Something suddenly came up and I won't be able to come in to work on Friday.
Is it better to call off ahead of time and give them a few days to find a replacement, or should I call the day of? I would prefer to let them know ahead of time because I feel bad, I wouldn't do it if it wasn't absolutely necessary. But I'm worried if they say no ahead of time, because then I'm screwed whereas if you call the day of they're more likely to say yes.
How well is your relationship with the department head or the manager?
If your boss(es) are cool-headed, letting them know in advance would be the best way to go. Explain that you have something urgent to. However, be prepared to offer some alternative solution, such as working on one of the days you'll be off. They'll like it better than if you were to just say "hey I'll be away Friday, you're on your own".
If your bosses are dicks who question everything you do, then call in on that day and claim that it's extremely urgent. Make it clear over the phone that your decision is final.
That last bit applies to both options. Be prepared to refute any of their advances to have you come to work on the Friday you're asking off of. They'll often try to guilt-trip you or just flat out make you feel bad, but hold your own.
Something suddenly came up and I won't be able to come in to work on Friday.
Is it better to call off ahead of time and give them a few days to find a replacement, or should I call the day of? I would prefer to let them know ahead of time because I feel bad, I wouldn't do it if it wasn't absolutely necessary. But I'm worried if they say no ahead of time, because then I'm screwed whereas if you call the day of they're more likely to say yes.
Except it's your responsibility to at least try to find a replacement, not theirs. Regardless of how mgmt will prob react, the ONLY responsible thing to do is ALWAYS give them as much notice as possible; just make it clear that whether they like it or not, you won't be there.
So I told a manager today and she told me to tell my department head first. I told my department head and he told me I'd have to talk to the manager (who went home for the day.) Looks like I'm getting the run around...
So I told a manager today and she told me to tell my department head first. I told my department head and he told me I'd have to talk to the manager (who went home for the day.) Looks like I'm getting the run around...
Luckily I was able to get the day off! It was just the matter of finding the right manager. (There is one who is friendlier and more helpful than the other two.)
