Help me come up with a clever and believable excuse!

babykoz214 · July 2014

So I have to take an afternoon off next week for my first pregnancy appointment and ultrasound. I will be about 8w3d. Fortunately I was able to have them schedule both for the same day so it is only one day.. But, I just took time off for an afternoon at 6 weeks for an early scan because of spotting. That time, I just said I had a Dr. Appointment but I don't want to say I have another to prevent suspicion. Also, as a back story, I JUST started this job like 3 weeks ago. I literally accepted it days before I found out I was pregnant. So I am in no way comfortable sharing the news until the last possible minute. And I also don't want it to seem like I have an attendance issue. My husband suggested using him as an excuse. Any thoughts? Anyone have any ideas for some kind of medical procedure he might have to have that requires light anesthesia I'd have to accompany him on? Or any other type of creative reason to cut out of work at noon?

krista0290 · July 2014

Family Emergency...it's the truth kinda. It does involve family lol. And getting your ultrasound ASAP is an emergency to me lol. Ppl don't ask questions when you say family emergency.

Wisdom or dental surgery? That's requires light anesthesia.

Ducktale · July 2014

He's getting his wisdom teeth out? He's having car troubles and is stranded and needs someone to get him?

bhjones1980 · July 2014

I would go with dental work excuse for your DH.

Irishcurls · July 2014

Yeah I was thinking wisdom teeth and you have to drive him home. You could even say his brother/mother/neighbor was planning to do it so you didn't have to miss work but they bailed on you, sorry for the short notice.

I use "dentist appt" allll the time instead of even the general "doctor appt" because it seems to appease people instead of pique curiosity.

freegiraffe · July 2014

The dentist is a tried and true fake excuse for missing work.

XSweetieO0O · July 2014

I agree with all of the ladies saying dental work for DH. I'd say wisdom teeth and I think the previous ideas of his mom bailed are perfect.

Neesey · July 2014

Or root canal. Those are so awful!

LittleDucky · July 2014

I wouldn't feel comfortable lying and saying it was a problem with DH. What if they asked for a note from the medical provider? I would just keep it vague and say it is another doctor's appointment. Maybe say it is to follow up with something from the prior appointment.

jmcgra06 · July 2014

FTR - root canals are not awful! I'm a dentist, I just can't let that go

but dental work is always a good excuse!

chicagojackie · July 2014

The dentist for sure. Or flat out call in sick. Food poisoning strikes !!

FlutterOfYoshis · July 2014

The dentist idea is good. Also, since it is a new employer, you could always say you have to schedule appointments with new doctors if you're using a new insurance. Or you can use the excuse of the less frequented doctors--dermatologist or allergist would be good to use.

OmSweetOm · July 2014

I agree you could use a dentist appointment but not for DH. In my opinion that doesn't require *you* to miss a day, especially in the eyes of a new boss.

If it were me, personally, I wouldn't get too fancy with cover ups. I'd say I'm really sorry but I have a doctors appointment that I have had scheduled for quite some time- possibly before you even accepted the position. A lot of doctors (specialists and what not) have long waiting periods... So that's totally acceptable. I would apologize and perhaps even call a spade a spade and say you realize you just had to take a day off and wish you could reschedule this appointment but you cannot. Too many fancy excuses might come across like you've always got something going on. Just keep it short and realistic. That's what I would do anyway.

DronkeyGal · July 2014

I struggled with this too. I started a new job 1 month ago and am on a contract to hire deal. Since I am still temporary I get no paid time off. However, my boss let me use my lunch breaks to go to my appointments. I've had a miscarriage in the past so I had my betas drawn 3 times in one week. My boss did not ask questions at all about why I was going to the doctor. It's none of their business! If they do ask, say it's personal. Or if they push or ask if you're pregnant, say "I don't have any news to share right now." Most decent bosses will not pressure you for details on a doctors appointment. Try not to worry about it too much. The less of a deal you make of it, the less of a deal it will be.

Frugal11 · July 2014

The more details you share, the worse it'll be. I would just say you've had a doctors appointment scheduled prior to your commitment, can't reschedule. Ask if there is anyway you can make up your time...so in no way your work suffers. I have always been a horrible liar, so I would totally suck at this!!

GoodLuck!!

Angeldcf · July 2014

Agree w/PP saying you have a doctor's appointment already scheduled. Boss isn't allowed to ask details.

If you lie and say it's for DH, they could potentially have the ability to fire you if truth comes out.

PikoPiko · July 2014

How about not say anything before and then have food poisoning symptoms that afternoon?

agt104 · July 2014

Say you are going to a specialist. It so difficult to make those apts and you have to make them weeks or months in advance. Your boss should understand that you need to go, until you are ready to tell them.

I had to make a lot of excuses when I was going through fertility treatment (I did not want to tell my boss). The specialist worked for me and the rest were follow ups Good luck!

babykoz214 · July 2014

Thanks ladies! Lots of good ideas here!

expectingtofly · July 2014

i agree with the pp's saying you should tell the truth and give them lots of notice before the appt. I also think it's illegal to be fired or discriminated against for being pregnant? I know it wouldn't be the most ideal situation being new and all but your boss should appreciate your honesty and knowing in advance about appointments

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