After spending an entire week juggling tasks from your boss or client, weekends should be for relaxing with family or just unwinding alone. Yet, when that awkward request to continue working through the weekend arrives, it’s crucial to have a list of plausible excuses at your disposal.
Nobody truly likes to bring work into their downtime, but sometimes you might feel too hesitant to say NO clearly. Here’s how you can handle such situations.
Contents
- 1 Good Excuses To Not Work On Weekends
- 2 Family Excuses
- 3 Health Related Excuses
- 4 Transportation Excuses
- 5 Religious Obligations Excuses
- 6 How To Handle A Boss Who Insists On Weekend Work After Telling Them Reasons/Excuses?
- 7 Types Of Excuses You Should Not Use (These Are Generally Not Accepted By Bosses)
Good Excuses To Not Work On Weekends
1. I’m attending a specialized workshop on [skill relevant to your job] to enhance my professional skills.
2. My child is participating in a regional academic competition, and I’ve been invited to serve as a parent volunteer to support the event.
3. My neighbor just had surgery, and I’ve committed to helping them this weekend with household chores and errands. They don’t have any nearby family.
4. I observe specific religious practices on weekends that are significant to my family and cultural identity.
5. My doctor advised me to dedicate weekends to managing my stress through relaxation techniques.
6. I’m scheduled for volunteer work at our local charity this weekend.
Family Excuses
1. I have a mandatory home energy audit scheduled for this weekend. They’re checking for inefficiencies, and it’s the only slot they had available.
2. An unexpected issue has arisen that requires an immediate family council meeting this weekend. I’m needed there as we navigate some important decisions.
SUGGESTED: 23 Best Ways To Say “I Will Do My Best” That All Bosses Love
3. I need to go to the market to buy some books and stationery for my kids.
4. I have to attend a death anniversary.
Health Related Excuses
1. I’m dealing with a mild allergic reaction that has me feeling quite under the weather. I need to monitor it closely over the weekend.
2. My physical therapist has advised a few critical sessions this weekend due to a recent flare-up in my back condition.
3. I’m experiencing severe TMJ pain this morning and need to manage this with some treatments.
4. I am dealing with some digestive health issues.
5. I recently started a new medication and my doctor advised me to monitor for any allergic reactions over the next 48 hours.
Transportation Excuses
1. I planned to bike to work, but my bike’s frame cracked unexpectedly. It’s not safe to ride until repaired.
2. There was a major accident on the route I usually take, and it’s been closed for investigation.
3. All local trains are down for unscheduled maintenance, and there’s no public transport available.
SUGGESTED: Be Remembered – 15+ Unique “Have A Great Weekend!” Replies
Religious Obligations Excuses
1. I’m responsible for making the special candles used in our worship services.
2. My family is hosting a small religious ceremony this weekend that requires my presence and participation.
3. My faith observes days of silence for deep meditation, and I’ve committed to this practice this coming weekend.
How To Handle A Boss Who Insists On Weekend Work After Telling Them Reasons/Excuses?
If you’ve already spent longer hours during the weekdays and feel overextended, be honest about it. Emphasize how taking rest can make you more happy and more efficient come Monday.
If straightforward discussions don’t resolve the issue, it may be helpful to involve HR or seek advice on your rights as a worker. Someone in HR can mediate and provide clarity on company policies about working on weekends.
Great bosses always prioritize their team’s well-being. They check in to see whether you are busy before requesting weekend work.
Types Of Excuses You Should Not Use (These Are Generally Not Accepted By Bosses)
When you’re trying to avoid weekend work, it’s essential to come up with a good reason. However, some reasons are generally frowned upon by bosses.
Excuses like “Feeling Slightly Unwell” often lack credibility unless accompanied by a doctor’s note or other solid proof. Claiming minor ailments like a headache or stomach ache without visible signs of distress can make you appear unreliable.
“Need a Break” might seem like a good reason to you after a busy week, but bosses usually expect such needs to align with regular days off.
Meanwhile, “Family Events Every Weekend” can strain credibility, especially if you seem to have endless family gatherings.
Bosses look for a balance between work commitments and personal life, and too many repetitive family excuses can come off as avoiding work responsibilities.
Related Posts You May Like To Read: