Life happens. No matter how committed you are to your job, there are times when you need to take a step back and prioritize yourself or your personal responsibilities. It’s completely normal—and often necessary—to call out of work. Whether you’re dealing with an illness, a family emergency, or even just needing a mental health break, knowing the right reasons to call out of work can save you unnecessary stress and help maintain trust with your employer. Below, we’ll explore ten honest and relatable reasons to call out of work, how to communicate them effectively, and why it’s important to put yourself first when needed.
Feeling Sick? It’s Okay to Take a Day Off
If you’re not feeling well, calling out of work is one of the most valid and understandable reasons to stay home. Your health should always come first. Whether it’s a common cold, the flu, or something more serious, going to work while sick can worsen your condition and even put your coworkers’ health at risk. Employers appreciate it when employees act responsibly by staying home to recover and prevent the spread of illness in the workplace.
Sometimes, we feel guilty for taking a sick day, especially if we’re part of a small team or have looming deadlines. But remember: resting and recovering will help you come back stronger. Pushing yourself when you’re unwell can result in prolonged illness or burnout, which can ultimately impact your productivity even more.
What Counts as “Too Sick” for Work?
You might wonder what level of sickness warrants calling out. A mild headache or fatigue might not seem like a big deal, but certain symptoms absolutely require rest at home. If you’re experiencing fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or a severe cough, these are clear signs to stay home. Not only do these symptoms make it hard to focus, but they can also indicate a contagious illness.
On the other hand, if your condition is manageable—like mild allergies or a small headache—you might be okay to work, but only if you feel up to it. Listen to your body. If you’re unsure whether you’re “too sick,” it’s always better to err on the side of caution and take a day to recover.
Can You Call Out for Mental Health?
Absolutely! Mental health is just as important as physical health, and more companies today recognize the importance of taking mental health days. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally drained, it’s okay to take a step back and call out of work. Mental exhaustion can impact your performance, relationships with coworkers, and overall well-being.
Taking a mental health day can help you recharge, gain perspective, and address whatever is troubling you. If you feel comfortable, you can be honest with your employer about needing a personal day. However, if you’d rather keep it private, a simple explanation like “I’m not feeling well today” is perfectly acceptable.
What Should You Tell Your Boss?
When requesting a mental health day—or any day off—it’s important to keep your message professional and concise. You don’t need to share all the details if you’re not comfortable. A quick message like, “I’m feeling unwell today and need to take a sick day,” is sufficient. Most employers appreciate honesty and won’t require an in-depth explanation.
Family Emergency? Focus on What Matters
Family emergencies happen unexpectedly, and they often require immediate attention. Whether it’s a medical issue, an urgent situation with a family member, or an unforeseen crisis, calling out of work is completely reasonable in these cases.
When dealing with a family emergency, let your employer know as soon as possible. A simple message like, “I have a family emergency and won’t be able to come in today” is usually enough. Most employers understand that family comes first, and they’ll appreciate your transparency.
Car Trouble? No Problem—Take Time to Fix It
Car trouble is another valid reason to call out of work, especially if you rely on your vehicle for commuting. Whether it’s a flat tire, a dead battery, or a breakdown, dealing with car issues can be stressful and time-consuming.
If you’re unable to make it to work due to car trouble, inform your boss promptly. You might say, “I’m having car trouble and won’t be able to make it to work today. I’ll keep you updated once I have it resolved.” Offering a solution, like working remotely if possible, can also show your commitment to your responsibilities.
Important Appointments You Can’t Miss
Sometimes, you need to call out of work to attend important appointments, such as a doctor’s visit, a court appearance, or a meeting with a financial advisor. These are necessary parts of life that shouldn’t be ignored.
The key is to plan ahead whenever possible. If you know about the appointment in advance, try to give your employer plenty of notice. For last-minute appointments, explain the urgency to your boss and let them know why you need to be absent. Most managers appreciate clear communication and will accommodate your needs.
How Much Notice Should You Give?
When calling out of work, giving as much notice as possible is always a good idea. If you wake up sick or experience an emergency, inform your employer as soon as you can. Early communication gives them time to adjust schedules, delegate tasks, or find coverage for your responsibilities.
If your absence is planned, such as for a medical appointment or a personal day, let your employer know at least a few days in advance. Being proactive shows respect for their time and helps maintain a good working relationship.
Feeling Burned Out? You Deserve a Break
Burnout is a real and growing problem in today’s fast-paced work environments. If you’ve been feeling mentally and physically drained, it’s okay to take a break. Ignoring the signs of burnout can lead to serious health issues and negatively affect your performance at work.
Taking a day off to recharge, spend time with loved ones, or simply rest at home can make a huge difference. Many employers recognize the importance of work-life balance and support employees taking time off to prevent burnout.
Bad Weather? Stay Safe at Home
Severe weather conditions, such as snowstorms, hurricanes, or heavy rain, can make commuting dangerous. If the weather puts your safety at risk, it’s better to stay home and inform your boss about the situation. Most employers prioritize their employees’ well-being and will understand your decision.
How to Ask for a Mental Health Day
If you feel overwhelmed and need a mental health day, it’s best to communicate honestly and professionally. You might say, “I need to take a personal day to recharge. Thank you for understanding.” Keeping the conversation straightforward and respectful is key.
School or Childcare Issues? It Happens
If you’re a parent, school or childcare issues can arise unexpectedly. Whether your child is sick, their school is closed, or you have no one to watch them, it’s perfectly reasonable to call out of work to handle the situation.
When explaining the issue to your boss, be honest and let them know you’ll need the day off to care for your child. Most employers understand the challenges of balancing work and family life and will support you during these times.
The Bottom Line
Life is unpredictable, and there are many valid reasons to call out of work. Whether it’s due to illness, mental health, family emergencies, or other unavoidable circumstances, taking time off is sometimes necessary to maintain your well-being and handle personal responsibilities.
The key is to communicate with your employer professionally and respectfully, giving as much notice as possible. Remember, you’re human, and everyone understands that life doesn’t always go according to plan. By prioritizing your health and personal needs, you’ll be better equipped to succeed at work in the long run.
