Graphic Designers are humans and not computers…clients should realize this fact. We are not machines that can run for hours ‘n’ hours with the same pace and efficiency. Even machines need rest, so why we graphic designers are blankly refused when ask a day off?? But with a Hitler like boss, unrealistic deadlines or pitiless clients, how can one ask for a day off from work? This is because you know that if you ask for a day off, several taunts and criticism will be hurled at you by your boss (or clients in case of freelancers). So what effective excuses can help you escape the realms of workplace?

Before I start on today’s subject, let me clarify that my purpose here is not to encourage graphic designers to be irregular and often take sick leaves, neglecting their important tasks. But on the contrary, these excuses will convince even the cruelest of bosses and clients, for times when you are not in a working mood and have a dangerous deadline to meet. So, whenever any of the graphic designers want to beat the heat, try any of these 7 wickedly effective excuses.

1. Kill a relative - For the 9th time:

The next time your merciless boss won’t allow you to take a leave, kill a relative of yours Not literally (god forbid) just make him/her expire for a day or two. Or even better, use an already expired relative and pass them away again. Just call in at work and say “I can’t come to work today; my grandmother/grandfather expired last night.” But beware of not using the same person at the same workplace. It may work twice or thrice, if you’re lucky, as you may get caught deceasing the same relative.

2. Fake a Faint – Heat Stroke:

Now this excuse could be a little tricky to pull off since it’s a little difficult for graphic designers to be good actors. But faking a faint is an effective excuse to save yourself from an urgent presentation boss has asked for or a meeting where he will be asking for your work update. Just when you feel you’re not up to the mark, stand up from your seat and pretend to faint in front of your colleagues. No matter how strict a boss you inherit, he/she will have to send you home and you might end up getting a paid sick leave for multiple days.

3. Come Wearing Sunglasses – Red Eye Infection:

Another neat trick to convince your boss for a day off is by coming to work wearing sunglasses. You don’t mean to impress your boss with your dashing looks here, but just a cover up for red eye infection. Tell your boss that you have caught a contagious eye virus but still you are at work to meet the deadline. Reluctantly, your manager will have to let you go and probably advise you to take the week off to recover. No matter which field you are working in, be it SEO services or Web Development, this trick will surely help if your job is to sit in front of the computer for hours.

4. Get your cousin Married – Twice in a month:

Got a close relative that has reached the age of marriage? Then it’s time for you to arrange a fake wedding for them and get a day off from work. Call your boss (or client, in case you’re working freelance) and inform them that your brother/sister/cousin is getting married today and your presence is critical as they might get cold feet. But don’t even make the mistake of inviting the boss or client in courtesy even…it may spill the beans.

5. Food Poisoning – Critical Stage:

One of the evil myths of graphic design is that its Child’s play. But the reality is that it’s not…we need a break from work as well. But you’re not getting a sick leave on a minor flu or cough? Then it’s time for you to use the more serious and grave excuse of food poisoning. At times, graphic designers are unable to finish off their projects within the deadline, maybe because of sheer procrastination. Now they must evade an angry boss or client with an excuse. Use the food poisoning reason to buy yourself a day or two off the work. Explain that your stomach is severely affected and might be in a critical state.

6. Fake a Mugging - LIVE:

One of the shrewdest of excuses for taking the day off is faking a mugging. Let me explain how this could be done in most realistic way…call your boss and keep a friend ready nearby to act like a mugger. While giving an explanation for being late, all of a sudden shout like you’re mugged and keep your mobile on so that your boss can hear the phony episode. After a while, call at work and explain the whole event in a gloomy and miserable voice. To win more pity, tell how you resisted the mugger and got hit on the head with the butt of a gun. Eventually, your boss will advise you to take the day off or maybe a week to recover from the ‘traumatic’ incident and the bump in your head.

7. Back Spasm – Work load:

Being a graphic designer, majority of your work is accomplished on the PC. Spending too much time on the computer can cause back spasms and sore necks especially for workaholic graphic designers. A day before you want a sick leave, show signs of a backache and sore neck in front of your manager so he realizes your pain. Now it all depends on how you act it out, you will easily get a trouble free day of relaxation at home.