Worst Excuses for Calling in Sick

We all need a day off once in a while, but for some, calling in sick has become an art form. It’s not enough to claim a bout of the flu, a minor injury, or some other remotely credible explanation: These turbulent times call for a bit more in the way of flair and creativity.

In the course of conducting a recent study on absenteeism, Career Builder polled employers to find out some of the more bizarre excuses workers had offered in announcing they wouldn’t be able to make it that day.

Here’s a sampling:

– Employee didn’t want to lose the parking space in front of his house.

– Employee hit a turkey while riding a bike.

– Employee said he had a heart attack early that morning, but that he was “all better now.”

– Employee donated too much blood.

– Employee’s dog was stressed out after a family reunion.

– Employee was kicked by a deer.

– Employee contracted mono after kissing a mailroom intern at the company holiday party and suggested the company post some sort of notice to warn others who may have kissed him.

– Employee swallowed too much mouthwash.

– Employee’s wife burned all his clothes and he had nothing to wear to work.

– Employee’s toe was injured when a soda can fell out of the refrigerator.

Well, who would doubt any of those stories? To see a few more, and to learn about other details of the survey, visit CareerBuilder.