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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To call in sick for an interview

53 replies

Flowerypig · 08/10/2018 23:25

I am not happy in my current job for several reasons and have been looking for something else. I have been offered two interviews for two different posts- 1 on Thursday, 1 on friday. However, i’m Supposed to be in work those days. I can not book holiday as we cannot request leave at this time of year. Company policy. There is no chance i’d get it authorised. The interviewing companies couldn’t be flexible on the days/ times.
Soooooo....I figure I have to call in sick. I hate to do this - but can’t see a way round it. I’ve haven’t had a sick day for over a year, but i’d Have a take two days😢. I won’t get paid for those days and i’m A terrible liar so hate having to do this.
Am I being unreasonable calling in sick? If I just said it was an interview I know they wouldn’t grant me leave either....and then i’d be stuck on difficult situation if I didn’t get offered either.
What would you do?

OP posts:
Shazafied · 09/10/2018 07:23

Calling in sick for an interview was the only way I escaped my awful job for a much nicer one. They started refusing all holidays as we were so short staffed (because it was such a horrible job). Had no choice, got the new job, skipped off into sunset. Dont even feel bad.

LittleBookofCalm · 09/10/2018 07:26

if you had a good relationship you could always tell them, i have interviews on those days, alternatively go sick. i would

fluffygreenmonsterhoody · 09/10/2018 07:28

It sounds like if you keep working there it’ll be bad for your mental health anyway so try to see it as taking preventative measures!

And good luck with the interviews!

BolleauxtoBankers · 09/10/2018 07:31

"I can only talk about the one that went for an interview, but its was the same as the OP in that they had applied for the day off and didn't get it."

But, BoneyBack, this is not at all the same as the OP as she has not applied for leave but is thinking about calling in sick.

SinkGirl · 09/10/2018 07:31

Emergency dentist appointment? Then they couldn’t get it all done so you have to go back the next day? Then you wouldn’t have to be gone the whole two days if that’s worrying you. Depends on how far the interviews are from your current job I guess. Also gets around the danger of being spotted out and about while allegedly off sick.

Bellatrix14 · 09/10/2018 07:33

I don’t think rearranging interviews is a massive ‘no no’ (as somebody said further up the thread) unless you’ve already agreed to attend them? I’ve asked to rearrange 3 suggested times/dates for interviews because I couldn’t get the time off work, and been offered all of those particular jobs. I think companies generally appreciate the honesty of you saying that it’s slightly too short notice and attempting to schedule it for a different time.

Is there anything in your contract about time off for interviews? I work in education so I’m never allowed to book days off in term time unless it’s something medical, so when I’ve wanted to attend interviews in the past I’ve had to be honest about where I’m going. It might be the same for you if you work Monday-Friday and there are certain times if the year you can’t take leave?

Good luck with the two interviews, however you get there! Smile

LovingJackD · 09/10/2018 07:35

So many 'sick' experts on here lol! We all know the tricks! Grin

happyasasandboy · 09/10/2018 07:35

It doesn't sound like you have much choice. If they won't grant leave then there's no way to find a new job without lying.

It is things like this that make me glad to work for the Civil Service. In most cases (baring some fairly poor line management) we would discuss new roles, within or outside government, with line managers as were applying. The line manager would help you prepare for the interview and facilitate time off (to be honest if it's just nipping down to another department for a few hours you'd not have to work the hours back; it's all government after all). If you don't get the new role then the line manager is likely to discuss development needs to help you get the next one and discuss any adaptations that could be made to the current role to offer stretch/more interest etc etc. Basically just good line management and an open recognition that any job is likely just a single step in a longer, wider, career.

I love the Civil Service Grin

SnuggyBuggy · 09/10/2018 07:39

Phone in sick. Virtually everyone does it. The risk of a vague appointment is that they might ask for proof.

GeorgeTheHippo · 09/10/2018 07:48

Well it is unreasonable. But I don't see what other option you have.

MemoryOfSleep · 09/10/2018 07:51

Don't they have to allow you time out for interviews?

Crunchymum · 09/10/2018 08:00

I've never heard of a job that lets you have time off for interviews @MemoryOfSleep Shock Shock

Agree that you don't have much choice OP and given you don't get paid then it's not the worst "crime"

strawberrisc · 09/10/2018 08:05

Schools allow you time off for interviews.

LittleBookofCalm · 09/10/2018 08:07

I had time off for interviews, working for the NHS I was allowed time off

SnuggyBuggy · 09/10/2018 08:10

I think if you are being made redundant you get time off. I don't think you do normally and there is the obvious issue of wanting to keep it quiet.

zippey · 09/10/2018 08:11

If you don’t like letting people down say you have a doctors appointment, then you can go to work for most of the day.

Kemer2018 · 09/10/2018 08:15

I too am in an awful job so understand your desperation.
Call in sick or you'll not get another job. 2 interviews! Well done and good luck x x

OliviaStabler · 09/10/2018 08:16

Just make sure you are not seeing going to and from the interview and that no references are taken before you accept the job offer. Good luck!

BewareOfDragons · 09/10/2018 08:40

Schools have to allow staff off for interviews.

SparklyLeprechaun · 09/10/2018 09:20

Definitely call in sick. Companies who don't pay sick days are not worth your loyalty anyway. Good luck! (or get well soon Wink)

Original poster
Flowerypig · 09/10/2018 11:39

Thanks everyone! Sadly don’t work for civil service, nhs or a school so no chance of them willingly giving me a chance to attend an interview! My contract doesn’t mention anything about interviews and tbh isn’t worth the paper it’s written on for the amount they adhere to it 😪. Am going to be calling in sick. I will be sick with nerves anyway....so not 100% a lie! Unfortunately the interviews are not near where I work, so not really feasible to do half days...and if I claimed
Emergency dentist/ appontment they might still say no anyway.

OP posts:
JamAtkins · 09/10/2018 11:53

I did this to get my current job. I was leaving due to awkward fucker manager. I asked for leave (policy was to allow 2 off at once and nobody else was off) leave was refused. I asked to swap days with person who was off that day on the rota - manager refused even though other person was happy to swap, so I phoned in sick. I love the job I have now. There were 2 other people who left within weeks of me who also phoned in sick to escape.

NoWayNoHow · 09/10/2018 12:40

The reality of moving jobs for your bog-standard Monday - Friday 9 to 5 role is that interviews are always going to be on your work days, so rescheduling the interview just sends you round in circles.

Call in sick - if it's the first time in a year, it's not like you're taking the piss, plus they can't ask for a doctor's not unless you're off for more than 7 calendar days.

Good luck - hope you get something lovely somewhere else so you can escape! Smile

Original poster
Flowerypig · 16/10/2018 14:44

Hi! Update for you! Called in sick, had interview and got the friday one! They just offered it to me Smile

OP posts:
SnuggyBuggy · 16/10/2018 14:45

Awesome!

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