If you’ve ever found yourself being late to work, you know how stressful it can be. And while you may be tempted to come up with a flimsy excuse to explain why you’re tardy, you may not be sure which one to choose. To help you out, we’ve rounded up the top 10 funniest (and painfully relatable) excuses for being late to work. From oversleeping to traffic jams, we’ve got you covered! Read on to find out the most hilarious excuses you can use to explain why you were late to work.
1) The traffic was terrible
It can be a real pain when you’re running late and traffic is making it even worse. While it might not be your fault, traffic jams can make it difficult to make it to work on time. It’s a good idea to leave early and plan for extra time in case you get stuck in a jam. Don’t forget that you can always use traffic as an excuse, but you may want to check the traffic report before you blame it!
2) My alarm clock didn’t go off
This is one of the most common excuses for being late to work and is a painfully relatable experience. It’s easy to forget to set your alarm, or press the snooze button one too many times, leaving you running late to your job. But be careful with this excuse – your boss might not appreciate it if it’s a regular occurrence!
3) I had to take my dog/cat/pet to the vet
It’s never fun when you have to take your beloved pet to the vet, but it’s an unfortunate reality of being a pet owner. It can be a huge time commitment that gets in the way of getting to work on time, and it can be very hard to explain this to your employer. Make sure you give your employer plenty of notice if possible, so they can be understanding and make accommodations for you.
4) I overslept
Sometimes, there is nothing you can do if a repairman or delivery person is running late. You may find yourself waiting around for what seems like an eternity, desperately hoping they will arrive soon so you don’t end up being late for work. Unfortunately, this isn’t always a valid excuse for being late – but it sure is understandable!
5) I’m not feeling well
Sometimes it’s just impossible to make it into work when you’re feeling under the weather. Whether it’s a cold, a headache, an upset stomach, or something else, being sick can stop you in your tracks and make it tough to make it on time. If you find yourself too unwell to make it in, be sure to let your boss know and give them plenty of notice.
6) I had to take my child/sibling/relative to school/daycare
No one likes being late to work, especially when it’s due to something completely unexpected. If you’ve had to take a child or relative to school or daycare, you know how hard it can be to get out of the house on time. It doesn’t have to be the end of the world, though! With some careful planning and a little bit of extra time in the morning, you can avoid this classic excuse.
7) I had to wait for a repairman/delivery
Sometimes, a scheduled repairman or delivery can leave us scrambling to make it to work on time. If you’re faced with this issue, be sure to communicate your situation with your employer and give them as much information as possible. Explain the details, such as the expected time of arrival, and make sure your boss is aware of the situation. It might not be an ideal excuse, but it could help you get out of a tight spot.
8) I got lost
It happens to the best of us. We try to leave with plenty of time, but somehow we still manage to get lost. Whether you are new to the area or have been living there for years, getting lost can still be an issue. But if you do get lost on your way to work, don’t worry – it can happen to anyone! All you can do is laugh it off and try not to be late again.
9) My car wouldn’t start
It’s one of the most frustrating excuses to use, but sometimes it happens. Whether it’s a dead battery or a mechanical issue, a broken-down car can be an unavoidable reason for being late to work. Be sure to call ahead and let your boss know that you won’t be able to make it in on time! And if you’re really lucky, they’ll be understanding and give you a pass.
10) I’m sorry, I don’t have an excuse
No excuse can make up for the fact that you were late. Apologize to your boss, explain the situation honestly and promise to do better in the future. This is the only way to guarantee that you won’t make the same mistake again. Take responsibility, own up to your mistake, and don’t make excuses. That’s the best way forward.