Skipping work tomorrow to save money

Miffi_2

I will go through it all another time, but I had a panic today when I realised just quite how much of a financial pickle I am in (ignore my sig).

I'm thinking about bunking/skiving/skipping work tomorrow (which saves petrol), and spend the day ringing and going around companies in my area. There is also an informal team lunch out tomorrow and I cannot in any way justify going, even if I go for cheap things and it costs £8 - I do not have the money whatsoever. But I can't stand the idea of saying to people that I can't afford it - and I know if I'm there, I'll take out the money (add to stupid overdraft) and say what the heck it is only £10 - and I've been doing that too much, hence being in trouble.

I'm I ridiculous?

This may sound very sad, but you guys here are the only ones I am truly honest with about my fiancial situation and the only ones who I can ask advice from who don't judge me.

I'm thinking if I miss tomorrow (throw a sickie) then I can really spend the day doing practical things to put me a step in the right direction. - Don't worry I wont be sunbathing - don't have a garden!

What do you think? Thank you for listening.

wigginsmum

Could you ask for a day's holiday instead? Do you have any left?

SaveMoreMoney

It's only justifiable, if at the end of the day, you have 'worked your socks off' and feel you have done as much as possible for YOURSELF !

If you don't seriously think you'll do anything of value tomorrow, then you might as well go to work and then get things moving on Saturday and Sunday.

Miffi_2

wigginsmum wrote:

Could you ask for a day's holiday instead? Do you have any left?

I do have time left, I suppose I was just trying to avoid eating in to my holiday. That is the ethical thing to do isn't it.

I think I'll ring my boss tonight and ask him if it is ok....you must think I'm terrible for considering pulling a sickie?

homersimpson_3

You're not ridiculous but worrying about peer pressure is- one of the major reasons people on site get into and stay in debt. my team in work are really friendly. supportive & go out quite frequently for meals, have coffee club etc.
i'm the only one who doesn't go out- i'd rather save the money/pay debts; don't like eating too much lunchtime and am usually too busy lunchtime anyway doing x,y,x. just say you're saving up for ....., or you other commitments this month, or doing x,y,z. - you can show commitment in other ways e.g. if they need to leave early one night provide the cover; help them if your work is up to date/more up to date etc.

This may sound very sad, but you guys here are the only ones I am truly honest with about my fiancial situation and the only ones who I can ask advice from who don't judge me.

your colleagues shouldn't judge you either- if they do it's their problem not yours. people on forum supportive because shared goals. we all working towards same aim.

wigginsmum

Nope - I've done it in the past myself a long time ago. You've got a legitimate reason for asking as you have some household paperwork issues that need sorting out asap. Can someone in your team cover your work?

homersimpson_3

do have time left, I suppose I was just trying to avoid eating in to my holiday. That is the ethical thing to do isn't it.

the problem with using leave to avoid issues is that (a) you're not dealing with issue and (b) what happens if you have an emergency, have used all leave and cannot afford to take unpaid leave? most organisations discipline if too much sick leave- you never know when you will become ill.

Me_Myself_2

Taking a holiday last minute is usually okay. Taking a sickie and then going around local companies isn't. One, you might be caught/seen, but two it's morally wrong. In my job I don't get sick pay, so I only miss work if I am really ill, which means dragging myself in even when I am VERY depressed (frequently) and I have a stressful job as well.

So do the right thing and take a holiday.

Emmzi

or,go in and work your lunch hour cos you need away early for personal appointment.

Miffi_2

I've done the right thing and text my boss to ask him for the day off as I have personal stuff to sort out. I've said that if it isn't ok to say so as it is short notice, I think he will be ok as he and my other colleague are due in tomorrow - but I'm keeping them crossed. If he says no, then I'll go in but I may ask to leave early or very promptly!

Will let you know....and if I do get the day off I will nip on here now and again tomorrow to give you an update on what I've done and am doing to sort myself out. I will make a list of what I want to achieve tomorrow too, so I'm organised.

Thanks.

lynzpower

Miffi wrote:

I do have time left, I suppose I was just trying to avoid eating in to my holiday. That is the ethical thing to do isn't it.

I think I'll ring my boss tonight and ask him if it is ok....you must think I'm terrible for considering pulling a sickie?

Im sure we've all done it, and for much more trivial reasons than debt -dont be so hard on yourself x