AIBU to ask for help writing this email?

[LegendaryGlitter]

I have fucked up massively. I was supposed to be starting a two week long internship today (unpaid) and have completely for forgot, put it in my diary for next month by mistake. I suffer from anxiety at the best of times. But now it is out if control at my mistake. What do I write in the email?

Why can't you go?

100% go if you can.

If you can’t for a good reason, call them the moment they open.

If you can, just get up and go. You will feel so proud of yourself later. Life throws curveballs like this - and if you can learn to take them in your stride it’s a great skill. Everyone fucks up from time to time!

I’d be moving hell and high water to clear whatever else and do the internship, even if I can’t start today and have to start in a day or two. I’d apologise profusely to the company and see if they could be flexible on the start date.

if that’s not possible, then just own up- but I’d expect to not be able to do the internship at all in that case.

Sorry though OP, everyone makes mistakes but this would send my anxiety through the roof too.

Can't you go?

I haven't heard from them for 2 months despite the last I heard was they would be in touch nearer the time, hence not realising the mistake in my diary I think. I accepted a full time and I am in work. I should have cancelled but I've had such going on with DS, becoming a part time carer for a family member and other personal stuff. I can't believe I've forgot, I'm such an idiot. I haven't even booked childcare so I can't attend.

Given your update perhaps the simplest course of action would be to wait for them to contact you!
That way you can say “Well, you said you’d contact me nearer the time and I hadn’t heard anything”. You could then explain that you can’t just drop everything at at a moment’s notice and they may offer to reschedule the internship if you’re lucky. You don’t have to mention your mistake over the timing.
If they don’t contact you, perhaps they are not a company you want anything to do with because they are unreliable.

It sounds as if this isn't the right time for you to be taking this on.
So just write a simple email that is honest and apologetic.

Dear company
I am due to start as x today. I am sorry to let you down at the last minute but I realise that I am unable to start today. I have so many commitments that I cannot give this internship my full attention at the moment and would not want to let you down further by not performing to my best ability.
I do appreciate you having given me this opportunity.
Yours etc

I have signed the paperwork though, so I'm guessing they assume I'm going. But the last I heard from anyone was earlier April, so maybe they have forgotten too? I don't know. I honestly feel ill.

If it's a two week unpaid role doing essentially work experience, I don't think they'll mind anyway. Someone will probably be relieved they don't have to look after you! And I'm sure they'll understand that accepting a paid role as you've done must come before an unpaid role.

If you're already working full time, don't you have childcare organised for that?

Just tell the truth - mix up over start date and you've now secured a full time job so won't be joining them.

If you really can't go then "Please accept my apologies for the short notice, but unfortunately I am not going to be available to attend the internship as agreed. I have short term commitments as a carer, which have arisen unexpectedly and which mean I am temporarily unavailable. I remain interested in the opportunity, and if possible would appreciate if alternative dates could be arranged. Once again, my sincere apologies for the inconvenience."