New boss denies employee’s sick time over wording technicality: ‘Next time I call in, my text will only say I’m SICK’

Author image for Etai Eshet
Etai Eshet • Editor
Apr 1, 2025 9:00 AM EDT

It turns out that the latest development in corporate strategy is making employees wish they were back in kindergarten, fighting for nap time. 

This worker texted their new boss and made the horrible mistake of being honest and explaining themselves.

It's like HR is backing a game of corporate "Simon Says," where the only valid reason to take time off is if you utter the exact phrase they deem acceptable. And if you don't, well, you're basically volunteering for a free round of unpaid time off

What's important to know in this game is that the rules change based on who's leading the game. What I'm trying to say is, lead or be led.

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  • When asked for details about why you’re taking a sick day, you can say something like, I think it’s some neurological issue because I can’t seem to understand how this is any of your business.

    To be honest, just talking about this makes me feel a little off. Like something is wrong with my hearing because I said I’m taking a sick day, and I could have sworn I heard the boss ask for details so they can decide if they approve. Which makes no sense because, as all of us know, bosses are the most sensible people inhabiting this planet, so, no chance one of them would do something like that.

    Well, whatever haha see ya tomorrow boss. I’m going back to sleep…zzzzzzz

  • "New Boss Wouldn’t Approve Sick Time"

    'She won't approve my sick time whereas I didn't use the word "sick""
    via Gustavo Fring

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • I texted my new boss and said that I hadn't slept the entire night and couldn't function and felt awful because I was so tired. I said I was going to take a half day
    via Irreverentgirl
  • and try to get a couple of hours of sleep. My job isn't shift work, so calling in a half day doesn't inconvenience anyone. The next day, she tells me she won't approve my sick time whereas I
    via Irreverentgirl
  • didn't use the word "sick" in my text. I told her I WAS sick and that my previous boss never had a problem with it and always approved the sick time. And with
    via Irreverentgirl
  • Cheezburger Image 10488157696
    via Dean Drobot

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • a big smile, she says "HR backs me up on this and you're taking time without pay!". She was so happy to announce this to me... is it just me or is this totally weird??
    via Irreverentgirl
  • Why are people so hateful? And doesn't this just encourage people to lie? Needless to say, I told her she was being ridiculous and that I was going to her boss...
    via Irreverentgirl
  • which I did. I got my sick time approved and can't wait for the next time I call in (whether I'm sick or not) and my text will only say I'm SICK.
    via Irreverentgirl
  • NextGreatJob It is time to start a search for a new job. Your new boss will likely not be pleased that you went over her head and since she has already proven herself to be an idiot, you can expect more of the same from her.
    via NextGreatJob
  • Cheezburger Image 10488157952
    via Prostock-studio

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • irreverentgirl OP From I've heard from other teammates, she was super flustered after my meeting with her boss.
    via Irreverentgirl
  • NextGreatJob Exactly. She will not forget this episode.
    via NextGreatJob
  • DrewNumber Two I'm glad you got your sick time. Remember, never give them any details. Just tell them you're taking a sick day and take it.
    via DrewNumber
  • PeaPossum And if they press for details, say "explosive diarrhea." No one ever wants to know more.
    via PeaPossum
  • PunkRockMiniVan Or vision trouble: you just can't see working.
    via PunkRockMiniVan
  • irreverentgirl OP This is genius... next time...
    via Irreverentgirl
  • NotNinthClone If they press for details, the answer is "my contract provides x number of sick days, and I'm taking one today."
    via NotNinthClone
  • blackbirdspyplane This is the way
    via blackbirdspyplane
  • Mr_Poodoo never give reasoning behind my sick time. I send a "I'll be out sick today" email and that's it. I won't be responding until the following business day. If they want to fire me for using my sick time as it was intended to be used, that's on them.
    via Mr_Poodoo
  • jaydubya123 I dont even go that far. I text the 2 people who need to know that I "won't be in today".
    via jaydubya123
  • ktnelsonArt Why do people intentionally make their lives more difficult like this? When I managed people it was like "ok your sick, see you when your better" Like, what's the point?!
    via ktnelsonArt
  • irreverentgirl OP Exactly... I think it's all about power and insecurity.
    via Irreverentgirl
  • BedAdministrative619 You gave too many details while not giving enough at the same time. "I'm sick, half day" or "I'm sick, see you tomorrow." I've never had a job that cared about the reason, so my calling off was even simpler - "I'm not going to make it in today," and I would get a simple response of "ok." He knew I was gone for only one day, and I knew he had received and read my message.
    via BedAdministrative619
  • MissDisplaced That's so petty. Sick time is any time you don't feel well and/need a medical appointment. You shouldn't have to explain yourself like you're a five year old.
    via MissDisplaced

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Tags

management boss workplace-stories hr toxic-workplace manager bosses work PTO managers supervisor workplace Horrible Bosses work-life balance
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