Ever had that moment where you need to dip out of work and you’re scrambling for something to say that doesn’t sound like “I just want to go home”?

We’ve all been there.

Having a good excuse to leave work early isn’t about being deceptive – it’s about communicating your needs professionally while respecting workplace norms.

The reality is that life happens outside of work hours, and sometimes you need to handle those things during the 9-5. The trick is knowing how to excuse yourself without burning bridges or damaging trust.

Let’s break down the best ways to make your exit without making enemies.

The Best Last-Minute Excuses to Leave Work Early

Health-Related Excuses

Health issues are the gold standard of leaving work early. They’re universally understood, rarely questioned, and frankly, your health should come first anyway.

• Sudden illness: “I’ve developed a migraine and need to go home before it gets worse” or “My stomach isn’t cooperating today, I need to head out”
• Medical appointments: “My doctor had a last-minute opening to check this issue I’ve been having”
• Dental emergencies: “My tooth just chipped and my dentist can see me right away” (nobody questions dental pain – it’s too relatable)
• Mental health: “I’m not feeling mentally well today and need some time to reset”

Research shows that taking time off when you’re sick not only helps you recover faster but protects your coworkers from catching whatever you have. Win-win!

How to say it: “I’m starting to feel quite unwell and think it’s best I head home to rest. I’ve updated the team on my current tasks and can be reached by phone if anything urgent comes up.”

Family and Personal Emergencies

Family situations usually generate instant understanding because they often involve people you’re responsible for.

• Family emergency: “My sister just called with an emergency and needs my help immediately”
• Child situations: “My child’s school just called and they need to be picked up early”
• Home disasters: “My neighbor just texted that there’s water coming from under my front door”
• Pet emergencies: “My dog sitter called and my pet needs immediate vet attention”

Family caregiving responsibilities affect millions of Americans and employers are increasingly recognizing this reality.

How to say it: “I just received an urgent call about a family situation that requires my immediate attention. I’ve wrapped up my immediate tasks and will update you once things are under control.”

Transportation and Logistical Issues

Car troubles and other logistical problems make for believable excuses because they’re common and sometimes unavoidable.

• Vehicle problems: “My car is having issues and I need to get it to the mechanic before they close”
• Car accident: “I just got a call that my parked car was hit and I need to meet with insurance”
• Home services: “The plumber can only come between 3-5pm today for my emergency repair”

A AAA study shows that 1 in 3 Americans can’t afford unexpected car repairs, making this issue both common and stressful.

How to say it: “My car is making a concerning noise and the mechanic can fit me in if I leave now. I’ve completed my critical work and will be available by phone.”

Work-Related Reasons

Sometimes your best excuse is still tied to work, just not at your desk.

• Offsite work: “I need to meet with a client/partner across town”
• Remote productivity: “I have a deadline to meet and need focused time without interruptions”
• Professional development: “There’s a workshop starting at 3pm that would really benefit our team”

Remote work has increased productivity for many employees, with some studies showing up to 47% productivity increases.

How to say it: “I need to leave early to attend the industry seminar across town. I’ll be taking notes to share with the team and have arranged coverage for my afternoon responsibilities.”

How to Ask to Leave Work Early (Without the Awkwardness)

1. Be direct and brief – Don’t ramble or over-explain
2. Offer solutions – “I’ve already finished X and will complete Y tomorrow morning”
3. Express appreciation – “Thanks for understanding”
4. Follow up appropriately – If you left for an emergency, update your boss once things are stable

Remember that how you ask is almost as important as what you say. Body language that appears hesitant or guilty can undermine even the most legitimate excuse.

What NOT To Do When Leaving Work Early

• Don’t lie about serious issues – Faking a death or major illness will eventually catch up to you
• Don’t make it a habit – The best excuse loses effectiveness with repetition
• Don’t broadcast your real plans on social media – Nothing undermines trust like your boss seeing beach photos after your “emergency”
• Don’t leave critical work unfinished without a plan

The Bottom Line on Leaving Early

The best approach to leaving work early is establishing yourself as reliable first. When you consistently deliver quality work on time, occasional early departures are rarely an issue.

For remote workers, many of these traditional excuses are less relevant. Instead, focus on setting boundaries and managing expectations about your availability.

When all else fails, remember that honesty (appropriately framed) is usually the best policy. “I need to leave early for a personal matter” often suffices without elaborate explanations.

Your health, wellbeing, and life outside work matter. Sometimes that means leaving early – just do it with professionalism and respect for your workplace.