Life isn’t predictable, and sometimes work just can’t come first. Whether you’re truly sick, overwhelmed, or dealing with a personal emergency, you don’t always have the energy to explain yourself — or find the words to do it right.
In this guide, you’ll find 30 believable, human, and sometimes creative reasons to call out of work, from medical excuses to family emergency examples, even good excuses to miss work on short notice. You’ll also get a feel for what kind of things to say to call off work and how to handle it without burning bridges — even if you’re just mentally fried or your car won’t start.
Let’s count them down.
1. “I woke up sick and don’t want to risk getting others sick.”
Sick excuses for work when you feel awful
A classic, and still one of the most legit reasons to call out of work. Whether it’s nausea, a fever, or a rough cough, staying home is often the responsible thing. You can simply text, “Sorry I can’t come to work today because I’m feeling really sick and don’t want to risk spreading it.” This is one of those bulletproof excuses to get out of work that most employers won’t question. Perhaps, you need a break from work because you feel unconfident and cannot start conversations with your colleagues. Read this article with best conversation starters for any occasion.
2. “I have a migraine and can’t function properly.”
24 hour illness excuses that actually happen
Migraines hit hard and fast, and most people know they’re debilitating. You don’t need to prove anything. Just say something like, “I’ve come down with a migraine and I’m unable to focus or work today.” It’s a realistic 24 hour illness excuse and also a believable excuse for missing work that doesn’t sound fake.
3. “I need to take my child to an unexpected doctor’s appointment.”
Family emergency excuse examples that are believable
This is one of the most common family emergency excuse examples that’s both true and time-sensitive. Kids get sick, accidents happen, and as a parent, you’re expected to prioritize their well-being. You can let your boss know, “I have to take my child to an urgent medical appointment — I won’t be able to work today.”
4. “There’s been a plumbing emergency at home.”
Creative reasons to call off work that still sound valid
Your bathroom flooding at 7am may not be glamorous, but it’s real. Creative reasons to call off work don’t have to sound made-up. You could say, “My apartment has a burst pipe and I need to stay home to deal with it and prevent further damage.” It’s inconvenient — and believable.
5. “I was exposed to someone with COVID and need to quarantine.”
Legit reasons to call out of work even if you feel okay
COVID isn’t gone. Exposure to illness is still one of the most valid reasons to call out of work, even if you feel fine. You don’t want to risk infecting others. Say, “I was recently exposed to COVID and need to follow quarantine guidance — I’ll be staying home today.”
6. “My car won’t start and I need to get it to the shop.”
Car excuses to miss work that are totally normal
Flat battery? Engine light blinking? These car problems to get out of work are real and frustrating. If you’re not remote, say: “My car broke down this morning and I need to wait for roadside help. I won’t be able to make it to work.”
7. “I have a family emergency I need to attend to immediately.”
Last minute family emergency excuses that work
Sometimes you don’t have time to explain. Emergencies are unpredictable, and this is one of the perfect excuses to call out of work without oversharing. A respectful way to say it: “I have a family emergency that requires my attention today. I appreciate your understanding.”
8. “I’m dealing with severe anxiety and need a day to recover.”
Good excuses to miss work on short notice for mental health
Mental health matters. If you feel like you’re burning out, this is one of the more honest excuses to stay home from work. Try, “I’m feeling overwhelmed and not in the right headspace to work productively today — I need to take a mental health day.”
9. “My dog needs emergency vet care.”
Different excuses that involve pets or dependents
Not all different excuses need to be about you. Your pet is your family too. This one sounds caring and urgent: “My dog is sick and I need to get them to the vet urgently. I’ll keep you posted once I know more.” It’s personal, real, and hard to argue with.
10. “I’m stuck in traffic due to a serious accident.”
Good excuses to miss work on short notice text
Use this if you’re expected at a location and running late or not going to make it at all. You can send a good excuse to miss work on short notice text like: “There’s been a major accident on the freeway and I’m stuck — not sure I’ll make it in today.”
11. “I threw out my back and can’t move properly.”
Medical excuses for work that don’t need a doctor’s note
Back pain, pulled muscles, or pinched nerves — these are valid medical excuses for work that can pop up suddenly. Just say, “I injured my back and can barely move — I need to rest and recover today.” It’s one of those legit reasons to call out of work that doesn’t require lengthy proof.
12. “There’s a gas leak and I need to wait for the technician.”
Clever excuses to call out of work that sound serious
Safety first. If there’s a gas leak or power issue, you can’t leave the house. This is one of those clever excuses to call out of work that no boss wants to argue with. Try: “We’ve got a gas leak at home and I need to stay until the utility company arrives. I’ll be offline today.”
13. “My child’s school just closed unexpectedly.”
Is school a good reason to call off work?
Yes — if you’re a parent and your childcare plans collapse, that’s a real issue. So when you ask, “Is school a good reason to call off work?”, the answer is yes. Say: “My child’s school is closed today and I have no backup childcare — I need to stay home.”
14. “I got food poisoning last night.”
Sickness to get out of work that no one wants details about
This is one of those sick leave excuses where less is more. It’s gross and believable. You can message: “Sorry, I can’t come to work today because I came down with food poisoning overnight and I’m not in good shape.”
15. “I’ve had a death in the family.”
Is family emergency a good excuse for work?
Absolutely. It’s among the most serious reasons to call out of work — and one no one should question. You can write: “I’ve experienced a loss in the family and need time to be with loved ones and handle arrangements.”
16. “I’m having side effects from new medication.”
Believable excuses for missing work with a personal touch
Trying a new prescription? It can cause fatigue, nausea, or dizziness. A believable excuse for missing work is: “I’m experiencing strong side effects from new medication and don’t feel safe to work or commute today.”
17. “I’m just completely exhausted and need to rest.”
Should I skip work today when I feel burnt out?
If you’re asking, “Should I skip work today?”, and you feel exhausted to your core — you probably should. Burnout is real. Say something honest like: “I’m completely drained and need a day to rest so I can return focused tomorrow.” It’s one of the more human excuses to stay home from work.
18. “I woke up with pink eye — very contagious.”
Sick excuses for work that protect your team
This one’s visible and contagious — your employer will thank you for staying away. It’s a practical sick excuse for work: “I woke up with pink eye, and it’s contagious. I’ll stay home today and book a doctor’s appointment.”
19. “I’ve got a dentist appointment I couldn’t reschedule.”
Good lies to get out of work (if needed)
If you didn’t actually book one — this is a safe white lie. Good lies to get out of work include unavoidable appointments. Say: “I was only able to get a dentist appointment for today and need to take the time off — I’ll be back tomorrow.”
20. “I was in a minor car accident and need to deal with insurance.”
Car problems to get out of work with real paperwork
This is unfortunate but real. Car excuses to miss work often involve damage, claims, or police reports. Text: “I was in a small accident and need to deal with insurance and repairs — I’ll be out today.”
21. “I woke up with a horrible toothache.”
Best excuses to call off work that feel urgent
This is one of the best excuses to call off work if pain is making it hard to concentrate. Let them know: “I’m in too much pain to work today — I’ll be seeing an emergency dentist as soon as I can.”
22. “A pipe burst and my home’s flooding.”
Excuses to leave work early or skip it altogether
Sometimes emergencies happen fast. You may have to leave work early or not show up at all. Tell them: “A pipe burst and my place is flooding. I need to take care of it immediately.” It’s one of the stronger excuses to get out of work that people understand.
23. “I’ve had no sleep due to illness.”
Sick leave excuses that sound human and honest
If you were up all night with nausea or a bad cough, that counts. A text like “I was sick all night and haven’t been able to rest — I need to take the day to recover” is a very human and common sick leave excuse.
24. “I’m stuck waiting for a tow truck.”
Bulletproof excuses to get out of work last minute
Timing matters. When things go wrong fast, you need bulletproof excuses to get out of work last minute — like this: “My car broke down this morning and I’m waiting for a tow. I won’t be able to make it in today.”
25. “I have food allergies and ate something I shouldn’t have.”
Excuses to stay home from work that are sensitive and personal
This excuse is honest and non-dramatic. Allergic reactions can be unpredictable. Say: “I had a bad food reaction and need to stay home and rest today.” It’s a realistic excuse to stay home from work without over-explaining.
26. “My babysitter canceled last minute.”
Good excuses for missing work and not calling ahead
When childcare falls through unexpectedly, it’s one of those good excuses for missing work and not calling ahead that employers typically understand. Text: “My babysitter canceled and I need to stay home with my child — I wasn’t able to notify you sooner.”
27. “I have a legal appointment that I can’t miss.”
Different excuses that sound formal and non-negotiable
Whether it’s immigration, court, or official paperwork, legal appointments are solid different excuses to give when they fall during work hours. Say: “I have a legal matter to attend to and won’t be available today — I’ll return tomorrow as planned.”
28. “I’m attending a close friend’s funeral.”
Miss work for a reason that requires no explanation
Grief is a valid reason to miss work, and you don’t need to explain the emotional weight. You can say: “I’m attending a close friend’s funeral today and will be out.” Keep it brief — it’s understood.
29. “My allergies are flaring up badly today.”
Things to call out of work for that people often forget
Seasonal or environmental allergies can knock you down hard. It’s a less obvious but totally fair thing to call out of work for. Try: “My allergies are really bad today and I can’t focus or function — I need to stay home.”
30. “I need a day to handle urgent personal matters.”
How to ask for a day off on short notice — respectfully
When it’s personal, and you don’t want to explain — keep it clean and direct. One of the best ways to ask for a day off on short notice is: “I have some urgent personal matters to handle today and won’t be available. I’ll follow up tomorrow.”
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re physically unwell, overwhelmed, or just hit with unexpected life stuff, having good excuses to miss work on short notice can help you stay respectful and responsible without over-explaining. Use these valid reasons to call out of work as a guide — just keep your tone honest and professional.
If you’re struggling to find things to say to call off work, feel free to borrow these templates. A little clarity (and kindness) goes a long way — even when you’re calling out last minute.
