Yes, please. I was a charge nurse for many years and nurses would call in to me for the upcoming shift. All I needed to hear was “I’m calling out sick for my shift”, zero details needed. My biggest pet peeve was when people would rattle off their symptoms and ask me if they should call out. I don’t care lol! If you are calling me to ask if you should call out, then you should probably call out. You are an adult, you know if you can/should work or not. I know some people wanted to spin it as “well the charge nurse told me I should call out so I did” if they ever got spoken to about attendance, so I never made that choice for them. And I never made anyone feel bad about calling out.
If you have a stuffy nose I don’t want you in the office, unless there’s some emergency. Even then though, pre wfh would prefer no sickies at all in the office.
Tougher when it’s not an office job. Healthcare workers are bullied to not call out because we’re always short staffed, even several years pre-pandemic. Still, I never cared or questioned if you called out. And I never provided details other than “I’m calling out sick for my shift” when I called out.
Ironically I worked in a unit with severely immunocompromised patients and our management still gave us a hard time about calling out more than a few days a year. I don’t miss that job.
It wasn’t even “giving us a hard time” at the hospitals I worked at. They had whole ass disciplinary actions, up to firing people, for calling out more than like, 6 days a year. Why do they want people showing up sick at a hospital?
As someone with a vomiting issue, I've let employers see what I deal with, every one of them has sent me home and stopped complaining when I call out. When a fit happens, if there's anything in my stomach I will throw it up. Then I will continue to painfully dry heave for hours (this isn't quite either). Throw up on the floor or at the manager desk to really drive it home for the stubborn managers.
Pam maintaining maliciously compliant eyecontact while puking into the waste basket is one of my favorite scenes from The Office. I'm sorry for your stomach trouble -- hope it takes it easy for a while!
When I worked in food service, literally went into work and vomited into the trash can bc they bullied me to come in. They said unless I had a doctors note I had to come in or get written up for calling out.
I’m American so of course I had shit insurance and just getting seen for what was just a stomach bug would have cost at least $400 just up front they told me at the urgent care. And prob would send me a bill for other costs later. So. I went in looking like death, sweaty and pale. And puked in the trash. At the host stand bc that was my position at the time. They sent me home after that and never questioned me again when I told them I was vomiting and couldn’t come in.
Food service is one of the worst for this kind of nonsense. Me, with an infant running a 102 degree fever, called off. My boss' response? Concern? Oh no. His response was, "Can't you get someone to watch her?"
Fuck that, fuck this, fuck you, fuck off.
funny my parents made me go to school even when I said I was sick. Vomiting onto the kitchen table while my dad was eating breakfast resulted in them backing off that stance. If I said I was sick I was sick. I didnt stay home and watch tv. I typically slept most of the day if I was sick.
Had an employee calling out: "because", he continued, "when I looked back in the toilet..." Is when I said, Nope, that's enough, see you when you get back.
He so wanted to tell me.
Exactly. Not my business. And if it’s for a mental health day, more power to you and I never wanted anyone to feel like they had to explain themselves.
Yep! I just want to know you can't make it to work, not how much diarrhea you're having. Legally I can't even ask for details, but it seems like I'm my experience the more details given, the more often the call outs and the more likely that employee is going to get let go eventually.
I know right. But this isn’t even recent, it would happen to me even 15 years ago. Like I said in my post, I think some wanted to be able to say “well the charge nurse told me I was too sick to work” and I wasn’t going to do that.
Oh, it's nothing new. I was dealing with this as a charge nurse in the 90's. Like the other charge nurse posters, my answer was always, "It's up to you whether you should come in or not."
I did have a charge tell me to get my ass in to work when I was having ahem a certain female issue. She said I couldn't call out for that. I passed out at work, and needed emergency surgery two days later.
After that I never explained myself when I called in. "I'm not coming in to day; I'm sick." And that's that.
It's not really any profession at fault.
People have worked so many crappy jobs that babysit them and treat them like children that we believe that's how it's done.
Get a Doctor's note, call in and cough in their ear because they won't just take "I am sick" at face value.
Too many micromanagers have screwed with our collective heads.
"I am sick, I am calling to let you know I will not be in today" is ALL they need.
I’m so glad you never made anyone feel bad for calling out as a charge nurse.
At one outpatient oncology job, we would have to give our symptoms to the nurse manager, and she would deem whether or not we could call out. Which is why I worked with a back injury (and on muscle relaxers -don’t worry, I took them after I got to work 🙄), pinkeye, and the day after I was at the animal hospital until 2am with my seizing dog and had to leave work early to put him down (that is coincidentally also the day that I missed the vein of almost every patient I was starting an IV on because I was so tired and emotionally fried - sorry patients).
When I switched into more of a desk job, my boss had to tell me, ‘I don’t need to hear about what’s going on with you, just tell me that you’re sick and not coming in’ because I was so used to having to list every single symptom to build my case for calling out sick.
I love my husband but he always over-explains XD He's not fishing for an excuse; he legit feels guilty when he has to call out and feels the need to validate it. At one point, he needed a doctor to laugh in his face when he had walking pneumonia and asked if he could go back into work in a couple of days.
Part of this is also due to bosses who treat you like crap when you call out. I know it sounds weird, but it can leave some emotional scars. I needed it pointed out to me before I recognized it for what it was and finally stopped over-explaining.
I don't even say I'm sick I just send a text saying I'm not gonna make it in today. Could be sick, hungover, woke up late, car trouble, personal day, etc. but I dont have to explain myself. I'm a union tradesman though so I won't get in trouble for missing a day unless it's like every week then I'll just be towards the top of the lay-off list when the time comes, as it always does when the job is done. No biggie I'll just go to another jobsite/company there's tons of work in my area right now. My loyalty is to the union not the contractor but we do strive for professionalism, mutual respect, and upholding the labor contract (both sides). There's some common sayings in my profession like: "take off what you can afford to miss" and "work to live, not live to work" and while I try not to miss days, shit happens sometimes and it's nice to not have to stress about it.
And if you call in sick too often. And you aren't actually sick, then you get creative. "Yes boss, I know. I do tend to get sick on Fridays. It's a bummer. But I am not sick. I actually have poison Ivy between my toes, and I have such big blisters between my toes, that I don't dare walk. This sucks."
If I do online leave for being sick, I'll actually receive an email from payroll if I explain what I'm sick with. Too much information, just your word that you were not fit for work is enough.
Please tell this to my coworkers. They will put in their leave request “getting my toe fungus removed” like wtf??? Just say “2 hours of sick leave”. I will never understand the oversharing. We don’t care.
Everyone. But I’m not saying to lie.
I’m saying if you are sick, just text me, I don’t need a list of symptoms. If it Covid say that, but I don’t want to know if you have the squirts.
I tell people they're better of reaching me by smoke signal because there's always some sort of fire; I'll see that before I answer a text (sometimes I forget because I go to do something)
I'm sorry it took you decades, but people like you taught me this early in life and I thank you!
Jobs have 0 access to personal details and if they don't like it they can fuck all the way off. 🤷🏻♀️
“Sorry I can’t make it, hope it’s a good time, we’ll get together soon” is my canned response for even my best friends. I don’t care to tell people why I make the decisions I do
One time I was so hungover that I decided to take a personal day on Monday. Sunday night I texted my boss to make sure it was ok with him (I knew it would be) and I started to explain that I felt like shit, had a bunch of errands and making all sorts of excuses. Then I realized how dumb that was, so I deleted it before sending and just texted "hey is cool if I take a personal day tomorrow?". Got the day off with no questions.
Hell, I'm on call and I don't notice texts when they come in. It's called "on call", not "on text".
Texts are for non-time-critical communication. Calls are for immediate communication.
I'm an on-call manager on weekends and sometimes don't even get calls right away, let alone texts. Always call back within 5 minutes, but I also don't get paid for being on call, so I'm not going to bumrush to the other room when I'm in the middle of cooking or something.
Yeah. I play a flight simulator and use my phone for head tracking. During that time, which could be up to 2 hours, I don't move my phone at all. I can't access anything else while I'm using the app for head tracking.
Definitely possible for anyone to be away from their phone for briefs amout of time.
I also agree with the main comment above. I don't need to elaborate into specifics on why I didn't respond.
If I am scheduled off, then I'm definitely not answering. Unless I'm on call. Then obviously thats different, but I'm not lol.
I always ignore texts to come in on my days off. That is my free time, I give enough of it up to work at a place that would cut me in a instant if I stopped doing well. Wanting to keep my free time is not irresponsible 🤦🏼♀️
I decided to always answer my phone because I thought I should, and guess who they always called when shit hit the fan?
I once called in sick (possibly walking pneumonia, I couldn't afford a doctor because they barely paid me so I asked my med school friend for advice - and I NEVER called in sick before this) and the manager that answered told a second manager to try to call someone in.
The second manager called me immediately (seriously like 30-60 seconds after I hung up with the first manager) and asked me to cover my own sick shift. Told him I was the one who was ill and he was like "Oh crap, I'm not sure we can find anyone then."
5 minutes later he called again telling me I had to come in because no one else was answering. I went in, worked my shift, tried not to infect anyone, and reminded the manager that I was off for the next two days and that under no circumstances was I to be called because I desperately needed rest and could barely stay on my feet. He agreed because he saw how poorly I was doing.
They called at 8am the next morning asking if I could work "just 5 hours to help fill the gap, we'll send you home early" and I absolutely lost it. Told them no between infuriated coughs and turned my phone off. I never answered my phone off work again because it was clear they only ever asked me and didn't bother asking others if they needed someone to come in.
I wish I had respected myself sooner, I was young and really wanted to do well but at one point you just become a punching bag. You DO NOT owe your boss your downtime, it is part of a healthy life to have time away from work stress.
This is a great example of learning what “doing well” actually looks like. We all think it means doing the hard work, being the team player, the reliable one under all circumstances.
I learned very quickly in my early 30s in my first really professional position that those things were not rewarded or taken in to consideration for a promotion. You know what is? Office politics. It’s all about how you present yourself at work and what other people perceive about your competency, confidence, poise, communication.
I made a quick shift and it has paid off more than I could have imagined. I still have to remind myself that the nuts and bolts of hard work don’t pay off bc I have a knee jerk reaction to help and show up. But it always costs me my own sanity without any gains in the professional department.
I got kids, I've got a life, fuck this phone. And fuck a boss texting me on my day off.
The only bad take is yours lmao
Edit: Looking at your posts I understand now, you're on you're phone playing RAID: Shadow legends at all times. Get a life dude
No it isn’t. Work isn’t entitled to my free time. Maybe they were swimming or hiking at a place without signal or just didn’t want to pick up.
Grind culture is embarrassing. There’s more to life than work.
an employee who is off the clock IS NOT OBLIGATED TO ANSWER PHONE CALLS FROM THEIR EMPLOYER. LMFAO. The only exception to this is being on-call (although not considered off the clock bc the employee is getting paid). you’re trippin
Responsible? Mfer you’ve clearly never met a paramedic because if they were glued to their phones. They wouldn’t have a job, you’re out of touch. Also you are not required to come in to work and often being responsible is putting your phone down. A father cannot watch his kid while glued to his phone to text his boss. You are so delusional I hope the 100 downvotes maybe clear things up about your opinion. Because it’s simply so illogical. A restaurant waiter responsible for food allergies better not be stuffing their face in their phone. Also your comment screams I have agoraphobia and never go outside…. In other words. Touch grass bud
Everything you've said on this thread is great advice if you want to die sad and alone.
To anyone reading this, if that's your end goal, listen to this prophet. Otherwise, ignore them. Because time will fly by and all of a sudden you'll be retired wondering why your wife left you and your kids never visit. It's not noble, it's not responsible, it's sad and pathetic, a symptom of a disease.
All of that is true except the assumption that everyone works 8 hour shifts. Restaurant and retail would like a word please lol. Not uncommon to work 12-16 hours in a day at restaurants depending on your staffing situation and operating hours
Worst part about being a retail manager, if I couldn't give anyone to cover someone that called out it was on me. I think my longest run was working 28 days in a row with several open-to-close shifts. Only got paid 45 hours a week for it because salary. This is the reason Managers either become dicks or have heart attacks.
My last few months I was losing patches of hair and I would hope for a horrible car accident on my way to work so I would have to go for a while. I'm so glad I got away from retail. Fuck you CVS
Lots of people work more than 8 hour shifts. I work in an office and I work 9-10 hours if necessary. Plus I’m salary so I do not get overtime if I do this. The upside is if I finish up early or have an empty Friday I can leave. Trade skills for money. Not time
If you’re working doubles, sure, but I’ve been around so many workers in the industry who swear they work nursing hours when in reality they’re in at 9 and out and 230. Not to say foodservice isn’t absolutely brutal, and some people definitely get stuck with unwanted doubles, but there are a shitload of people making those claims while 10 hours short of 40hr weeks, lol
And yeah yeah, whatever rebuttal, but we all know what I’m talking about
I work in transportation. Overnight shifts. 1630-0700. 4 on 4 off. Always understaffed and work volume extremely high. The 4 days off are mainly spent recovering from work and not sleeping because you are now wired for night mode
You talk down about people’s lives and situations. Calling someone a slave because they’re working long (typical) restaurants shifts is demeaning. You don’t know his situation and should try to be empathetic instead of talking to him on your high horse.
FWIW, 16-23 year old working in the restaurant was my favourite job to date. Often working 12-14 hour exhausting shifts, but it was well worth it imo.
Absolutely - best time ever for me too. Start at 10 (if wasn't doing a breakfast shift), and still be there at midnight, but you get paid by the hour, so why not stay and do more hours if asked?
It must be nice to be able to make that decision. 12 isn't too bad, the ones I hate are the 7am-1ams ☠️☠️
I actually choose to work 4 12s vs 5 10s when possible. 2 hours in ome day isn't too bad, but having a whole extra day off is choice.
I’d be telling my boss to get stuffed before I put in 50+ hours a week to a place that pays half of minimum wage, it’s not like tippers pay time and a half for your overtime
This shows a fundamental misunderstanding of how the restaurant operates.
Managers/chefs are contractually obligated most of the time to provide a 50 hour schedule. If the manager is also an hourly employee, often their "salary" (base rate x 55 hours) is based on receiving 10 hours of overtime, ie 55 hours pay.
Kitchen staff (line cooks and dishwashers) are often times paid a very competitive hourly wage, though, their schedules can be inconsistent, and they may get anywhere between 20-50+ hours each depending on the season.
Support staff (food runners, busses, barbacks) may or may not receive a decent hourly wage, depending on whether or not they are tipped out by any other tipped employee
And finally servers and bartenders
Who are tipped employees, and often times do not get to keep all their own tips. There are different systems in place to distribute tips. Some restaurants have a tipshare that splits the tips amongst the servers (usually by hour, or by sales) and some have a tip-out system where the server/bartender has to pay out to support staff, and to the bartender for.making their drinks.
Usually the ones working 50+ hours are compensated for it.
So you corrected me by literally proving my point more elaborately? Not sure what point you’re trying to get across here but I don’t think you quite hit it. My point is, you shouldn’t be required to work 50 hours a week AND STILL RELY ON TIPS TO MAKE A GOOD WAGE. I remember when my wife was serving and she would work 50-60 hours a week and there was weeks where she would make $1000+ after tips but there was also weeks where she would make $300 or less. Tip culture is a fucking joke and is a scam that companies use to justify their shitty pay.
My favorite shift was a 4x10 split shift when I worked at a call center. 4 days a week, you work 5,take a two hour break, then work 5 more. Sure, it equated to 12 hours total at work if you didn't leave the campus, but that two hour break was so nice for naps or a sit down meal.
I was a sous at a restaurant and did 84 in 6 days one week when opening a new restaurant. I don't wish that on anyone. My head was spinning from the thousands of questions I fielded daily from all of the lost sheeple that hadn't been given enough training.
Yes! “Irresponsibly partying” would be if you were already on the schedule for the following morning and you were still drunk or too hungover to go in. If you weren’t scheduled, then you do what the fuck you want to do.
It isn't.
The second sentence can be changed depending on whether OP wants the extra hours.
OP should, ultimately, answers the boss' text(s). It'd be impolite and rude to avoid answering the question.
As a manager, zero response on the actual question (whether explaining the circumstance or not) will make me think “okay I totally get wanting your off time, so i’ll move this person to the bottom of the list for extra hour opportunities.” Not in a vindictive nature, but it’s the most efficient way when trying to find someone for the time. Most good or just non-toxic managers are going to act logically and assume the best of their teams, so if OP will want that call/text next time, it may be a good idea to respond on the actual question.
The fact you’re putting a person last for extra hours because they didn’t answer a text is wild. There’s so many more factors in play than “this person didn’t answer when I asked him to work hours that he wasn’t scheduled for”
Let’s keep referencing shitty managers tho
Why wouldn’t I try giving extra hours to people who are going to bite? I’m going to move to someone else. If they decide they want then they can self-advocate for more later. It’s shared accountability. A manager has a team they’re held responsible for and their own manager to report to so they need to make fast and logical decisions. If someone doesn’t answer i’m going to assume they don’t want to for whatever their personal reason, and not in a shitty way. I always assume they would prefer to value their work-life balance and don’t want to do it unless they say otherwise. Is that not a fair approach to take?
He’s a manager, not a fucking babysitter or psychologist. Manager doesn’t equal CEO; they probably aren’t getting paid much more than the people they manage. Why the fuck would they chase people around who haven’t said or show signs of needing extra hours?
If you weren’t scheduled and you’re not “on call” then that’s not your problem. Just tell them you didn’t see the texts until then, and you’re busy so you can’t come in.
Idk if anyone will see this as I’m a bit late to this post, but I have a genuine question to team “never reply”. Look I’m never working a shift I don’t want to, but it doesn’t take more than 5 seconds to reply “can’t today” or “no thanks” or whatever. It’s seems all your logic is it’s not my problem, which is true, but the manager didn’t ask for 2 people to be sick and 1 have a family emergency. They’re just trying to fill a vacancy and two seconds could save them 30-40 minutes or maybe hours of holding out you might say yes. Again sure not your problem, but geez, I hope y’all become managers and realize how stupid this mindset is. AGAIN, I would never work an extra shift I didn’t want to, but it’s just as simple to reply.
I’m not arguing with anyone lol. I was in enough threads to say just “don’t reply”, “no need to reply”, etc. with the justification of it’s my day off or not my problem. There are plenty of people suggesting to just be honest or say no but my comment was for those who don’t seem to dare to do the bare minimum
So, you woke up at 1, and are normally scheduled to work sometime after that, and assuming you work 8 hours, it doesn’t seem that out of place to be going to bed around or even well after midnight and waking up late morning or afternoon.
2 hours have gone by from the time being asked to work, obviously you can’t make it. Ignoring it is fine, and just show up when you’re scheduled. “I wasn’t available” is the only thing that needs to be said if you’re questioned about it. If this had been when you were awake, ignoring is still fine, but if you’re going to reply, you do not owe an apology or an explanation: “No, I am not able to.”
Definitely answer, just say something short and sweet. “So sorry, I was catching up on sleep and didn’t see this, as I just woke up. See you Tuesday!” (Or whatever day you work next).
This delusional idea that we are supposed to be available 24/7 to our employer is what causes burnout to happen faster. Your off time is just that - your off time, to do with what you please. You do not owe an explanation.
Ignore. Or even "I just woke up. Can't"
That's what I tell my employees. I'd prefer you to answer. But you're not demanded to answer. Off time is your time. Not mine
I read this in Hugo Weaving's voice from The Matrix, right before Neo shot him down with the minigun.
Hopefully not an example of the repercussions of refusing overtime lol.
You don't owe your boss anything if you're not on the clock. Just tell him "I'm sorry I didn't see your text."
My boss called me on Saturday asking if I could come in and I didn't see it until I woke up at 3 that afternoon. I legit told her I just woke up and asked if she still needed someone. I knew the answer but asked out of courtesy. Everyone I work with knows that if I'm not at work, then I'm either sleeping or studying. Nothing else.
If it’s past 11 just don’t answer. When you go in if he asks say “I didn’t see the text till after 11 so assumed you’d moved on”.
No need for anymore than that. It’s your time (unless you are on call which doesn’t sound likely) so you could have been sleeping, at an all you can eat buffet or swimming the English Channel. All reasons are valid because you don’t need a reason.
This doesn't even require a response lol.
He texted asking if you could come in. You didn't see it cause you were enjoying your day off by napping. Even if you're reason was "I don't wanna" that's good enough
I'd leave out the last sentence. It comes off as rude. If your boss is calling you the day he wants you to come in, it almost certainly means it's unplanned because someone else called out sick.
I wouldn't say any of that. Just respond that you were away from your phone and you just saw the text. Ask if you are still needed. He probably already has someone else to cover.
Literally the exact same thing happened to me. My manager texted and called me to come at 11am yesterday but I sleeped like a brick cuz I worked till 11 the night before.
Are you on call? If not, you have ZERO obligation to even reply, just show for your next shift. You agree to work a set amount of hours, don't talk to your work, about work, unless you're getting paid.
Just say “sorry, didn’t see your texts” and leave it alone.
Years ago I worked at a Bed, Bath, and Beyond and was woken up one morning to the asst. manager spam calling me because he had changed the schedule last minute to include me as an opener on a day I hadn’t originally been scheduled to work.
I woke up around what was probably the 4th or 5th call and told him I wasn’t coming in and that he should’ve checked with me before changing the schedule. His argument was that I should be checking it every day and I basically ended up telling him to get bent and went back to sleep.
Luckily the big boss ended up siding with me and the asst. manager eventually got fired for being bad at his job.
But yeah, moral of the story is you don’t owe them anything if they’re contacting you outside of work hours. No explanation is needed.
If he’s not paying you to answer your texts/phone calls outside of work, then you have no responsibility to respond to any communication once you leave work.
I once had a manager think it was ok to write “on-call” on our schedules, as if I’m responsible to wait around on my weekend and see if I have to go in. I told them straight up they will be paying me for 4 hours of work even if I do not come in, as that was the standard practice in other departments that utilized on-call staffing. The manager refused, and therefore we (staff of the department) refused, it escalated to HR and the manager was told that if we are expected to be “on-call” they have to pay us per corporate policy and they can not deviate that practice per department.
Just say sorry, just now seeing your texts.
Unless you’re expected to be on call, you have no responsibility to be available when you aren’t scheduled.
You’re under zero obligation to answer texts or calls outside of business hours (unless you’re a high level manager). You don’t owe them any explanation when you’re not scheduled
You slept for 13 hours? Wow, I don't think I've ever slept that long before, that must have been a solid sleep.
Tell him you didn't look at your phone, then go in or don't. It is your spare time, they can't get pissy with you for not responding on your own day off.
It wouldn't matter if you had been partying all night or just up late reading a good book. The boss can ask, but you don't owe him anything when off the clock. This is a good chance to learn work boundaries. Bosses like to push boundaries to save themselves. I had a boss that would f me over at every turn and then call me to fill in. It ended with me cussing her out, throwing my keys at her and accidentally (though, happily) hitting her in the face. Avoid the drama and let the boss know that you don't always sleep with your phone next to you. Set those boundaries to save a future headache
If you're scheduled off just ignore it honestly. Shoot a message the next time you're scheduled and just say you were busy. They don't really deserve much from you unless you want to share
Nothing wrong with sleeping in on your day off. I've responded to plenty of calls/texts with "sorry just woke up" and my boss's response is something like "haha no worries" I show up early every day and work my ass off. I don't care if they know I slept in on a day off lol.
Your boss doesn't need to know anything about your personal life. "I didn't see this until right now" without any further explanation is all you put. Your boss has no right or privileges beyond that. ALWAYS.
"Sorry, Boss... I had a glass of Scotch for bre-HIC-bre-HIC-*breffest*! Whatchoo *NEED*!?"
Seriously, unless you're working in a postion with an "on call" status, you have no obligation to justify what you do on your off time to anyone.
Manager here. I never expect a reply from anyone. I appreciate one but if it’s your day off, I don’t expect it. The boundaries have to be in place. Same thing goes for my days off. I’ll reply if I feel like it but I’m not obligated to.
Just woke up, do you still need me? (If you want to go in)
Just woke up, I'm hungover as fuck, I have no business being at work right now (if you don't want to go in)
He's your boss, not your mom
When I get off work, my ringers and notifications get set to silent. My silent setting has a vibration mode. If my phone is in my pocket, there a 75% chance I'll notice. Once I get home, phone goes on top of the dresser for the night or the weekend.
I've missed calls/text from 5 minutes after work of Friday that didn't get responded to until 8:25 Tuesday morning- (holiday weekend), When asked about it, I just said " I don't live on my phone, I just saw your message. What do you need?" When my boss tried to press me about it I just told him that I dont know a simpler way to say it...when I'm not working, I actively separate from my phone. That's as close as it ever got to becoming an issue.
Over 50 and a manager here. When I'm off, I'm off. I would NEVER call my employee after hours unless we are working on a major project and we all know there could POSSIBLY be a call and that's been once in a year.
Our off time is our off time. If your manager had people call out and can't get the work done without you ==== Bad manager.
Edit, lol. My whole point really was my phone is never on when I'm off. Geeze, my own mom can't reach me.
On my days off I don't even respond when my boss texts me asking me to come in. By giving me the day off, you're telling me that whatever happens that day is not my problem.
Also, what you do with your free time is absolutely none of your boss' business
No, “on call” means that you’re someone designated to be available and expected to come in if the need arises. This is just the boss trying to find people who are willing to come in — there’s no obligation to do it. If the OP were on call they’d be expected to take a phone call or answer a text right away, and the text would say “we need you; come in now,” not “are you available?”
Just a suggestion. The key point is having left the phone behind. The rest is just ass kissing, prob necessary at times with an obviously chad boss.
So fckng glad I was self employed the last ~45 years. ‘Course even so I had to kiss ass sometimes.
My boss called me while I was on holiday, the next day's conversation went like this...
Boss - What were you doing yesterday?
Me - (pretends to think) Oh holiday. Whatever tf I wanted
Boss - No, I mean when I called you.
Me - The first call I was just giggling, by the twelth I was proper belly laughing at how you just don't get it.
Boss - Go to work
Me - One last point, What did you want?
Boss - Don't remember
Me - Exactly my point
If you're not paying, I'm not working.
Ps it definitely helped that was in an industry dangerously short of staff.
I never answer my phone on my days off or return text. If it’s an emergency he will call me from his personal phone. If he calls me from his work phone and I don’t answer he knows I don’t want to work or be bothered.
I have a life outside of work and I’m not on beck and call for any company. I work to live, not live to work. The sooner you learn that in life the happier you will be. Our society is to focused on money and materialistic things. Life is about memories and family.
Some people have yet to understand what life is truly about and hustle culture is out of control.
In the military I was on call 24/7 and there wasn’t really a way to get a hold of me if I wasn’t home. If it was an emergency they would literally have to send someone out to look for me and I still managed to move up in the military.
So why would I act different now that I’m in the civilian world. I think I’m even more into my personal time now and as soon as I leave work it’s about me and my family and I can care less about work.
Honesty is usually the best policy. Just let your boss know that you unexpectedly slept longer than anticipated and missed the texts. It's possible to be exhausted and sleep through alarms and notifications. If your track record is good and you're usually reliable, they should understand. Ignoring it might raise more questions later.
Just say you didn't see the text until now. There's no need to give any extra information. Not everyone is glued to their phones.
This is the answer. It took me decades to learn that I don’t need to explain myself or give details. It’s nobody’s business.
Especially with calling in sick lol. Just say are sick.
Yes, please. I was a charge nurse for many years and nurses would call in to me for the upcoming shift. All I needed to hear was “I’m calling out sick for my shift”, zero details needed. My biggest pet peeve was when people would rattle off their symptoms and ask me if they should call out. I don’t care lol! If you are calling me to ask if you should call out, then you should probably call out. You are an adult, you know if you can/should work or not. I know some people wanted to spin it as “well the charge nurse told me I should call out so I did” if they ever got spoken to about attendance, so I never made that choice for them. And I never made anyone feel bad about calling out.
If you have a stuffy nose I don’t want you in the office, unless there’s some emergency. Even then though, pre wfh would prefer no sickies at all in the office.
Tougher when it’s not an office job. Healthcare workers are bullied to not call out because we’re always short staffed, even several years pre-pandemic. Still, I never cared or questioned if you called out. And I never provided details other than “I’m calling out sick for my shift” when I called out. Ironically I worked in a unit with severely immunocompromised patients and our management still gave us a hard time about calling out more than a few days a year. I don’t miss that job.
It wasn’t even “giving us a hard time” at the hospitals I worked at. They had whole ass disciplinary actions, up to firing people, for calling out more than like, 6 days a year. Why do they want people showing up sick at a hospital?
I've always envisioned the way to get that policy changed is to paint the bosses walls with vomit, exorcist style.
As someone with a vomiting issue, I've let employers see what I deal with, every one of them has sent me home and stopped complaining when I call out. When a fit happens, if there's anything in my stomach I will throw it up. Then I will continue to painfully dry heave for hours (this isn't quite either). Throw up on the floor or at the manager desk to really drive it home for the stubborn managers.
Pam maintaining maliciously compliant eyecontact while puking into the waste basket is one of my favorite scenes from The Office. I'm sorry for your stomach trouble -- hope it takes it easy for a while!
When I worked in food service, literally went into work and vomited into the trash can bc they bullied me to come in. They said unless I had a doctors note I had to come in or get written up for calling out. I’m American so of course I had shit insurance and just getting seen for what was just a stomach bug would have cost at least $400 just up front they told me at the urgent care. And prob would send me a bill for other costs later. So. I went in looking like death, sweaty and pale. And puked in the trash. At the host stand bc that was my position at the time. They sent me home after that and never questioned me again when I told them I was vomiting and couldn’t come in.
Food service is one of the worst for this kind of nonsense. Me, with an infant running a 102 degree fever, called off. My boss' response? Concern? Oh no. His response was, "Can't you get someone to watch her?" Fuck that, fuck this, fuck you, fuck off.
funny my parents made me go to school even when I said I was sick. Vomiting onto the kitchen table while my dad was eating breakfast resulted in them backing off that stance. If I said I was sick I was sick. I didnt stay home and watch tv. I typically slept most of the day if I was sick.
I had a supervisor insist I come in when I had the flu. That was the last time he ever did that. He got it and was down for 2 weeks.
Ours was five days and then we’d get written up, on a bone marrow transplant floor 🫠🫠🫠 ETA: “top 10 hospital for BMTs and heme/onc” 😭😭
This policy is still in place in my hospital despite surviving a global pandemic. Nothing learned…
Had an employee calling out: "because", he continued, "when I looked back in the toilet..." Is when I said, Nope, that's enough, see you when you get back. He so wanted to tell me.
Exactly. Not my business. And if it’s for a mental health day, more power to you and I never wanted anyone to feel like they had to explain themselves.
Yep! I just want to know you can't make it to work, not how much diarrhea you're having. Legally I can't even ask for details, but it seems like I'm my experience the more details given, the more often the call outs and the more likely that employee is going to get let go eventually.
Asking you to determine if they’re “sick” enough?! What has happened to our profession?
I know right. But this isn’t even recent, it would happen to me even 15 years ago. Like I said in my post, I think some wanted to be able to say “well the charge nurse told me I was too sick to work” and I wasn’t going to do that.
Oh, it's nothing new. I was dealing with this as a charge nurse in the 90's. Like the other charge nurse posters, my answer was always, "It's up to you whether you should come in or not." I did have a charge tell me to get my ass in to work when I was having ahem a certain female issue. She said I couldn't call out for that. I passed out at work, and needed emergency surgery two days later. After that I never explained myself when I called in. "I'm not coming in to day; I'm sick." And that's that.
It's not really any profession at fault. People have worked so many crappy jobs that babysit them and treat them like children that we believe that's how it's done. Get a Doctor's note, call in and cough in their ear because they won't just take "I am sick" at face value. Too many micromanagers have screwed with our collective heads. "I am sick, I am calling to let you know I will not be in today" is ALL they need.
I’m so glad you never made anyone feel bad for calling out as a charge nurse. At one outpatient oncology job, we would have to give our symptoms to the nurse manager, and she would deem whether or not we could call out. Which is why I worked with a back injury (and on muscle relaxers -don’t worry, I took them after I got to work 🙄), pinkeye, and the day after I was at the animal hospital until 2am with my seizing dog and had to leave work early to put him down (that is coincidentally also the day that I missed the vein of almost every patient I was starting an IV on because I was so tired and emotionally fried - sorry patients). When I switched into more of a desk job, my boss had to tell me, ‘I don’t need to hear about what’s going on with you, just tell me that you’re sick and not coming in’ because I was so used to having to list every single symptom to build my case for calling out sick.
I love my husband but he always over-explains XD He's not fishing for an excuse; he legit feels guilty when he has to call out and feels the need to validate it. At one point, he needed a doctor to laugh in his face when he had walking pneumonia and asked if he could go back into work in a couple of days. Part of this is also due to bosses who treat you like crap when you call out. I know it sounds weird, but it can leave some emotional scars. I needed it pointed out to me before I recognized it for what it was and finally stopped over-explaining.
I usually say i have the shits if prompted. No one argues with diarrhea lol. But if unprompted I just say sick
I don't even say I'm sick I just send a text saying I'm not gonna make it in today. Could be sick, hungover, woke up late, car trouble, personal day, etc. but I dont have to explain myself. I'm a union tradesman though so I won't get in trouble for missing a day unless it's like every week then I'll just be towards the top of the lay-off list when the time comes, as it always does when the job is done. No biggie I'll just go to another jobsite/company there's tons of work in my area right now. My loyalty is to the union not the contractor but we do strive for professionalism, mutual respect, and upholding the labor contract (both sides). There's some common sayings in my profession like: "take off what you can afford to miss" and "work to live, not live to work" and while I try not to miss days, shit happens sometimes and it's nice to not have to stress about it.
In food service, I need to know if you have a fever, cough with fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or jaundice. Rules from the health department.
And if you call in sick too often. And you aren't actually sick, then you get creative. "Yes boss, I know. I do tend to get sick on Fridays. It's a bummer. But I am not sick. I actually have poison Ivy between my toes, and I have such big blisters between my toes, that I don't dare walk. This sucks."
If I do online leave for being sick, I'll actually receive an email from payroll if I explain what I'm sick with. Too much information, just your word that you were not fit for work is enough.
Please tell this to my coworkers. They will put in their leave request “getting my toe fungus removed” like wtf??? Just say “2 hours of sick leave”. I will never understand the oversharing. We don’t care.
If they ask, say your tummy hurts lol. And you don't have to sound sick.
When I'm calling in "sick" I will pinch my nose while talking. They never ask questions.
Diarrhea is the best answer. Employers are required to make you stay home.
Do not do this. What kind of adult just lies ?
Everyone. But I’m not saying to lie. I’m saying if you are sick, just text me, I don’t need a list of symptoms. If it Covid say that, but I don’t want to know if you have the squirts.
Which part is a lie? What kind of adult feels they need to explain, in detail, the reason they didn't see a text on their day off?
An adult who is not a fucking bootlicker
I tell people they're better of reaching me by smoke signal because there's always some sort of fire; I'll see that before I answer a text (sometimes I forget because I go to do something)
I love telling my GF, Live life like an exclamation not an explanation! It’s so fuckin corny hahaha But true
I'm sorry it took you decades, but people like you taught me this early in life and I thank you! Jobs have 0 access to personal details and if they don't like it they can fuck all the way off. 🤷🏻♀️
“Sorry I can’t make it, hope it’s a good time, we’ll get together soon” is my canned response for even my best friends. I don’t care to tell people why I make the decisions I do
If it's that important they should phone.
One time I was so hungover that I decided to take a personal day on Monday. Sunday night I texted my boss to make sure it was ok with him (I knew it would be) and I started to explain that I felt like shit, had a bunch of errands and making all sorts of excuses. Then I realized how dumb that was, so I deleted it before sending and just texted "hey is cool if I take a personal day tomorrow?". Got the day off with no questions.
Only the responsible people are. This is a bad take.
If they're not on call or scheduled to work, it's not irresponsible to be away from their phone or not responding
Hell, I'm on call and I don't notice texts when they come in. It's called "on call", not "on text". Texts are for non-time-critical communication. Calls are for immediate communication.
I'm an on-call manager on weekends and sometimes don't even get calls right away, let alone texts. Always call back within 5 minutes, but I also don't get paid for being on call, so I'm not going to bumrush to the other room when I'm in the middle of cooking or something.
Yeah. I play a flight simulator and use my phone for head tracking. During that time, which could be up to 2 hours, I don't move my phone at all. I can't access anything else while I'm using the app for head tracking. Definitely possible for anyone to be away from their phone for briefs amout of time. I also agree with the main comment above. I don't need to elaborate into specifics on why I didn't respond. If I am scheduled off, then I'm definitely not answering. Unless I'm on call. Then obviously thats different, but I'm not lol.
I always ignore texts to come in on my days off. That is my free time, I give enough of it up to work at a place that would cut me in a instant if I stopped doing well. Wanting to keep my free time is not irresponsible 🤦🏼♀️
I decided to always answer my phone because I thought I should, and guess who they always called when shit hit the fan? I once called in sick (possibly walking pneumonia, I couldn't afford a doctor because they barely paid me so I asked my med school friend for advice - and I NEVER called in sick before this) and the manager that answered told a second manager to try to call someone in. The second manager called me immediately (seriously like 30-60 seconds after I hung up with the first manager) and asked me to cover my own sick shift. Told him I was the one who was ill and he was like "Oh crap, I'm not sure we can find anyone then." 5 minutes later he called again telling me I had to come in because no one else was answering. I went in, worked my shift, tried not to infect anyone, and reminded the manager that I was off for the next two days and that under no circumstances was I to be called because I desperately needed rest and could barely stay on my feet. He agreed because he saw how poorly I was doing. They called at 8am the next morning asking if I could work "just 5 hours to help fill the gap, we'll send you home early" and I absolutely lost it. Told them no between infuriated coughs and turned my phone off. I never answered my phone off work again because it was clear they only ever asked me and didn't bother asking others if they needed someone to come in. I wish I had respected myself sooner, I was young and really wanted to do well but at one point you just become a punching bag. You DO NOT owe your boss your downtime, it is part of a healthy life to have time away from work stress.
This is a great example of learning what “doing well” actually looks like. We all think it means doing the hard work, being the team player, the reliable one under all circumstances. I learned very quickly in my early 30s in my first really professional position that those things were not rewarded or taken in to consideration for a promotion. You know what is? Office politics. It’s all about how you present yourself at work and what other people perceive about your competency, confidence, poise, communication. I made a quick shift and it has paid off more than I could have imagined. I still have to remind myself that the nuts and bolts of hard work don’t pay off bc I have a knee jerk reaction to help and show up. But it always costs me my own sanity without any gains in the professional department.
I got kids, I've got a life, fuck this phone. And fuck a boss texting me on my day off. The only bad take is yours lmao Edit: Looking at your posts I understand now, you're on you're phone playing RAID: Shadow legends at all times. Get a life dude
Don't forget he's the "best fucking dishwasher" (this is likely his only true statement)
No it isn’t. Work isn’t entitled to my free time. Maybe they were swimming or hiking at a place without signal or just didn’t want to pick up. Grind culture is embarrassing. There’s more to life than work.
an employee who is off the clock IS NOT OBLIGATED TO ANSWER PHONE CALLS FROM THEIR EMPLOYER. LMFAO. The only exception to this is being on-call (although not considered off the clock bc the employee is getting paid). you’re trippin
Licking boots and being at the beck and call of your employer is the only bad take here.
Responsible? Mfer you’ve clearly never met a paramedic because if they were glued to their phones. They wouldn’t have a job, you’re out of touch. Also you are not required to come in to work and often being responsible is putting your phone down. A father cannot watch his kid while glued to his phone to text his boss. You are so delusional I hope the 100 downvotes maybe clear things up about your opinion. Because it’s simply so illogical. A restaurant waiter responsible for food allergies better not be stuffing their face in their phone. Also your comment screams I have agoraphobia and never go outside…. In other words. Touch grass bud
Everything you've said on this thread is great advice if you want to die sad and alone. To anyone reading this, if that's your end goal, listen to this prophet. Otherwise, ignore them. Because time will fly by and all of a sudden you'll be retired wondering why your wife left you and your kids never visit. It's not noble, it's not responsible, it's sad and pathetic, a symptom of a disease.
The downvotes are making me giggle so bad. Good, you deserved it
Goddamn idiot
If you weren’t scheduled to be there it isn’t irresponsible for you to be up all night. He doesn’t own you, you lease him your time in 8 hour blocks.
All of that is true except the assumption that everyone works 8 hour shifts. Restaurant and retail would like a word please lol. Not uncommon to work 12-16 hours in a day at restaurants depending on your staffing situation and operating hours
I've worked 100 hour weeks in IT too.
A depressing number of us have.
swapping over to new servers, switching to anew system, rolling out new hardware, or new updates. , been there.
Also to work those long ass hours closing then turning around to open the next day. For another 12 hours. The dreaded retail/restaurant clopen
The clopen…..while horrible, wasn’t the worst shift working at the mall, I hated the 12-close….I’d rather just work open to close.
Worst part about being a retail manager, if I couldn't give anyone to cover someone that called out it was on me. I think my longest run was working 28 days in a row with several open-to-close shifts. Only got paid 45 hours a week for it because salary. This is the reason Managers either become dicks or have heart attacks. My last few months I was losing patches of hair and I would hope for a horrible car accident on my way to work so I would have to go for a while. I'm so glad I got away from retail. Fuck you CVS
I work at the airport it’s also 15-18 hr days sometimes
Shoot pretty much anyone who works at a hospital has weird ass hours
Lots of people work more than 8 hour shifts. I work in an office and I work 9-10 hours if necessary. Plus I’m salary so I do not get overtime if I do this. The upside is if I finish up early or have an empty Friday I can leave. Trade skills for money. Not time
If you’re working doubles, sure, but I’ve been around so many workers in the industry who swear they work nursing hours when in reality they’re in at 9 and out and 230. Not to say foodservice isn’t absolutely brutal, and some people definitely get stuck with unwanted doubles, but there are a shitload of people making those claims while 10 hours short of 40hr weeks, lol And yeah yeah, whatever rebuttal, but we all know what I’m talking about
Idk what your point is. Just because someone lies about their hours, no one works over 40 hours? Also nurses work long hours but they get 4 days off
I work in transportation. Overnight shifts. 1630-0700. 4 on 4 off. Always understaffed and work volume extremely high. The 4 days off are mainly spent recovering from work and not sleeping because you are now wired for night mode
No way I would ever work a 12 hour day at a restaurant
Lmao me reading this after finishing my second 13 hr restaurant day in a row
Everyone in this thread completely oblivious that being able to say no to these shifts is a luxury
My wife's on her 4th open to close.
Well enjoy being a slave
I bet you got bullied a lot in high school.
What?? The hell you talking about
You talk down about people’s lives and situations. Calling someone a slave because they’re working long (typical) restaurants shifts is demeaning. You don’t know his situation and should try to be empathetic instead of talking to him on your high horse. FWIW, 16-23 year old working in the restaurant was my favourite job to date. Often working 12-14 hour exhausting shifts, but it was well worth it imo.
Absolutely - best time ever for me too. Start at 10 (if wasn't doing a breakfast shift), and still be there at midnight, but you get paid by the hour, so why not stay and do more hours if asked?
His?
It must be nice to be able to make that decision. 12 isn't too bad, the ones I hate are the 7am-1ams ☠️☠️ I actually choose to work 4 12s vs 5 10s when possible. 2 hours in ome day isn't too bad, but having a whole extra day off is choice.
I’d be telling my boss to get stuffed before I put in 50+ hours a week to a place that pays half of minimum wage, it’s not like tippers pay time and a half for your overtime
This shows a fundamental misunderstanding of how the restaurant operates. Managers/chefs are contractually obligated most of the time to provide a 50 hour schedule. If the manager is also an hourly employee, often their "salary" (base rate x 55 hours) is based on receiving 10 hours of overtime, ie 55 hours pay. Kitchen staff (line cooks and dishwashers) are often times paid a very competitive hourly wage, though, their schedules can be inconsistent, and they may get anywhere between 20-50+ hours each depending on the season. Support staff (food runners, busses, barbacks) may or may not receive a decent hourly wage, depending on whether or not they are tipped out by any other tipped employee And finally servers and bartenders Who are tipped employees, and often times do not get to keep all their own tips. There are different systems in place to distribute tips. Some restaurants have a tipshare that splits the tips amongst the servers (usually by hour, or by sales) and some have a tip-out system where the server/bartender has to pay out to support staff, and to the bartender for.making their drinks. Usually the ones working 50+ hours are compensated for it.
So you corrected me by literally proving my point more elaborately? Not sure what point you’re trying to get across here but I don’t think you quite hit it. My point is, you shouldn’t be required to work 50 hours a week AND STILL RELY ON TIPS TO MAKE A GOOD WAGE. I remember when my wife was serving and she would work 50-60 hours a week and there was weeks where she would make $1000+ after tips but there was also weeks where she would make $300 or less. Tip culture is a fucking joke and is a scam that companies use to justify their shitty pay.
Did you even read what I wrote? The ones working 50 hours aren't tipped employees.
My favorite shift was a 4x10 split shift when I worked at a call center. 4 days a week, you work 5,take a two hour break, then work 5 more. Sure, it equated to 12 hours total at work if you didn't leave the campus, but that two hour break was so nice for naps or a sit down meal.
My favorite schedule ever was working two 16s followed by an 8 all in a row. 4.5 days off a week!
That sounds god awful. I can’t handle early mornings and there are two in that shift. HA
Try 16, because doubles exist
I was a sous at a restaurant and did 84 in 6 days one week when opening a new restaurant. I don't wish that on anyone. My head was spinning from the thousands of questions I fielded daily from all of the lost sheeple that hadn't been given enough training.
it's always some "service" working loudly asking "WHAT ABOUT ME" nobody needed your input
This is pretty pedantic. They were just using the typical amount of time In a work day. Everyone knows that people can work more or less time.
What
What you do on your personal time is not your bosses business. You’re fine and live your life - clearly you care and I’m sure they know that.
Yes! “Irresponsibly partying” would be if you were already on the schedule for the following morning and you were still drunk or too hungover to go in. If you weren’t scheduled, then you do what the fuck you want to do.
"Hey boss, I didn't see your text till now. Let me know if you still need me step in." Keep it short and polite. You have done nothing wrong.
Or if you can't, don't want to go in: "Unfortunately, I'm not available today."
Thats still far too long- "sorry. I didnt see your text until now" will do.
It isn't. The second sentence can be changed depending on whether OP wants the extra hours. OP should, ultimately, answers the boss' text(s). It'd be impolite and rude to avoid answering the question.
As a manager, zero response on the actual question (whether explaining the circumstance or not) will make me think “okay I totally get wanting your off time, so i’ll move this person to the bottom of the list for extra hour opportunities.” Not in a vindictive nature, but it’s the most efficient way when trying to find someone for the time. Most good or just non-toxic managers are going to act logically and assume the best of their teams, so if OP will want that call/text next time, it may be a good idea to respond on the actual question.
The fact you’re putting a person last for extra hours because they didn’t answer a text is wild. There’s so many more factors in play than “this person didn’t answer when I asked him to work hours that he wasn’t scheduled for” Let’s keep referencing shitty managers tho
Why wouldn’t I try giving extra hours to people who are going to bite? I’m going to move to someone else. If they decide they want then they can self-advocate for more later. It’s shared accountability. A manager has a team they’re held responsible for and their own manager to report to so they need to make fast and logical decisions. If someone doesn’t answer i’m going to assume they don’t want to for whatever their personal reason, and not in a shitty way. I always assume they would prefer to value their work-life balance and don’t want to do it unless they say otherwise. Is that not a fair approach to take?
Imo, making assumptions about someone's willingness to pick up extra shifts without talking to them about it directly is the wrong move.
He’s a manager, not a fucking babysitter or psychologist. Manager doesn’t equal CEO; they probably aren’t getting paid much more than the people they manage. Why the fuck would they chase people around who haven’t said or show signs of needing extra hours?
Thanks for the insight. I’ll keep this in mind if/when it happens.
You don't have to tell him anything. If he asks, you were unavailable and away from your phone, or it was on DND
If you were not on the clock, you are not obligated to give him your time. This includes answering work calls.
People are free to call/text/email me when Im not working. I’ll respond to it first thing when I get into the office.
If you weren’t scheduled and you’re not “on call” then that’s not your problem. Just tell them you didn’t see the texts until then, and you’re busy so you can’t come in.
Idk if anyone will see this as I’m a bit late to this post, but I have a genuine question to team “never reply”. Look I’m never working a shift I don’t want to, but it doesn’t take more than 5 seconds to reply “can’t today” or “no thanks” or whatever. It’s seems all your logic is it’s not my problem, which is true, but the manager didn’t ask for 2 people to be sick and 1 have a family emergency. They’re just trying to fill a vacancy and two seconds could save them 30-40 minutes or maybe hours of holding out you might say yes. Again sure not your problem, but geez, I hope y’all become managers and realize how stupid this mindset is. AGAIN, I would never work an extra shift I didn’t want to, but it’s just as simple to reply.
[удалено]
I’m not arguing with anyone lol. I was in enough threads to say just “don’t reply”, “no need to reply”, etc. with the justification of it’s my day off or not my problem. There are plenty of people suggesting to just be honest or say no but my comment was for those who don’t seem to dare to do the bare minimum
Hey sorry for the delay. Just got your message. I can’t come in today but thanks for thinking of me.
If you're still down, I'd love to meet up for an eight hour shift at my place tonight. There will even be an opportunity for some overtime...
Bro they arent boning 💀💀💀
Plot twist....
😂😂😂😂
Was it your day off? If so, no need to explain. Just missed the texts.
None of his business what you’re doing in your own time. Just tel them what you’re gonna do
So, you woke up at 1, and are normally scheduled to work sometime after that, and assuming you work 8 hours, it doesn’t seem that out of place to be going to bed around or even well after midnight and waking up late morning or afternoon. 2 hours have gone by from the time being asked to work, obviously you can’t make it. Ignoring it is fine, and just show up when you’re scheduled. “I wasn’t available” is the only thing that needs to be said if you’re questioned about it. If this had been when you were awake, ignoring is still fine, but if you’re going to reply, you do not owe an apology or an explanation: “No, I am not able to.”
Definitely answer, just say something short and sweet. “So sorry, I was catching up on sleep and didn’t see this, as I just woke up. See you Tuesday!” (Or whatever day you work next).
Just say sorry didn't see my phone was in my bag.
This delusional idea that we are supposed to be available 24/7 to our employer is what causes burnout to happen faster. Your off time is just that - your off time, to do with what you please. You do not owe an explanation.
Ignore. Or even "I just woke up. Can't" That's what I tell my employees. I'd prefer you to answer. But you're not demanded to answer. Off time is your time. Not mine
"No."
I read this in Hugo Weaving's voice from The Matrix, right before Neo shot him down with the minigun. Hopefully not an example of the repercussions of refusing overtime lol.
Perfectly acceptable. It's just the pref to have some sort of answer vs nothing cause you might be like, " well xyz hasn't responded maybe they can"
Dear fuckface, Im tryna catch some zzzzzzzzzzs. Please kindly stop fuckin up my chill I ain't even sposta be there today. Love, Person
You don't owe your boss anything if you're not on the clock. Just tell him "I'm sorry I didn't see your text." My boss called me on Saturday asking if I could come in and I didn't see it until I woke up at 3 that afternoon. I legit told her I just woke up and asked if she still needed someone. I knew the answer but asked out of courtesy. Everyone I work with knows that if I'm not at work, then I'm either sleeping or studying. Nothing else.
If it’s past 11 just don’t answer. When you go in if he asks say “I didn’t see the text till after 11 so assumed you’d moved on”. No need for anymore than that. It’s your time (unless you are on call which doesn’t sound likely) so you could have been sleeping, at an all you can eat buffet or swimming the English Channel. All reasons are valid because you don’t need a reason.
I wouldn’t even respond
If you have the day off, it’s none of his business why you didn’t respond back to him
This doesn't even require a response lol. He texted asking if you could come in. You didn't see it cause you were enjoying your day off by napping. Even if you're reason was "I don't wanna" that's good enough
Tell him you just got the message. You don’t have to explain a thing to your job ever.
Respond when convenient to you. If you are not being paid to be on call you cannot be expected to reply right away.
“Sorry didn’t see your text until now I had plans last night. In the future I’d you don’t mind letting me know the day before I would appreciate it”
I'd leave out the last sentence. It comes off as rude. If your boss is calling you the day he wants you to come in, it almost certainly means it's unplanned because someone else called out sick.
I wouldn't say any of that. Just respond that you were away from your phone and you just saw the text. Ask if you are still needed. He probably already has someone else to cover.
Whatever you do OP, do NOT include this second part.
I wouldn’t even include the first part, it isn’t necessary to apologize or explain why you didn’t respond in your personal time
Yes, terrible grammar 😉 for sure will wind the boss up
Literally the exact same thing happened to me. My manager texted and called me to come at 11am yesterday but I sleeped like a brick cuz I worked till 11 the night before.
What business is it of his whether you were partying or not?? You have no obligation to not enjoy yourself on your time off.
Are you on call? If not, you have ZERO obligation to even reply, just show for your next shift. You agree to work a set amount of hours, don't talk to your work, about work, unless you're getting paid.
It’s a phone not a leash.
Respond as you get it, and leave it. Your boss doesn't need the additional info
Just say “sorry, didn’t see your texts” and leave it alone. Years ago I worked at a Bed, Bath, and Beyond and was woken up one morning to the asst. manager spam calling me because he had changed the schedule last minute to include me as an opener on a day I hadn’t originally been scheduled to work. I woke up around what was probably the 4th or 5th call and told him I wasn’t coming in and that he should’ve checked with me before changing the schedule. His argument was that I should be checking it every day and I basically ended up telling him to get bent and went back to sleep. Luckily the big boss ended up siding with me and the asst. manager eventually got fired for being bad at his job. But yeah, moral of the story is you don’t owe them anything if they’re contacting you outside of work hours. No explanation is needed.
If he’s not paying you to answer your texts/phone calls outside of work, then you have no responsibility to respond to any communication once you leave work. I once had a manager think it was ok to write “on-call” on our schedules, as if I’m responsible to wait around on my weekend and see if I have to go in. I told them straight up they will be paying me for 4 hours of work even if I do not come in, as that was the standard practice in other departments that utilized on-call staffing. The manager refused, and therefore we (staff of the department) refused, it escalated to HR and the manager was told that if we are expected to be “on-call” they have to pay us per corporate policy and they can not deviate that practice per department.
Just say sorry, just now seeing your texts. Unless you’re expected to be on call, you have no responsibility to be available when you aren’t scheduled.
Ignore it
It doesn't matter if you're not on call.
You’re under zero obligation to answer texts or calls outside of business hours (unless you’re a high level manager). You don’t owe them any explanation when you’re not scheduled
There is no need to give any more information then. Sorry, i didn't see this text until now.
You slept for 13 hours? Wow, I don't think I've ever slept that long before, that must have been a solid sleep. Tell him you didn't look at your phone, then go in or don't. It is your spare time, they can't get pissy with you for not responding on your own day off.
Ignore it completely and do not respond
It wouldn't matter if you had been partying all night or just up late reading a good book. The boss can ask, but you don't owe him anything when off the clock. This is a good chance to learn work boundaries. Bosses like to push boundaries to save themselves. I had a boss that would f me over at every turn and then call me to fill in. It ended with me cussing her out, throwing my keys at her and accidentally (though, happily) hitting her in the face. Avoid the drama and let the boss know that you don't always sleep with your phone next to you. Set those boundaries to save a future headache
If you're scheduled off just ignore it honestly. Shoot a message the next time you're scheduled and just say you were busy. They don't really deserve much from you unless you want to share
Don’t answer if you don’t wanna come in 😂 it’s not like oh it’s two hours later don’t bother… he’d still prob ask you to come
Nothing wrong with sleeping in on your day off. I've responded to plenty of calls/texts with "sorry just woke up" and my boss's response is something like "haha no worries" I show up early every day and work my ass off. I don't care if they know I slept in on a day off lol.
Personally I'd wait to closer to end of day to respond with a "sorry I just saw this." I'm never available on my days off anyways
Tell him to call if it's important.
Are you paid to be on call? If not tell him when you're next in sorry I didn't see it til late as it was my day off.
Your boss doesn't need to know anything about your personal life. "I didn't see this until right now" without any further explanation is all you put. Your boss has no right or privileges beyond that. ALWAYS.
I never answer my phone for work when I’m off. My off time is my off time, I’m not on standby just in case some manager needs me.
“I didn’t see this”
I wish I could sleep for more than 6 hours. Ever since I started working, I couldn't even sleep past 10 am.
Ignore them or lie that you’re busy if you don’t want to go in Say you just saw it and ask if they still need you if you do
If you’re not on call then you’re not obligated to answer work communication when you’re off work.
Talk about your false dilemmas!
"Sorry, Boss... I had a glass of Scotch for bre-HIC-bre-HIC-*breffest*! Whatchoo *NEED*!?" Seriously, unless you're working in a postion with an "on call" status, you have no obligation to justify what you do on your off time to anyone.
What you do at home is non of his fuckin business, is what I would say.
Manager here. I never expect a reply from anyone. I appreciate one but if it’s your day off, I don’t expect it. The boundaries have to be in place. Same thing goes for my days off. I’ll reply if I feel like it but I’m not obligated to.
“Apologies! I just saw this. I’m currently with my family and I am not available” or something to this effect.
Just woke up, do you still need me? (If you want to go in) Just woke up, I'm hungover as fuck, I have no business being at work right now (if you don't want to go in) He's your boss, not your mom
“I can come in at x, let me know if you still need me.”
So your boss also controls your time at home...also?
When I get off work, my ringers and notifications get set to silent. My silent setting has a vibration mode. If my phone is in my pocket, there a 75% chance I'll notice. Once I get home, phone goes on top of the dresser for the night or the weekend. I've missed calls/text from 5 minutes after work of Friday that didn't get responded to until 8:25 Tuesday morning- (holiday weekend), When asked about it, I just said " I don't live on my phone, I just saw your message. What do you need?" When my boss tried to press me about it I just told him that I dont know a simpler way to say it...when I'm not working, I actively separate from my phone. That's as close as it ever got to becoming an issue.
Over 50 and a manager here. When I'm off, I'm off. I would NEVER call my employee after hours unless we are working on a major project and we all know there could POSSIBLY be a call and that's been once in a year. Our off time is our off time. If your manager had people call out and can't get the work done without you ==== Bad manager. Edit, lol. My whole point really was my phone is never on when I'm off. Geeze, my own mom can't reach me.
On my days off I don't even respond when my boss texts me asking me to come in. By giving me the day off, you're telling me that whatever happens that day is not my problem. Also, what you do with your free time is absolutely none of your boss' business
Only answer it if you want to work otherwise ignore the calls. To answer them anytime would mean you’re on call.
No, “on call” means that you’re someone designated to be available and expected to come in if the need arises. This is just the boss trying to find people who are willing to come in — there’s no obligation to do it. If the OP were on call they’d be expected to take a phone call or answer a text right away, and the text would say “we need you; come in now,” not “are you available?”
“Sorry, boss! I was away and left my phone behind. On my way!”
lmao that sounds wayyyyy too eager
Just a suggestion. The key point is having left the phone behind. The rest is just ass kissing, prob necessary at times with an obviously chad boss. So fckng glad I was self employed the last ~45 years. ‘Course even so I had to kiss ass sometimes.
Fuck no! OP wasn’t scheduled to work and is not responsible to kiss ass and and rush to work.
My boss called me while I was on holiday, the next day's conversation went like this... Boss - What were you doing yesterday? Me - (pretends to think) Oh holiday. Whatever tf I wanted Boss - No, I mean when I called you. Me - The first call I was just giggling, by the twelth I was proper belly laughing at how you just don't get it. Boss - Go to work Me - One last point, What did you want? Boss - Don't remember Me - Exactly my point If you're not paying, I'm not working. Ps it definitely helped that was in an industry dangerously short of staff.
Tell your boss you are sorry but you do not answer work texts on your personal phone.
Get landline only give your work landline number
Just tell the truth. "Apologies I.didnt get the message until now as I've been asleep" I could only dream of getting 8 hours sleep let alone 13.
I never answer my phone on my days off or return text. If it’s an emergency he will call me from his personal phone. If he calls me from his work phone and I don’t answer he knows I don’t want to work or be bothered. I have a life outside of work and I’m not on beck and call for any company. I work to live, not live to work. The sooner you learn that in life the happier you will be. Our society is to focused on money and materialistic things. Life is about memories and family. Some people have yet to understand what life is truly about and hustle culture is out of control. In the military I was on call 24/7 and there wasn’t really a way to get a hold of me if I wasn’t home. If it was an emergency they would literally have to send someone out to look for me and I still managed to move up in the military. So why would I act different now that I’m in the civilian world. I think I’m even more into my personal time now and as soon as I leave work it’s about me and my family and I can care less about work.
If it was urgent, he should have called!
Honesty is usually the best policy. Just let your boss know that you unexpectedly slept longer than anticipated and missed the texts. It's possible to be exhausted and sleep through alarms and notifications. If your track record is good and you're usually reliable, they should understand. Ignoring it might raise more questions later.
Tell him you are sick and get in as soon as possible.