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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

I’m running late for my first day of work.

34 replies

Newnyham · 04/06/2019 08:38

I’m meant to start at 9am I’ve been on a bus for a fucking hour and I’m still 30 minutes away the traffic in Birmingham is horrific this morning.

I think I’m going to call my new boss and explain/beg forgiveness.

Please help me know what to say!

OP posts:
karala · 04/06/2019 08:40

Be factual and explain that you left at x time but because of the awful traffic you may not get in until y time - they probably know if they're travelling to work too.

Orangedaisy · 04/06/2019 08:40

Call now. Not at 9am. Offer apologies, say you’ll make up the time and know to leave longer next time. Don’t beat yourself up. If it’s truly a one off traffic thing others will no doubt be late too.

OldUnit · 04/06/2019 08:41

Just explain that the traffic on your new, unfamiliar route is much worse than expected and that you'll alloy properly for it as of tomorrow.

Lifeover · 04/06/2019 08:41

If traffic is that bad you won’t be the only one late just call and explain honestly you’re stuck in traffic ( says me sitting snuggly in the train into Birmingham).

Think the tunnel under 5ways has been closed from today for 2 years so unlikely to get better

DoyouthinkIcare · 04/06/2019 08:44

Traffic is particularly baad in parts of Birmingham because of Eid celebrations. Maybe say you didn't realise so didn't take this into account (whilst apologising).

Original poster
Newnyham · 04/06/2019 08:49

I’ve rang. New boss was fine Blush though I seriously want to just sink into the floor.

Worst.first.impression.ever.

People who know Birmingham- it took 40 minutes to get from one end of Selly High street and onto the Bristol Road. Not even close to the city centre yet.

Think I’ll get the train tomorrow Confused

OP posts:
BarbedBloom · 04/06/2019 08:49

This happened to me as the bus broke down on the motorway. I just phoned, explained what had happened, offered to make time up. It was fine and have never been late since

Original poster
Newnyham · 04/06/2019 09:00

Thankyou for the tips!

OP posts:
kateandme · 04/06/2019 09:08

good luck on your first day.dont let this bugger up everything you do.just go in there and ace it from now on.shit really does happen.

MrsEricBana · 04/06/2019 09:08

Aw you poor thing, stressful, but these things happen and you handled it just right. Hope your new job goes really well!

legolimb · 04/06/2019 09:09

You set off in plenty of time - it sounds like the traffic is abnormally busy. I am certain that you won't be the only one in late today.

Hope your first day goes well.

PeoniesarePink · 04/06/2019 09:16

Go in composed, apologise once and then let it go.

And do offer to make the time up.

If you act professional, it will be fine.

Sparklfairy · 04/06/2019 09:17

My first day at a new job might make you feel a bit better.

The Friday night before my then boyfriend and I went to ministry of sound. I gave my debit card and oyster card to bf to put in his wallet so I didn't have to check a handbag. Hungover all weekend and didn't go out.

Monday morning, get to the tube station and realise my oyster card isn't in my purse. No cash and no debit card! Frantically ring bf asking him to grab both and run down to station (20 min walk) and I'd meet him halfway to save time. HE REFUSED AS STILL IN BED AND TIRED Angry suggested I beg my way onto the train!!

Luckily a very kind member of staff did let me through, but warned I may not be let through at the other end!! Stressed the entire train journey but again so so luckily, I was allowed through (phew).

At work, it was the Monday morning meeting and us new starters had to introduce ourselves with a 'fun fact'. I simply relayed the mornings events which broke the ice and mutterings of 'your bf is a bellend' which made me feel better Grin

Needless to say, bf was dumped soon after!

VanillaSugarr · 04/06/2019 09:23

I once got into work and went to the loo. There was a poor girl in there who was frantically washing her hair and she tried to dry it using the hand dryer. It was her first day and this is what happened: she was walking down the street when someone opened a window in an upstairs office , leaned out and was sick all over her head.

Absolutely true story (it was the Daily Telegraph building in Fleet Street before they moved to Wapping).

(Bloody journos)

crazycrofter · 04/06/2019 09:25

Definitely get the train if you live in Selly Oak!

I've been taking the train to work in Birmingham for 19 years - I would never use the bus, it's much slower! The Cross City train line is generally reliable, especially in the morning.

Good luck for your first day!

Mari50 · 04/06/2019 09:36

I was 3/4 of an hour late on the first day of a job, they were just happy that I turned up eventually to be honest!

FurrySlipperBoots · 04/06/2019 09:38

I didn't make it in at all the first week of one of my jobs! It'd snowed and my poor little vauxhall corsa couldn't cope on the ungritted country roads.

Lots of luck in the new job OP! Hope you end up having a great day!

IABUQueen · 04/06/2019 09:47

So it’s Eid today. (End of Ramadan) Birmingham has a huge population of Muslims who are required to all go to prayer at 8 am and take their kids and greet their community members..

I’d guess this is why the buses are over crowded today. It coincided with rush hour.

Say that to your boss. I think you just got unlucky as today isn’t the usual for Birmingham.

Kungfupanda67 · 04/06/2019 09:48

I once got into work and went to the loo. There was a poor girl in there who was frantically washing her hair and she tried to dry it using the hand dryer. It was her first day and this is what happened: she was walking down the street when someone opened a window in an upstairs office , leaned out and was sick all over her head.

😂😂😂😂

nornironrock · 04/06/2019 09:52

I spent the first four days of a new job in intensive care after contracting malaria.

That was a rough first day.

ChardonnaysPrettySister · 04/06/2019 10:08

Would it be quicker if you walk?

Sorry, I don't know Birmingham at all.

GoodbyeRosie · 04/06/2019 10:19

A girl I was meeting for her first day turned up looking a little groggy.

I asked her if she was OK, and she explained that actually, she was in a bit of pain..she had cut her herself and subsequently had the dreaded red line snaking up her arm.

She knew it was serious, but didn't want to miss her first day.

I advised her that septicaemia tended to be reasonably serious, and she should go immediately to A&E, and whilst I appreciated her diligence, the job probably wasn't worth risking her life for.

StealthPolarBear · 04/06/2019 10:21

I missed my first day at a new job as I was sick. Embarrasily it was the first day back after New year so I was stressed they'd all think I was hungover.
It was all fine and I was there for seven years promoted twice :)

AdoraBell · 04/06/2019 10:38

I’m late here, but definitely being factual about the time you left and the traffic problem is the best thing.

Hope your first day is going well.

munchbunch12 · 04/06/2019 10:49

Agree with PP, get the train next time. Whilst the Cross City Line isn't perfect, it's much quicker and more reliable than the buses. If I commute by train it takes about 25 minutes, if I use the bus it's well over an hour. Bristol road South is a nightmare!