10 excuses for cutting out early:
- Doctor's appointment. "I have a 4pm appointment, need to leave by 3:30."
- Dentist appointment. Same.
- Kid's school pickup or event. Real if you have kids.
- Sudden migraine. "Just hit me, need to head home."
- Stomach issues. "Not feeling great, going to call it."
- Car trouble. "Need to deal with my car before traffic."
- Plumber / electrician at home.
- Family commitment. Vague, brief.
- Vet appointment. If you have a pet.
- Personal errand requiring office hours. Bank, government office, etc.
How to deliver
- In advance when possible: "Leaving at 3:30 today for a doctor's appointment."
- Last-minute when needed: "Headed home, not feeling well."
- Brief. Don't over-explain.
Avoid
- Repeating the same reason within the month
- Leaving at exactly the same time every Friday
- Being absent later that night on social media (in person)
- Asking for the early leave during a critical project meeting
When you actually need to leave
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For more: bulletproof excuses to get out of work, reasons to call out of work, excuses to call off work.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the best excuse to leave work early?
- Doctor's appointment or family commitment. Both are common and don't invite follow-up.
- Do I need to make up the time?
- Depends on your role — exempt salaried usually no, hourly usually yes. Check with your manager.
- Should I tell my manager in advance?
- Yes when possible. Last-minute leaves raise more flags than scheduled ones.
- Is leaving early worse than calling out?
- Not usually. A scheduled early leave is often less disruptive than a full absence.