important than family.
Taking the time to be there for your parents will show them how much you appreciate them. So if you ever get a call from your parents asking for your help, don't be afraid to leave work early. It's the least you can do for those who have been there for you.
15) Your Grandparents Need Your Help
What if that reason was helping your grandparents? That would be one of the best excuses to leave work early, right? Well, it turns out that grandparents need more help than ever before.
They need rides to shop, help with housework, and sometimes just some companionship.
So instead of using a lame excuse to leave work early, why not tell the truth? You'll get to spend quality time with your grandparents and make them feel loved. Plus, you'll be doing something significant that will benefit them in more ways than one.
16) Death In The Family
Facing the death of a loved one is never easy. If you find yourself in this situation, you should never feel ashamed or embarrassed for needing to take time off. Your coworkers and boss should understand that you are struggling and must prioritize your family.
If you must leave work, it's best to be honest about the situation. Explain that you have had a death in the family and need to attend the funeral or make arrangements. Let your boss know you will do your best to make up any work you miss while away.
Above all else, don't feel guilty for taking time off in this situation. You are grieving, and giving yourself space to process and mourn is important. If you need to take a few days off, your company should be supportive and understanding.
The news of a death in the family is heartbreaking, and sometimes it's necessary to take some time away from work to grieve.
17) Car Accident In The Family
When a family member is involved in a car accident, it can be a traumatic experience. The last thing you want to do is be stuck at work while you wait anxiously for news. In such cases, having an excellent excuse to leave work early can be a lifesaver. If you need to take some time off to care for your loved one, here are as few steps to leave work early.
First and foremost, be honest with your employer. Explain that someone you care about has been in an accident and that you need to take some time off. If your boss is understanding, you can leave without any issues. If not, you can try telling your employer that you have an appointment or meeting to attend.
Another good excuse is that you feel unwell or have an injury requiring medical attention. This will ensure that your leave is approved and that you won't have to worry about returning to work soon. You can also tell your boss that your family has a medical emergency and that you need to help them out.
Finally, if all else fails, try taking a few days off to clear your mind and focus on the situation at hand. This could help give you the clarity and peace of mind you need to handle the car accident in the family more effectively.
No matter what excuse you use, ensure it's legitimate and understanding of the situation. That way, you can take time off without worrying about repercussions at work.
18) You Need To Take Your Pet To The Veterinarian
Taking your pet to the veterinarian is an integral part of pet ownership.
It's not always easy to find the time to make the appointment, especially if you're working a full-time job.
If you need to take your pet to the vet, it's important to let your employer know beforehand so they can plan for your absence.
Fortunately, there are some good excuses you can use to leave work early for pet-related activities. You could explain that you need to take your pet for a check-up or emergency visit or that you need to pick up medication from the vet. Your employer should understand and be willing to accommodate your request.
Remember, if you need to take your pet to the veterinarian, give your employer advance notice so they can plan accordingly.
19) Your Pet Escaped
We've all been there: You're at work, and your pet has escaped. You can't help but worry about their safety and feel you must look for them. Well, don't worry – there are plenty of good excuses to leave work early to look for your furry friend.
From calling the vet to requesting an extra day off, here are some sneaky plausible excuses to leave work early and find your pet.
Good Excuses To Leave Work Early Related To Your Home
20) Home Maintenance Is Coming
Are you dreading the thought of home maintenance? It's hard to be excited about it, but staying on top is crucial. It might be a good excuse if you need to leave work early!
Home maintenance can be a hassle, but it doesn't have to be a considerable disruption if you plan it right. Make sure you don't wait too long – tackling any issues as soon as they come up can make things much easier in the long run.
Don't wait until it's an emergency – plan ahead and take care of your home maintenance!
21) Your Home Alarm Sounded
The last thing you want to hear at work is the news that your home alarm went off. It's a feeling of dread, especially if you don't know the cause. You can tell your boss that you must investigate why your alarm went off and that your family's safety is your top priority.
The good news is most employers will understand and support you in this situation. Plus, it shows you take your home security seriously. So don't feel bad about leaving work early—your home and family come first!
22) Fire Alarm At Home
When you have a fire alarm going off at home, you may have no choice but to leave work early.
You must explain there is an emergency at home or that you need to take care of urgent family business. Be sure to apologize for the inconvenience and offer to make up for any lost time if possible.
Leaving work early for a fire or other emergency is understandable and can be excused. Still, it's important, to be honest with your boss and give them enough information so they understand the situation.
23) Your House Has Flooded
Oh no! Your house has flooded, and you need to leave work early. While it's never ideal to leave work early, you can explain that an extreme weather event caused the flood and you need to go home to ensure everything is taken care of.
Make sure to be open and honest about the situation so that your boss can understand why you need to leave early. Don't forget to thank them for their understanding before leaving!
24) Someone Broke Into Your House
Thinking about good excuses to leave work early, this one may be one of the easiest to accept. It's one of the worst feelings in the world: coming home to find someone breaking into your house. It can feel like a violation and leave you feeling scared and vulnerable. But if it happens to you, there's no need to panic. The most important thing to do is to call the police.
After that, you may be able to explain it as a reason to leave work early. Explain the situation to your boss and ask for permission to go home. Even if they don't allow it, they'll likely understand your need for security and safety. It's important to take care of yourself during these difficult times.
Other Good Excuses To Leave Work Early
25) Religious Observance
If you must leave work early for religious observance, let your manager know and explain why.
Depending on your company's policies, you may need to take your time off as vacation days or as unpaid leave.
Most employers understand the importance of religious beliefs and should be accommodating.
If you feel uncomfortable discussing this with your manager, consider talking to a human resources representative who can help explain the policies.
Regardless of the situation, be respectful and honest with your employer about why you must leave work early.
26) Need To Visit A Client
If you need to visit a client or do some work off-site, it's essential to inform your boss beforehand. You want to be sure they understand the importance of your visit and don't think you are trying to sneak out early.
It’s undoubtedly among good excuses to leave work early, and this is not actually a personal excuse but a professional one. It's part of your job.
Explain why the meeting or off-site work is necessary, and provide as much detail as possible. It's also wise to give your boss an estimated return time so they can plan accordingly.
When it comes time to leave, thank your boss for understanding and tell them you'll be back as soon as possible. With some planning, you can ensure your boss knows your absence and that your work is handled.
27) Need To Visit A Company Supplier
If you need to visit a company supplier but don't want to miss out on the workday, discussing the situation with your boss is essential. Your boss will undoubtedly understand and may even be grateful that you take the initiative to ensure the project is completed on time.
By being proactive and explaining the situation clearly, you can leave early and finish your work.
28) Your Car Has Been Stolen
If the unfortunate event of your car being stolen occurs, you can explain the situation calmly and truthfully and ask for your employer's understanding.
It's important to let them know what happened and emphasize that it is urgent. He is likely to be sympathetic to your plight.
29) Attorney Appointment
If you're an employee trying to get out of work early for an attorney appointment, don't worry! You have several good excuses you can use.
First, you can always tell your boss you must take care of an important errand and your attorney needs to see you during business hours.
Make preparation and let your team take care of urgent matters for you. Also, ensure your work won't freeze without you.
That way, your boss will know you take your job seriously and respect their time.
30) Previously Agreed Volunteer Work
One of the best excuses to leave work early is to complete previously agreed volunteer work. Whether it's helping out at a local soup kitchen or reading to kids at a nearby library, volunteering can be an incredible experience. Plus, you feel good about making a difference in your community.
If you don't have any volunteer commitments, why not make some? You'll find that it's a great way to give back and positively impact your local community.
31) You Have To Donate Blood
So you got the call that you have to donate blood. You're not sure how to explain this to your boss or coworkers. Donating blood may be a necessity that sometimes is out of your control to establish a better time.
32) You Sold A Real Estate Property
Congratulations! Selling a real estate property is no small feat. You're likely feeling relieved and accomplished after all your hard work.
Now that the deal is sealed, you might be requested to finalize the last details, sign some additional documents, etc. If that's the case, explaining your need to take care of an errand is important.
You should also make sure to plan ahead and talk to your boss beforehand. With the proper preparation, you can leave work early without making it awkward for anyone.
33) You Sold Your Car
If you recently sold your car, you may wonder if this is an acceptable excuse to leave work early. You may tell your boss and explain why you need business time for that. Just make sure to tell the truth and not replace it with another excuse.
In Conclusion
It's not always easy to know the best excuse to leave work early. But with a little bit of careful planning and being mindful of the right time and place, you can make a good impression and get out of work early without any issues.
Remember to be respectful and honest with your boss and colleagues, and try to have a valid reason for leaving. With that in mind, you should have no problem getting out of work early without any trouble.
Christian has over ten years of experience in marketing agencies. Currently, he has been dedicating his time to a tech startup and also writing for major publications. He loves podcasts and reading to keep up with the latest trends in marketing.