Family emergency and I can't attend work tomorrow morning The 2019 Stack Overflow Developer...

Match Roman Numerals

Are there any other methods to apply to solving simultaneous equations?

How to notate time signature switching consistently every measure

What does Linus Torvalds mean when he says that Git "never ever" tracks a file?

Is it okay to consider publishing in my first year of PhD?

If my opponent casts Ultimate Price on my Phantasmal Bear, can I save it by casting Snap or Curfew?

How to support a colleague who finds meetings extremely tiring?

Why doesn't UInt have a toDouble()?

Short story: child made less intelligent and less attractive

How do you keep chess fun when your opponent constantly beats you?

Can an undergraduate be advised by a professor who is very far away?

Will it cause any balance problems to have PCs level up and gain the benefits of a long rest mid-fight?

I am an eight letter word. What am I?

Button changing its text & action. Good or terrible?

Keeping a retro style to sci-fi spaceships?

Deal with toxic manager when you can't quit

Why didn't the Event Horizon Telescope team mention Sagittarius A*?

Geography at the pixel level

How to charge AirPods to keep battery healthy?

Did the UK government pay "millions and millions of dollars" to try to snag Julian Assange?

What do these terms in Caesar's Gallic Wars mean?

The phrase "to the numbers born"?

How much of the clove should I use when using big garlic heads?

Is it ethical to upload a automatically generated paper to a non peer-reviewed site as part of a larger research?



Family emergency and I can't attend work tomorrow morning



The 2019 Stack Overflow Developer Survey Results Are InTaking time off to deal with a family emergencyWhat is different about how references work between Germany and UK/Ireland? My ex-manager doesn't want to give me a reference and I don't understandShould I tell on my colleague for not keeping to assigned work-hours and abusing work-hours as break time?I'm a freelancer and my boss fired me without real reason. How can I secure my work?Am I as an apprentice required to take my work-laptop with me after work and be on demand?Negotiating with a difficult company offering less than the market rate and trying to invalidate my previous work experience





.everyoneloves__top-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__mid-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__bot-mid-leaderboard:empty{ margin-bottom:0;
}







49
















  • My fiancée is pregnant.

  • She lives 1500 km away from me, in another country, in a low-developed region where public transport is slow.

  • I did not talk with her for 3 days. It was my mistake. She became shocked and now she wants to abort the child.

  • I am currently on a train, traveling to her.

  • Tomorrow morning I am supposed to go to work, as usual. I won't be able to. (It is now Sunday evening where I work.)

  • I am almost certain I will be unable to work on both Monday and Tuesday.


I work for a small company in Germany. I've worked here for some years, longer than most employees. There is no guarantee that I won't lose my job over an unexpected absence like this. The company seems more tolerant than average for such events, but their patience surely has a limit. I feel I am near this limit.



Being in the IT department, I could work also remotely, even on the train. This is not the custom of the company, and I would need a manager's approval.



How should I minimise my chances of losing my job and lose the least possible respect of my bosses?



Would it be better if I explain this situation? This personal problem probably looks quite different through the eyes of my boss.










share|improve this question




















  • 96





    "And feel I near this limit now" why do you feel that way? It seems this is a one-time occurrence for you, what else happened that you think they reached a "limit"?

    – nvoigt
    Apr 8 at 5:25






  • 6





    (With a reason, communicated properly) Why not showing up at work will cause you lose your job? That's what extreme.

    – Sourav Ghosh
    Apr 8 at 5:27








  • 16





    I suspect you aren't using "Bride" quite correctly. "Bride" usually refers to a woman who is currently in the process of getting married. "Wife" is a woman who is married. "Engaged" is someone who is going to get married. "My Wife" refers to someone who is married to you; "My Bride" is someone you are currently getting married to. (the exact period over which you are "getting married" as opposed to "being married" is fuzzy, admittedly)

    – Yakk
    Apr 8 at 14:13








  • 3





    @nvoigt I am not married, I am about to be married. Thus, I could not refer an existing marriage, part of the problem was that she did not see the clear road to our wedding, while she is also pregnant. In her eye: she is pregnant, we talked about marriage but no exact timeline, father is 1500 km away, and then he does not talk to her 3 days long. It is logical that she became shocked, I should have seen that. We have a wedding timeline now and she seems to be okay, but it required me in persona to calm down she.

    – Gray Sheep
    2 days ago






  • 5





    @PaulK Light positive, he asked how things are going. I don't know, if any long-term consequence will follow, probably not, but I can't predict it yet.

    – Gray Sheep
    yesterday


















49
















  • My fiancée is pregnant.

  • She lives 1500 km away from me, in another country, in a low-developed region where public transport is slow.

  • I did not talk with her for 3 days. It was my mistake. She became shocked and now she wants to abort the child.

  • I am currently on a train, traveling to her.

  • Tomorrow morning I am supposed to go to work, as usual. I won't be able to. (It is now Sunday evening where I work.)

  • I am almost certain I will be unable to work on both Monday and Tuesday.


I work for a small company in Germany. I've worked here for some years, longer than most employees. There is no guarantee that I won't lose my job over an unexpected absence like this. The company seems more tolerant than average for such events, but their patience surely has a limit. I feel I am near this limit.



Being in the IT department, I could work also remotely, even on the train. This is not the custom of the company, and I would need a manager's approval.



How should I minimise my chances of losing my job and lose the least possible respect of my bosses?



Would it be better if I explain this situation? This personal problem probably looks quite different through the eyes of my boss.










share|improve this question




















  • 96





    "And feel I near this limit now" why do you feel that way? It seems this is a one-time occurrence for you, what else happened that you think they reached a "limit"?

    – nvoigt
    Apr 8 at 5:25






  • 6





    (With a reason, communicated properly) Why not showing up at work will cause you lose your job? That's what extreme.

    – Sourav Ghosh
    Apr 8 at 5:27








  • 16





    I suspect you aren't using "Bride" quite correctly. "Bride" usually refers to a woman who is currently in the process of getting married. "Wife" is a woman who is married. "Engaged" is someone who is going to get married. "My Wife" refers to someone who is married to you; "My Bride" is someone you are currently getting married to. (the exact period over which you are "getting married" as opposed to "being married" is fuzzy, admittedly)

    – Yakk
    Apr 8 at 14:13








  • 3





    @nvoigt I am not married, I am about to be married. Thus, I could not refer an existing marriage, part of the problem was that she did not see the clear road to our wedding, while she is also pregnant. In her eye: she is pregnant, we talked about marriage but no exact timeline, father is 1500 km away, and then he does not talk to her 3 days long. It is logical that she became shocked, I should have seen that. We have a wedding timeline now and she seems to be okay, but it required me in persona to calm down she.

    – Gray Sheep
    2 days ago






  • 5





    @PaulK Light positive, he asked how things are going. I don't know, if any long-term consequence will follow, probably not, but I can't predict it yet.

    – Gray Sheep
    yesterday














49












49








49


5







  • My fiancée is pregnant.

  • She lives 1500 km away from me, in another country, in a low-developed region where public transport is slow.

  • I did not talk with her for 3 days. It was my mistake. She became shocked and now she wants to abort the child.

  • I am currently on a train, traveling to her.

  • Tomorrow morning I am supposed to go to work, as usual. I won't be able to. (It is now Sunday evening where I work.)

  • I am almost certain I will be unable to work on both Monday and Tuesday.


I work for a small company in Germany. I've worked here for some years, longer than most employees. There is no guarantee that I won't lose my job over an unexpected absence like this. The company seems more tolerant than average for such events, but their patience surely has a limit. I feel I am near this limit.



Being in the IT department, I could work also remotely, even on the train. This is not the custom of the company, and I would need a manager's approval.



How should I minimise my chances of losing my job and lose the least possible respect of my bosses?



Would it be better if I explain this situation? This personal problem probably looks quite different through the eyes of my boss.










share|improve this question

















  • My fiancée is pregnant.

  • She lives 1500 km away from me, in another country, in a low-developed region where public transport is slow.

  • I did not talk with her for 3 days. It was my mistake. She became shocked and now she wants to abort the child.

  • I am currently on a train, traveling to her.

  • Tomorrow morning I am supposed to go to work, as usual. I won't be able to. (It is now Sunday evening where I work.)

  • I am almost certain I will be unable to work on both Monday and Tuesday.


I work for a small company in Germany. I've worked here for some years, longer than most employees. There is no guarantee that I won't lose my job over an unexpected absence like this. The company seems more tolerant than average for such events, but their patience surely has a limit. I feel I am near this limit.



Being in the IT department, I could work also remotely, even on the train. This is not the custom of the company, and I would need a manager's approval.



How should I minimise my chances of losing my job and lose the least possible respect of my bosses?



Would it be better if I explain this situation? This personal problem probably looks quite different through the eyes of my boss.







germany leave-of-absence personal-problems






share|improve this question















share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited yesterday









David K

24.6k1685126




24.6k1685126










asked Apr 7 at 20:45









Gray SheepGray Sheep

1,99841427




1,99841427








  • 96





    "And feel I near this limit now" why do you feel that way? It seems this is a one-time occurrence for you, what else happened that you think they reached a "limit"?

    – nvoigt
    Apr 8 at 5:25






  • 6





    (With a reason, communicated properly) Why not showing up at work will cause you lose your job? That's what extreme.

    – Sourav Ghosh
    Apr 8 at 5:27








  • 16





    I suspect you aren't using "Bride" quite correctly. "Bride" usually refers to a woman who is currently in the process of getting married. "Wife" is a woman who is married. "Engaged" is someone who is going to get married. "My Wife" refers to someone who is married to you; "My Bride" is someone you are currently getting married to. (the exact period over which you are "getting married" as opposed to "being married" is fuzzy, admittedly)

    – Yakk
    Apr 8 at 14:13








  • 3





    @nvoigt I am not married, I am about to be married. Thus, I could not refer an existing marriage, part of the problem was that she did not see the clear road to our wedding, while she is also pregnant. In her eye: she is pregnant, we talked about marriage but no exact timeline, father is 1500 km away, and then he does not talk to her 3 days long. It is logical that she became shocked, I should have seen that. We have a wedding timeline now and she seems to be okay, but it required me in persona to calm down she.

    – Gray Sheep
    2 days ago






  • 5





    @PaulK Light positive, he asked how things are going. I don't know, if any long-term consequence will follow, probably not, but I can't predict it yet.

    – Gray Sheep
    yesterday














  • 96





    "And feel I near this limit now" why do you feel that way? It seems this is a one-time occurrence for you, what else happened that you think they reached a "limit"?

    – nvoigt
    Apr 8 at 5:25






  • 6





    (With a reason, communicated properly) Why not showing up at work will cause you lose your job? That's what extreme.

    – Sourav Ghosh
    Apr 8 at 5:27








  • 16





    I suspect you aren't using "Bride" quite correctly. "Bride" usually refers to a woman who is currently in the process of getting married. "Wife" is a woman who is married. "Engaged" is someone who is going to get married. "My Wife" refers to someone who is married to you; "My Bride" is someone you are currently getting married to. (the exact period over which you are "getting married" as opposed to "being married" is fuzzy, admittedly)

    – Yakk
    Apr 8 at 14:13








  • 3





    @nvoigt I am not married, I am about to be married. Thus, I could not refer an existing marriage, part of the problem was that she did not see the clear road to our wedding, while she is also pregnant. In her eye: she is pregnant, we talked about marriage but no exact timeline, father is 1500 km away, and then he does not talk to her 3 days long. It is logical that she became shocked, I should have seen that. We have a wedding timeline now and she seems to be okay, but it required me in persona to calm down she.

    – Gray Sheep
    2 days ago






  • 5





    @PaulK Light positive, he asked how things are going. I don't know, if any long-term consequence will follow, probably not, but I can't predict it yet.

    – Gray Sheep
    yesterday








96




96





"And feel I near this limit now" why do you feel that way? It seems this is a one-time occurrence for you, what else happened that you think they reached a "limit"?

– nvoigt
Apr 8 at 5:25





"And feel I near this limit now" why do you feel that way? It seems this is a one-time occurrence for you, what else happened that you think they reached a "limit"?

– nvoigt
Apr 8 at 5:25




6




6





(With a reason, communicated properly) Why not showing up at work will cause you lose your job? That's what extreme.

– Sourav Ghosh
Apr 8 at 5:27







(With a reason, communicated properly) Why not showing up at work will cause you lose your job? That's what extreme.

– Sourav Ghosh
Apr 8 at 5:27






16




16





I suspect you aren't using "Bride" quite correctly. "Bride" usually refers to a woman who is currently in the process of getting married. "Wife" is a woman who is married. "Engaged" is someone who is going to get married. "My Wife" refers to someone who is married to you; "My Bride" is someone you are currently getting married to. (the exact period over which you are "getting married" as opposed to "being married" is fuzzy, admittedly)

– Yakk
Apr 8 at 14:13







I suspect you aren't using "Bride" quite correctly. "Bride" usually refers to a woman who is currently in the process of getting married. "Wife" is a woman who is married. "Engaged" is someone who is going to get married. "My Wife" refers to someone who is married to you; "My Bride" is someone you are currently getting married to. (the exact period over which you are "getting married" as opposed to "being married" is fuzzy, admittedly)

– Yakk
Apr 8 at 14:13






3




3





@nvoigt I am not married, I am about to be married. Thus, I could not refer an existing marriage, part of the problem was that she did not see the clear road to our wedding, while she is also pregnant. In her eye: she is pregnant, we talked about marriage but no exact timeline, father is 1500 km away, and then he does not talk to her 3 days long. It is logical that she became shocked, I should have seen that. We have a wedding timeline now and she seems to be okay, but it required me in persona to calm down she.

– Gray Sheep
2 days ago





@nvoigt I am not married, I am about to be married. Thus, I could not refer an existing marriage, part of the problem was that she did not see the clear road to our wedding, while she is also pregnant. In her eye: she is pregnant, we talked about marriage but no exact timeline, father is 1500 km away, and then he does not talk to her 3 days long. It is logical that she became shocked, I should have seen that. We have a wedding timeline now and she seems to be okay, but it required me in persona to calm down she.

– Gray Sheep
2 days ago




5




5





@PaulK Light positive, he asked how things are going. I don't know, if any long-term consequence will follow, probably not, but I can't predict it yet.

– Gray Sheep
yesterday





@PaulK Light positive, he asked how things are going. I don't know, if any long-term consequence will follow, probably not, but I can't predict it yet.

– Gray Sheep
yesterday










6 Answers
6






active

oldest

votes


















230















How to maximize my chance to not lose my job and to lose the least
possible respect by my bosses?




Call as soon as you can get through.



Tell your boss that a family emergency came up and you won't be there Monday or Tuesday.



Good luck.






share|improve this answer
























  • Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.

    – Mister Positive
    yesterday



















61















  • contact your manager/boss by email/text. Tell him that there is a personal situation which requires your presence with your bride


  • call him/her in the morning



Don't be too specific on the details. If you don't ask for such things very often, then I would hope for the best.






share|improve this answer





















  • 6





    I doubt "don't be too specific on the details" is a good recommendation. I would say the opposite: be open about the situation.

    – Tero Lahtinen
    Apr 8 at 6:59






  • 100





    The boss will almost certainly ask the question "when will you be back at work." Think about the answer to that before you start the phone call!

    – alephzero
    Apr 8 at 10:18






  • 5





    @kapex I see your point, but if the boss is likely not to understand the situation, I think she would also not understand the "Family emergency. Period." -approach any better.

    – Tero Lahtinen
    Apr 8 at 12:55






  • 12





    There is definitely a lot of options between giving the boss every detail and "Family emergency. Period." Something like "I had a family emergency come up with my fiance so I will be out of the office until at least Wednesday and possibly not until Friday", which give a little more detail, is much more personable, but doesn't go into the fine details of what is going on for the OP

    – Kevin Wells
    Apr 8 at 16:16






  • 3





    In addition to @alphazero: Think about the answer before you start the phone call AND provide a realistic prognosis. Dont call on Monday to say you will be there on Wednesday, than call Tuesday night to say you will be there on Thursday, and so on...

    – Ivana
    2 days ago





















23














The answers so far address the personal angle. Definitely call and explain (leaving out whatever personal details you wish).



From a legal perspective, google "Abwesenheit aus wichtigem persönlichen Grund" or similar phrases. Sadly, I'm in Austria right now and Google forces links related to Austrian law on me, but I remember from my time in Germany that this exists in German employee law as well.



IANAL but I have legal training and from my experience you should be legally in the clear. Another common use for this rule is people staying at home if their child is sick and the other parent can't take care of it (e.g. both parents are working).



Definitely do not falsely claim that you are sick. That would be grounds for an immediate termination if your lie is uncovered.






share|improve this answer
























  • Did you try adding "Germany" (or rather, "Deutschland") to your search?

    – jpmc26
    2 days ago











  • It had been far more dangerous than saying the truth. (I said the truth.)

    – Gray Sheep
    yesterday











  • @jpmc26 yes, I tried adding "Deutschland" and it still gave me links to Austrian law. Probably there's a way around it, but I didn't find it quickly.

    – Tom
    yesterday



















16














I live and work in Germany, and have been both boss and employee.



I would say that the best way to proceed depends on your boss. Every country is like this, but there is certainly still some xenophobia in Germany.



If your boss is friendly towards foreigners, then I would give him full disclosure. Tell him exactly what is going on.



If your boss is generally somebody that looks down on foreigners, then I would give him/her as little information as possible. Giving him information, such as the fact that you have a bride in another country will just fuel his/her fire, and give him more reason to dislike the situation. In this case, just say that you have an extremely important life or death family matter that must be dealt with immediately. In this case, we mean life or death of the baby, but do not tell the boss that. If he presses for details, I would just say that, "I would prefer not to discuss it." No respectable person would press you for more details. If he forces you to give a valid excuse, then I would tell him that you would be glad to talk to HR about the situation. I can't see how a boss needs to know about your personal situation.






share|improve this answer





















  • 15





    Not sure this is relevant. Wife is living 1500km away, but that doesn't necessarily imply that OP is not German. In any case, he didn't mention any concern about possible xenophobia from his boss.

    – dim
    Apr 8 at 8:11






  • 4





    You are right. I just assumed this to be the case.

    – bremen_matt
    Apr 8 at 8:13






  • 3





    In any case, his hesitance toward just telling his boss seems to imply to me that he thinks that his boss will not take this well

    – bremen_matt
    Apr 8 at 8:14






  • 7





    Then, again: the employee might still have Ukrain roots, be a russion speaker or whatever. German xenophobs recently came up with the word Passdeutscher meaning soemone is german because their passport says so, Not because of their bloodline/origin.

    – Bernhard Döbler
    Apr 8 at 8:57






  • 2





    @dim He's "from a small Middle European country, not far away from Transsylvania", so most likely not German.

    – Martin Schröder
    Apr 8 at 12:46



















9














Putting some existing answers together in a more verbatim manner.




"Dear [Bossname],



Due to an unfortunate family event, involving my pregnant fiancée
living in [Neverneverland], I will be unable to be at [Workplace City]
in person this [Monday].



Currently, I am on my way to [Neverneverland]. I will be able to work
remotely for [Doomsday] and [Damsday]. As for the time since
[Thenday], I am not sure if I will be able to work. I will keep you
informed. Please count these days as my paid leave, if it will not
work out. I plan to be back by [Monday next week], but cannot say for
sure at the moment.



I apologise deeply for this sudden and unexpected leave, but the
situation is urgent. I will be available by phone and email today and
on [Doomsday]. From [Damsday] onward I am in [Neverneverland] and
would be available per email and [Telegraph] chat only. I apologise
again for the inconvenience.



Best regards,



John Doe"






On a separate notice I wish OP good luck and an understanding from his employer.






share|improve this answer










New contributor




Oleg Lobachev is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.




























    4














    Already a bit late, but at the companies where I have worked this would be handled by calling the immediate superior and asking for a day off or two (Gleitzeit/Urlaub) because of a family emergency. HR and higher management would not even know that something unusual happened. However, if your company is very small, things might work differently.



    Many German employees can also take sick leave for up to three days without seeing the doctor. But I would not recommend that in this case, as employers take that very seriously and some coworkers do not really like that either.



    Even if your employer thinks that "troublesome girlfriend" is not a valid excuse for missing work, you might still just get a Abmahnung (kind of a last warning) instead of firing you. But that obviously depends a lot on your boss.



    P.S. a short google search suggests that an Abmahnung is indeed mandatory before firing someone for missing work. I any case, I would still strongly suggest to try to solve this without getting an Abmahnung.






    share|improve this answer


























    • Note that the three sick days count calendar days, so that only allows him Monday.

      – Martin Schröder
      Apr 8 at 12:47






    • 1





      No. Three calendar days means that if he gets sick on Friday, he has to see the doctor on Monday. If he gets sick on Monday, he has to see the doctor on Thursday. But as said, this is not what I would recommend anyway.

      – Jan
      Apr 8 at 14:22






    • 2





      "Many German employees can also take sick leave for up to three days without seeing the doctor." Faking an illness can be grounds for immediate termination (Fristlose Kuendigung), so yeah that sounds like a less than brilliant plan indeed.

      – Voo
      Apr 8 at 21:53













    • @Voo OP's situation causes a lot of tension and stress on him, which could/does affect his ability to work. I'd say that qualifies for a sick leave for psychological reasons. And I know there are general practitioners in Germany that certify the incapacity for work.

      – Arsak
      2 days ago











    • I would still be careful with this. I personally would do this only if a) I am convinced I am unfit for work, b) I am convinced I can convince my boss I am unfit for work, or c) the choice is between potential termination if I get caught and certain termination if I have no excuse for not showing up to work (e.g. after a prior formal warning). I am not sure any of these apply here, thus "not recommended".

      – Jan
      2 days ago












    Your Answer








    StackExchange.ready(function() {
    var channelOptions = {
    tags: "".split(" "),
    id: "423"
    };
    initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);

    StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function() {
    // Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
    if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled) {
    StackExchange.using("snippets", function() {
    createEditor();
    });
    }
    else {
    createEditor();
    }
    });

    function createEditor() {
    StackExchange.prepareEditor({
    heartbeatType: 'answer',
    autoActivateHeartbeat: false,
    convertImagesToLinks: false,
    noModals: true,
    showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
    reputationToPostImages: null,
    bindNavPrevention: true,
    postfix: "",
    imageUploader: {
    brandingHtml: "Powered by u003ca class="icon-imgur-white" href="https://imgur.com/"u003eu003c/au003e",
    contentPolicyHtml: "User contributions licensed under u003ca href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/"u003ecc by-sa 3.0 with attribution requiredu003c/au003e u003ca href="https://stackoverflow.com/legal/content-policy"u003e(content policy)u003c/au003e",
    allowUrls: true
    },
    noCode: true, onDemand: false,
    discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
    ,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
    });


    }
    });














    draft saved

    draft discarded


















    StackExchange.ready(
    function () {
    StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fworkplace.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f133439%2ffamily-emergency-and-i-cant-attend-work-tomorrow-morning%23new-answer', 'question_page');
    }
    );

    Post as a guest















    Required, but never shown




















    StackExchange.ready(function () {
    $("#show-editor-button input, #show-editor-button button").click(function () {
    var showEditor = function() {
    $("#show-editor-button").hide();
    $("#post-form").removeClass("dno");
    StackExchange.editor.finallyInit();
    };

    var useFancy = $(this).data('confirm-use-fancy');
    if(useFancy == 'True') {
    var popupTitle = $(this).data('confirm-fancy-title');
    var popupBody = $(this).data('confirm-fancy-body');
    var popupAccept = $(this).data('confirm-fancy-accept-button');

    $(this).loadPopup({
    url: '/post/self-answer-popup',
    loaded: function(popup) {
    var pTitle = $(popup).find('h2');
    var pBody = $(popup).find('.popup-body');
    var pSubmit = $(popup).find('.popup-submit');

    pTitle.text(popupTitle);
    pBody.html(popupBody);
    pSubmit.val(popupAccept).click(showEditor);
    }
    })
    } else{
    var confirmText = $(this).data('confirm-text');
    if (confirmText ? confirm(confirmText) : true) {
    showEditor();
    }
    }
    });
    });






    6 Answers
    6






    active

    oldest

    votes








    6 Answers
    6






    active

    oldest

    votes









    active

    oldest

    votes






    active

    oldest

    votes









    230















    How to maximize my chance to not lose my job and to lose the least
    possible respect by my bosses?




    Call as soon as you can get through.



    Tell your boss that a family emergency came up and you won't be there Monday or Tuesday.



    Good luck.






    share|improve this answer
























    • Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.

      – Mister Positive
      yesterday
















    230















    How to maximize my chance to not lose my job and to lose the least
    possible respect by my bosses?




    Call as soon as you can get through.



    Tell your boss that a family emergency came up and you won't be there Monday or Tuesday.



    Good luck.






    share|improve this answer
























    • Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.

      – Mister Positive
      yesterday














    230












    230








    230








    How to maximize my chance to not lose my job and to lose the least
    possible respect by my bosses?




    Call as soon as you can get through.



    Tell your boss that a family emergency came up and you won't be there Monday or Tuesday.



    Good luck.






    share|improve this answer














    How to maximize my chance to not lose my job and to lose the least
    possible respect by my bosses?




    Call as soon as you can get through.



    Tell your boss that a family emergency came up and you won't be there Monday or Tuesday.



    Good luck.







    share|improve this answer












    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer










    answered Apr 7 at 20:58









    Joe StrazzereJoe Strazzere

    255k1317391052




    255k1317391052













    • Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.

      – Mister Positive
      yesterday



















    • Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.

      – Mister Positive
      yesterday

















    Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.

    – Mister Positive
    yesterday





    Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.

    – Mister Positive
    yesterday













    61















    • contact your manager/boss by email/text. Tell him that there is a personal situation which requires your presence with your bride


    • call him/her in the morning



    Don't be too specific on the details. If you don't ask for such things very often, then I would hope for the best.






    share|improve this answer





















    • 6





      I doubt "don't be too specific on the details" is a good recommendation. I would say the opposite: be open about the situation.

      – Tero Lahtinen
      Apr 8 at 6:59






    • 100





      The boss will almost certainly ask the question "when will you be back at work." Think about the answer to that before you start the phone call!

      – alephzero
      Apr 8 at 10:18






    • 5





      @kapex I see your point, but if the boss is likely not to understand the situation, I think she would also not understand the "Family emergency. Period." -approach any better.

      – Tero Lahtinen
      Apr 8 at 12:55






    • 12





      There is definitely a lot of options between giving the boss every detail and "Family emergency. Period." Something like "I had a family emergency come up with my fiance so I will be out of the office until at least Wednesday and possibly not until Friday", which give a little more detail, is much more personable, but doesn't go into the fine details of what is going on for the OP

      – Kevin Wells
      Apr 8 at 16:16






    • 3





      In addition to @alphazero: Think about the answer before you start the phone call AND provide a realistic prognosis. Dont call on Monday to say you will be there on Wednesday, than call Tuesday night to say you will be there on Thursday, and so on...

      – Ivana
      2 days ago


















    61















    • contact your manager/boss by email/text. Tell him that there is a personal situation which requires your presence with your bride


    • call him/her in the morning



    Don't be too specific on the details. If you don't ask for such things very often, then I would hope for the best.






    share|improve this answer





















    • 6





      I doubt "don't be too specific on the details" is a good recommendation. I would say the opposite: be open about the situation.

      – Tero Lahtinen
      Apr 8 at 6:59






    • 100





      The boss will almost certainly ask the question "when will you be back at work." Think about the answer to that before you start the phone call!

      – alephzero
      Apr 8 at 10:18






    • 5





      @kapex I see your point, but if the boss is likely not to understand the situation, I think she would also not understand the "Family emergency. Period." -approach any better.

      – Tero Lahtinen
      Apr 8 at 12:55






    • 12





      There is definitely a lot of options between giving the boss every detail and "Family emergency. Period." Something like "I had a family emergency come up with my fiance so I will be out of the office until at least Wednesday and possibly not until Friday", which give a little more detail, is much more personable, but doesn't go into the fine details of what is going on for the OP

      – Kevin Wells
      Apr 8 at 16:16






    • 3





      In addition to @alphazero: Think about the answer before you start the phone call AND provide a realistic prognosis. Dont call on Monday to say you will be there on Wednesday, than call Tuesday night to say you will be there on Thursday, and so on...

      – Ivana
      2 days ago
















    61












    61








    61








    • contact your manager/boss by email/text. Tell him that there is a personal situation which requires your presence with your bride


    • call him/her in the morning



    Don't be too specific on the details. If you don't ask for such things very often, then I would hope for the best.






    share|improve this answer
















    • contact your manager/boss by email/text. Tell him that there is a personal situation which requires your presence with your bride


    • call him/her in the morning



    Don't be too specific on the details. If you don't ask for such things very often, then I would hope for the best.







    share|improve this answer














    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer








    edited Apr 8 at 16:00









    user87779

    10525




    10525










    answered Apr 7 at 23:17









    SaschaSascha

    8,61721739




    8,61721739








    • 6





      I doubt "don't be too specific on the details" is a good recommendation. I would say the opposite: be open about the situation.

      – Tero Lahtinen
      Apr 8 at 6:59






    • 100





      The boss will almost certainly ask the question "when will you be back at work." Think about the answer to that before you start the phone call!

      – alephzero
      Apr 8 at 10:18






    • 5





      @kapex I see your point, but if the boss is likely not to understand the situation, I think she would also not understand the "Family emergency. Period." -approach any better.

      – Tero Lahtinen
      Apr 8 at 12:55






    • 12





      There is definitely a lot of options between giving the boss every detail and "Family emergency. Period." Something like "I had a family emergency come up with my fiance so I will be out of the office until at least Wednesday and possibly not until Friday", which give a little more detail, is much more personable, but doesn't go into the fine details of what is going on for the OP

      – Kevin Wells
      Apr 8 at 16:16






    • 3





      In addition to @alphazero: Think about the answer before you start the phone call AND provide a realistic prognosis. Dont call on Monday to say you will be there on Wednesday, than call Tuesday night to say you will be there on Thursday, and so on...

      – Ivana
      2 days ago
















    • 6





      I doubt "don't be too specific on the details" is a good recommendation. I would say the opposite: be open about the situation.

      – Tero Lahtinen
      Apr 8 at 6:59






    • 100





      The boss will almost certainly ask the question "when will you be back at work." Think about the answer to that before you start the phone call!

      – alephzero
      Apr 8 at 10:18






    • 5





      @kapex I see your point, but if the boss is likely not to understand the situation, I think she would also not understand the "Family emergency. Period." -approach any better.

      – Tero Lahtinen
      Apr 8 at 12:55






    • 12





      There is definitely a lot of options between giving the boss every detail and "Family emergency. Period." Something like "I had a family emergency come up with my fiance so I will be out of the office until at least Wednesday and possibly not until Friday", which give a little more detail, is much more personable, but doesn't go into the fine details of what is going on for the OP

      – Kevin Wells
      Apr 8 at 16:16






    • 3





      In addition to @alphazero: Think about the answer before you start the phone call AND provide a realistic prognosis. Dont call on Monday to say you will be there on Wednesday, than call Tuesday night to say you will be there on Thursday, and so on...

      – Ivana
      2 days ago










    6




    6





    I doubt "don't be too specific on the details" is a good recommendation. I would say the opposite: be open about the situation.

    – Tero Lahtinen
    Apr 8 at 6:59





    I doubt "don't be too specific on the details" is a good recommendation. I would say the opposite: be open about the situation.

    – Tero Lahtinen
    Apr 8 at 6:59




    100




    100





    The boss will almost certainly ask the question "when will you be back at work." Think about the answer to that before you start the phone call!

    – alephzero
    Apr 8 at 10:18





    The boss will almost certainly ask the question "when will you be back at work." Think about the answer to that before you start the phone call!

    – alephzero
    Apr 8 at 10:18




    5




    5





    @kapex I see your point, but if the boss is likely not to understand the situation, I think she would also not understand the "Family emergency. Period." -approach any better.

    – Tero Lahtinen
    Apr 8 at 12:55





    @kapex I see your point, but if the boss is likely not to understand the situation, I think she would also not understand the "Family emergency. Period." -approach any better.

    – Tero Lahtinen
    Apr 8 at 12:55




    12




    12





    There is definitely a lot of options between giving the boss every detail and "Family emergency. Period." Something like "I had a family emergency come up with my fiance so I will be out of the office until at least Wednesday and possibly not until Friday", which give a little more detail, is much more personable, but doesn't go into the fine details of what is going on for the OP

    – Kevin Wells
    Apr 8 at 16:16





    There is definitely a lot of options between giving the boss every detail and "Family emergency. Period." Something like "I had a family emergency come up with my fiance so I will be out of the office until at least Wednesday and possibly not until Friday", which give a little more detail, is much more personable, but doesn't go into the fine details of what is going on for the OP

    – Kevin Wells
    Apr 8 at 16:16




    3




    3





    In addition to @alphazero: Think about the answer before you start the phone call AND provide a realistic prognosis. Dont call on Monday to say you will be there on Wednesday, than call Tuesday night to say you will be there on Thursday, and so on...

    – Ivana
    2 days ago







    In addition to @alphazero: Think about the answer before you start the phone call AND provide a realistic prognosis. Dont call on Monday to say you will be there on Wednesday, than call Tuesday night to say you will be there on Thursday, and so on...

    – Ivana
    2 days ago













    23














    The answers so far address the personal angle. Definitely call and explain (leaving out whatever personal details you wish).



    From a legal perspective, google "Abwesenheit aus wichtigem persönlichen Grund" or similar phrases. Sadly, I'm in Austria right now and Google forces links related to Austrian law on me, but I remember from my time in Germany that this exists in German employee law as well.



    IANAL but I have legal training and from my experience you should be legally in the clear. Another common use for this rule is people staying at home if their child is sick and the other parent can't take care of it (e.g. both parents are working).



    Definitely do not falsely claim that you are sick. That would be grounds for an immediate termination if your lie is uncovered.






    share|improve this answer
























    • Did you try adding "Germany" (or rather, "Deutschland") to your search?

      – jpmc26
      2 days ago











    • It had been far more dangerous than saying the truth. (I said the truth.)

      – Gray Sheep
      yesterday











    • @jpmc26 yes, I tried adding "Deutschland" and it still gave me links to Austrian law. Probably there's a way around it, but I didn't find it quickly.

      – Tom
      yesterday
















    23














    The answers so far address the personal angle. Definitely call and explain (leaving out whatever personal details you wish).



    From a legal perspective, google "Abwesenheit aus wichtigem persönlichen Grund" or similar phrases. Sadly, I'm in Austria right now and Google forces links related to Austrian law on me, but I remember from my time in Germany that this exists in German employee law as well.



    IANAL but I have legal training and from my experience you should be legally in the clear. Another common use for this rule is people staying at home if their child is sick and the other parent can't take care of it (e.g. both parents are working).



    Definitely do not falsely claim that you are sick. That would be grounds for an immediate termination if your lie is uncovered.






    share|improve this answer
























    • Did you try adding "Germany" (or rather, "Deutschland") to your search?

      – jpmc26
      2 days ago











    • It had been far more dangerous than saying the truth. (I said the truth.)

      – Gray Sheep
      yesterday











    • @jpmc26 yes, I tried adding "Deutschland" and it still gave me links to Austrian law. Probably there's a way around it, but I didn't find it quickly.

      – Tom
      yesterday














    23












    23








    23







    The answers so far address the personal angle. Definitely call and explain (leaving out whatever personal details you wish).



    From a legal perspective, google "Abwesenheit aus wichtigem persönlichen Grund" or similar phrases. Sadly, I'm in Austria right now and Google forces links related to Austrian law on me, but I remember from my time in Germany that this exists in German employee law as well.



    IANAL but I have legal training and from my experience you should be legally in the clear. Another common use for this rule is people staying at home if their child is sick and the other parent can't take care of it (e.g. both parents are working).



    Definitely do not falsely claim that you are sick. That would be grounds for an immediate termination if your lie is uncovered.






    share|improve this answer













    The answers so far address the personal angle. Definitely call and explain (leaving out whatever personal details you wish).



    From a legal perspective, google "Abwesenheit aus wichtigem persönlichen Grund" or similar phrases. Sadly, I'm in Austria right now and Google forces links related to Austrian law on me, but I remember from my time in Germany that this exists in German employee law as well.



    IANAL but I have legal training and from my experience you should be legally in the clear. Another common use for this rule is people staying at home if their child is sick and the other parent can't take care of it (e.g. both parents are working).



    Definitely do not falsely claim that you are sick. That would be grounds for an immediate termination if your lie is uncovered.







    share|improve this answer












    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer










    answered Apr 8 at 11:10









    TomTom

    5,6561423




    5,6561423













    • Did you try adding "Germany" (or rather, "Deutschland") to your search?

      – jpmc26
      2 days ago











    • It had been far more dangerous than saying the truth. (I said the truth.)

      – Gray Sheep
      yesterday











    • @jpmc26 yes, I tried adding "Deutschland" and it still gave me links to Austrian law. Probably there's a way around it, but I didn't find it quickly.

      – Tom
      yesterday



















    • Did you try adding "Germany" (or rather, "Deutschland") to your search?

      – jpmc26
      2 days ago











    • It had been far more dangerous than saying the truth. (I said the truth.)

      – Gray Sheep
      yesterday











    • @jpmc26 yes, I tried adding "Deutschland" and it still gave me links to Austrian law. Probably there's a way around it, but I didn't find it quickly.

      – Tom
      yesterday

















    Did you try adding "Germany" (or rather, "Deutschland") to your search?

    – jpmc26
    2 days ago





    Did you try adding "Germany" (or rather, "Deutschland") to your search?

    – jpmc26
    2 days ago













    It had been far more dangerous than saying the truth. (I said the truth.)

    – Gray Sheep
    yesterday





    It had been far more dangerous than saying the truth. (I said the truth.)

    – Gray Sheep
    yesterday













    @jpmc26 yes, I tried adding "Deutschland" and it still gave me links to Austrian law. Probably there's a way around it, but I didn't find it quickly.

    – Tom
    yesterday





    @jpmc26 yes, I tried adding "Deutschland" and it still gave me links to Austrian law. Probably there's a way around it, but I didn't find it quickly.

    – Tom
    yesterday











    16














    I live and work in Germany, and have been both boss and employee.



    I would say that the best way to proceed depends on your boss. Every country is like this, but there is certainly still some xenophobia in Germany.



    If your boss is friendly towards foreigners, then I would give him full disclosure. Tell him exactly what is going on.



    If your boss is generally somebody that looks down on foreigners, then I would give him/her as little information as possible. Giving him information, such as the fact that you have a bride in another country will just fuel his/her fire, and give him more reason to dislike the situation. In this case, just say that you have an extremely important life or death family matter that must be dealt with immediately. In this case, we mean life or death of the baby, but do not tell the boss that. If he presses for details, I would just say that, "I would prefer not to discuss it." No respectable person would press you for more details. If he forces you to give a valid excuse, then I would tell him that you would be glad to talk to HR about the situation. I can't see how a boss needs to know about your personal situation.






    share|improve this answer





















    • 15





      Not sure this is relevant. Wife is living 1500km away, but that doesn't necessarily imply that OP is not German. In any case, he didn't mention any concern about possible xenophobia from his boss.

      – dim
      Apr 8 at 8:11






    • 4





      You are right. I just assumed this to be the case.

      – bremen_matt
      Apr 8 at 8:13






    • 3





      In any case, his hesitance toward just telling his boss seems to imply to me that he thinks that his boss will not take this well

      – bremen_matt
      Apr 8 at 8:14






    • 7





      Then, again: the employee might still have Ukrain roots, be a russion speaker or whatever. German xenophobs recently came up with the word Passdeutscher meaning soemone is german because their passport says so, Not because of their bloodline/origin.

      – Bernhard Döbler
      Apr 8 at 8:57






    • 2





      @dim He's "from a small Middle European country, not far away from Transsylvania", so most likely not German.

      – Martin Schröder
      Apr 8 at 12:46
















    16














    I live and work in Germany, and have been both boss and employee.



    I would say that the best way to proceed depends on your boss. Every country is like this, but there is certainly still some xenophobia in Germany.



    If your boss is friendly towards foreigners, then I would give him full disclosure. Tell him exactly what is going on.



    If your boss is generally somebody that looks down on foreigners, then I would give him/her as little information as possible. Giving him information, such as the fact that you have a bride in another country will just fuel his/her fire, and give him more reason to dislike the situation. In this case, just say that you have an extremely important life or death family matter that must be dealt with immediately. In this case, we mean life or death of the baby, but do not tell the boss that. If he presses for details, I would just say that, "I would prefer not to discuss it." No respectable person would press you for more details. If he forces you to give a valid excuse, then I would tell him that you would be glad to talk to HR about the situation. I can't see how a boss needs to know about your personal situation.






    share|improve this answer





















    • 15





      Not sure this is relevant. Wife is living 1500km away, but that doesn't necessarily imply that OP is not German. In any case, he didn't mention any concern about possible xenophobia from his boss.

      – dim
      Apr 8 at 8:11






    • 4





      You are right. I just assumed this to be the case.

      – bremen_matt
      Apr 8 at 8:13






    • 3





      In any case, his hesitance toward just telling his boss seems to imply to me that he thinks that his boss will not take this well

      – bremen_matt
      Apr 8 at 8:14






    • 7





      Then, again: the employee might still have Ukrain roots, be a russion speaker or whatever. German xenophobs recently came up with the word Passdeutscher meaning soemone is german because their passport says so, Not because of their bloodline/origin.

      – Bernhard Döbler
      Apr 8 at 8:57






    • 2





      @dim He's "from a small Middle European country, not far away from Transsylvania", so most likely not German.

      – Martin Schröder
      Apr 8 at 12:46














    16












    16








    16







    I live and work in Germany, and have been both boss and employee.



    I would say that the best way to proceed depends on your boss. Every country is like this, but there is certainly still some xenophobia in Germany.



    If your boss is friendly towards foreigners, then I would give him full disclosure. Tell him exactly what is going on.



    If your boss is generally somebody that looks down on foreigners, then I would give him/her as little information as possible. Giving him information, such as the fact that you have a bride in another country will just fuel his/her fire, and give him more reason to dislike the situation. In this case, just say that you have an extremely important life or death family matter that must be dealt with immediately. In this case, we mean life or death of the baby, but do not tell the boss that. If he presses for details, I would just say that, "I would prefer not to discuss it." No respectable person would press you for more details. If he forces you to give a valid excuse, then I would tell him that you would be glad to talk to HR about the situation. I can't see how a boss needs to know about your personal situation.






    share|improve this answer















    I live and work in Germany, and have been both boss and employee.



    I would say that the best way to proceed depends on your boss. Every country is like this, but there is certainly still some xenophobia in Germany.



    If your boss is friendly towards foreigners, then I would give him full disclosure. Tell him exactly what is going on.



    If your boss is generally somebody that looks down on foreigners, then I would give him/her as little information as possible. Giving him information, such as the fact that you have a bride in another country will just fuel his/her fire, and give him more reason to dislike the situation. In this case, just say that you have an extremely important life or death family matter that must be dealt with immediately. In this case, we mean life or death of the baby, but do not tell the boss that. If he presses for details, I would just say that, "I would prefer not to discuss it." No respectable person would press you for more details. If he forces you to give a valid excuse, then I would tell him that you would be glad to talk to HR about the situation. I can't see how a boss needs to know about your personal situation.







    share|improve this answer














    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer








    edited Apr 8 at 8:36

























    answered Apr 8 at 5:02









    bremen_mattbremen_matt

    34327




    34327








    • 15





      Not sure this is relevant. Wife is living 1500km away, but that doesn't necessarily imply that OP is not German. In any case, he didn't mention any concern about possible xenophobia from his boss.

      – dim
      Apr 8 at 8:11






    • 4





      You are right. I just assumed this to be the case.

      – bremen_matt
      Apr 8 at 8:13






    • 3





      In any case, his hesitance toward just telling his boss seems to imply to me that he thinks that his boss will not take this well

      – bremen_matt
      Apr 8 at 8:14






    • 7





      Then, again: the employee might still have Ukrain roots, be a russion speaker or whatever. German xenophobs recently came up with the word Passdeutscher meaning soemone is german because their passport says so, Not because of their bloodline/origin.

      – Bernhard Döbler
      Apr 8 at 8:57






    • 2





      @dim He's "from a small Middle European country, not far away from Transsylvania", so most likely not German.

      – Martin Schröder
      Apr 8 at 12:46














    • 15





      Not sure this is relevant. Wife is living 1500km away, but that doesn't necessarily imply that OP is not German. In any case, he didn't mention any concern about possible xenophobia from his boss.

      – dim
      Apr 8 at 8:11






    • 4





      You are right. I just assumed this to be the case.

      – bremen_matt
      Apr 8 at 8:13






    • 3





      In any case, his hesitance toward just telling his boss seems to imply to me that he thinks that his boss will not take this well

      – bremen_matt
      Apr 8 at 8:14






    • 7





      Then, again: the employee might still have Ukrain roots, be a russion speaker or whatever. German xenophobs recently came up with the word Passdeutscher meaning soemone is german because their passport says so, Not because of their bloodline/origin.

      – Bernhard Döbler
      Apr 8 at 8:57






    • 2





      @dim He's "from a small Middle European country, not far away from Transsylvania", so most likely not German.

      – Martin Schröder
      Apr 8 at 12:46








    15




    15





    Not sure this is relevant. Wife is living 1500km away, but that doesn't necessarily imply that OP is not German. In any case, he didn't mention any concern about possible xenophobia from his boss.

    – dim
    Apr 8 at 8:11





    Not sure this is relevant. Wife is living 1500km away, but that doesn't necessarily imply that OP is not German. In any case, he didn't mention any concern about possible xenophobia from his boss.

    – dim
    Apr 8 at 8:11




    4




    4





    You are right. I just assumed this to be the case.

    – bremen_matt
    Apr 8 at 8:13





    You are right. I just assumed this to be the case.

    – bremen_matt
    Apr 8 at 8:13




    3




    3





    In any case, his hesitance toward just telling his boss seems to imply to me that he thinks that his boss will not take this well

    – bremen_matt
    Apr 8 at 8:14





    In any case, his hesitance toward just telling his boss seems to imply to me that he thinks that his boss will not take this well

    – bremen_matt
    Apr 8 at 8:14




    7




    7





    Then, again: the employee might still have Ukrain roots, be a russion speaker or whatever. German xenophobs recently came up with the word Passdeutscher meaning soemone is german because their passport says so, Not because of their bloodline/origin.

    – Bernhard Döbler
    Apr 8 at 8:57





    Then, again: the employee might still have Ukrain roots, be a russion speaker or whatever. German xenophobs recently came up with the word Passdeutscher meaning soemone is german because their passport says so, Not because of their bloodline/origin.

    – Bernhard Döbler
    Apr 8 at 8:57




    2




    2





    @dim He's "from a small Middle European country, not far away from Transsylvania", so most likely not German.

    – Martin Schröder
    Apr 8 at 12:46





    @dim He's "from a small Middle European country, not far away from Transsylvania", so most likely not German.

    – Martin Schröder
    Apr 8 at 12:46











    9














    Putting some existing answers together in a more verbatim manner.




    "Dear [Bossname],



    Due to an unfortunate family event, involving my pregnant fiancée
    living in [Neverneverland], I will be unable to be at [Workplace City]
    in person this [Monday].



    Currently, I am on my way to [Neverneverland]. I will be able to work
    remotely for [Doomsday] and [Damsday]. As for the time since
    [Thenday], I am not sure if I will be able to work. I will keep you
    informed. Please count these days as my paid leave, if it will not
    work out. I plan to be back by [Monday next week], but cannot say for
    sure at the moment.



    I apologise deeply for this sudden and unexpected leave, but the
    situation is urgent. I will be available by phone and email today and
    on [Doomsday]. From [Damsday] onward I am in [Neverneverland] and
    would be available per email and [Telegraph] chat only. I apologise
    again for the inconvenience.



    Best regards,



    John Doe"






    On a separate notice I wish OP good luck and an understanding from his employer.






    share|improve this answer










    New contributor




    Oleg Lobachev is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
    Check out our Code of Conduct.

























      9














      Putting some existing answers together in a more verbatim manner.




      "Dear [Bossname],



      Due to an unfortunate family event, involving my pregnant fiancée
      living in [Neverneverland], I will be unable to be at [Workplace City]
      in person this [Monday].



      Currently, I am on my way to [Neverneverland]. I will be able to work
      remotely for [Doomsday] and [Damsday]. As for the time since
      [Thenday], I am not sure if I will be able to work. I will keep you
      informed. Please count these days as my paid leave, if it will not
      work out. I plan to be back by [Monday next week], but cannot say for
      sure at the moment.



      I apologise deeply for this sudden and unexpected leave, but the
      situation is urgent. I will be available by phone and email today and
      on [Doomsday]. From [Damsday] onward I am in [Neverneverland] and
      would be available per email and [Telegraph] chat only. I apologise
      again for the inconvenience.



      Best regards,



      John Doe"






      On a separate notice I wish OP good luck and an understanding from his employer.






      share|improve this answer










      New contributor




      Oleg Lobachev is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
      Check out our Code of Conduct.























        9












        9








        9







        Putting some existing answers together in a more verbatim manner.




        "Dear [Bossname],



        Due to an unfortunate family event, involving my pregnant fiancée
        living in [Neverneverland], I will be unable to be at [Workplace City]
        in person this [Monday].



        Currently, I am on my way to [Neverneverland]. I will be able to work
        remotely for [Doomsday] and [Damsday]. As for the time since
        [Thenday], I am not sure if I will be able to work. I will keep you
        informed. Please count these days as my paid leave, if it will not
        work out. I plan to be back by [Monday next week], but cannot say for
        sure at the moment.



        I apologise deeply for this sudden and unexpected leave, but the
        situation is urgent. I will be available by phone and email today and
        on [Doomsday]. From [Damsday] onward I am in [Neverneverland] and
        would be available per email and [Telegraph] chat only. I apologise
        again for the inconvenience.



        Best regards,



        John Doe"






        On a separate notice I wish OP good luck and an understanding from his employer.






        share|improve this answer










        New contributor




        Oleg Lobachev is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
        Check out our Code of Conduct.










        Putting some existing answers together in a more verbatim manner.




        "Dear [Bossname],



        Due to an unfortunate family event, involving my pregnant fiancée
        living in [Neverneverland], I will be unable to be at [Workplace City]
        in person this [Monday].



        Currently, I am on my way to [Neverneverland]. I will be able to work
        remotely for [Doomsday] and [Damsday]. As for the time since
        [Thenday], I am not sure if I will be able to work. I will keep you
        informed. Please count these days as my paid leave, if it will not
        work out. I plan to be back by [Monday next week], but cannot say for
        sure at the moment.



        I apologise deeply for this sudden and unexpected leave, but the
        situation is urgent. I will be available by phone and email today and
        on [Doomsday]. From [Damsday] onward I am in [Neverneverland] and
        would be available per email and [Telegraph] chat only. I apologise
        again for the inconvenience.



        Best regards,



        John Doe"






        On a separate notice I wish OP good luck and an understanding from his employer.







        share|improve this answer










        New contributor




        Oleg Lobachev is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
        Check out our Code of Conduct.









        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer








        edited yesterday









        bain

        1032




        1032






        New contributor




        Oleg Lobachev is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
        Check out our Code of Conduct.









        answered 2 days ago









        Oleg LobachevOleg Lobachev

        1913




        1913




        New contributor




        Oleg Lobachev is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
        Check out our Code of Conduct.





        New contributor





        Oleg Lobachev is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
        Check out our Code of Conduct.






        Oleg Lobachev is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
        Check out our Code of Conduct.























            4














            Already a bit late, but at the companies where I have worked this would be handled by calling the immediate superior and asking for a day off or two (Gleitzeit/Urlaub) because of a family emergency. HR and higher management would not even know that something unusual happened. However, if your company is very small, things might work differently.



            Many German employees can also take sick leave for up to three days without seeing the doctor. But I would not recommend that in this case, as employers take that very seriously and some coworkers do not really like that either.



            Even if your employer thinks that "troublesome girlfriend" is not a valid excuse for missing work, you might still just get a Abmahnung (kind of a last warning) instead of firing you. But that obviously depends a lot on your boss.



            P.S. a short google search suggests that an Abmahnung is indeed mandatory before firing someone for missing work. I any case, I would still strongly suggest to try to solve this without getting an Abmahnung.






            share|improve this answer


























            • Note that the three sick days count calendar days, so that only allows him Monday.

              – Martin Schröder
              Apr 8 at 12:47






            • 1





              No. Three calendar days means that if he gets sick on Friday, he has to see the doctor on Monday. If he gets sick on Monday, he has to see the doctor on Thursday. But as said, this is not what I would recommend anyway.

              – Jan
              Apr 8 at 14:22






            • 2





              "Many German employees can also take sick leave for up to three days without seeing the doctor." Faking an illness can be grounds for immediate termination (Fristlose Kuendigung), so yeah that sounds like a less than brilliant plan indeed.

              – Voo
              Apr 8 at 21:53













            • @Voo OP's situation causes a lot of tension and stress on him, which could/does affect his ability to work. I'd say that qualifies for a sick leave for psychological reasons. And I know there are general practitioners in Germany that certify the incapacity for work.

              – Arsak
              2 days ago











            • I would still be careful with this. I personally would do this only if a) I am convinced I am unfit for work, b) I am convinced I can convince my boss I am unfit for work, or c) the choice is between potential termination if I get caught and certain termination if I have no excuse for not showing up to work (e.g. after a prior formal warning). I am not sure any of these apply here, thus "not recommended".

              – Jan
              2 days ago
















            4














            Already a bit late, but at the companies where I have worked this would be handled by calling the immediate superior and asking for a day off or two (Gleitzeit/Urlaub) because of a family emergency. HR and higher management would not even know that something unusual happened. However, if your company is very small, things might work differently.



            Many German employees can also take sick leave for up to three days without seeing the doctor. But I would not recommend that in this case, as employers take that very seriously and some coworkers do not really like that either.



            Even if your employer thinks that "troublesome girlfriend" is not a valid excuse for missing work, you might still just get a Abmahnung (kind of a last warning) instead of firing you. But that obviously depends a lot on your boss.



            P.S. a short google search suggests that an Abmahnung is indeed mandatory before firing someone for missing work. I any case, I would still strongly suggest to try to solve this without getting an Abmahnung.






            share|improve this answer


























            • Note that the three sick days count calendar days, so that only allows him Monday.

              – Martin Schröder
              Apr 8 at 12:47






            • 1





              No. Three calendar days means that if he gets sick on Friday, he has to see the doctor on Monday. If he gets sick on Monday, he has to see the doctor on Thursday. But as said, this is not what I would recommend anyway.

              – Jan
              Apr 8 at 14:22






            • 2





              "Many German employees can also take sick leave for up to three days without seeing the doctor." Faking an illness can be grounds for immediate termination (Fristlose Kuendigung), so yeah that sounds like a less than brilliant plan indeed.

              – Voo
              Apr 8 at 21:53













            • @Voo OP's situation causes a lot of tension and stress on him, which could/does affect his ability to work. I'd say that qualifies for a sick leave for psychological reasons. And I know there are general practitioners in Germany that certify the incapacity for work.

              – Arsak
              2 days ago











            • I would still be careful with this. I personally would do this only if a) I am convinced I am unfit for work, b) I am convinced I can convince my boss I am unfit for work, or c) the choice is between potential termination if I get caught and certain termination if I have no excuse for not showing up to work (e.g. after a prior formal warning). I am not sure any of these apply here, thus "not recommended".

              – Jan
              2 days ago














            4












            4








            4







            Already a bit late, but at the companies where I have worked this would be handled by calling the immediate superior and asking for a day off or two (Gleitzeit/Urlaub) because of a family emergency. HR and higher management would not even know that something unusual happened. However, if your company is very small, things might work differently.



            Many German employees can also take sick leave for up to three days without seeing the doctor. But I would not recommend that in this case, as employers take that very seriously and some coworkers do not really like that either.



            Even if your employer thinks that "troublesome girlfriend" is not a valid excuse for missing work, you might still just get a Abmahnung (kind of a last warning) instead of firing you. But that obviously depends a lot on your boss.



            P.S. a short google search suggests that an Abmahnung is indeed mandatory before firing someone for missing work. I any case, I would still strongly suggest to try to solve this without getting an Abmahnung.






            share|improve this answer















            Already a bit late, but at the companies where I have worked this would be handled by calling the immediate superior and asking for a day off or two (Gleitzeit/Urlaub) because of a family emergency. HR and higher management would not even know that something unusual happened. However, if your company is very small, things might work differently.



            Many German employees can also take sick leave for up to three days without seeing the doctor. But I would not recommend that in this case, as employers take that very seriously and some coworkers do not really like that either.



            Even if your employer thinks that "troublesome girlfriend" is not a valid excuse for missing work, you might still just get a Abmahnung (kind of a last warning) instead of firing you. But that obviously depends a lot on your boss.



            P.S. a short google search suggests that an Abmahnung is indeed mandatory before firing someone for missing work. I any case, I would still strongly suggest to try to solve this without getting an Abmahnung.







            share|improve this answer














            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer








            edited Apr 8 at 10:49

























            answered Apr 8 at 10:44









            JanJan

            1173




            1173













            • Note that the three sick days count calendar days, so that only allows him Monday.

              – Martin Schröder
              Apr 8 at 12:47






            • 1





              No. Three calendar days means that if he gets sick on Friday, he has to see the doctor on Monday. If he gets sick on Monday, he has to see the doctor on Thursday. But as said, this is not what I would recommend anyway.

              – Jan
              Apr 8 at 14:22






            • 2





              "Many German employees can also take sick leave for up to three days without seeing the doctor." Faking an illness can be grounds for immediate termination (Fristlose Kuendigung), so yeah that sounds like a less than brilliant plan indeed.

              – Voo
              Apr 8 at 21:53













            • @Voo OP's situation causes a lot of tension and stress on him, which could/does affect his ability to work. I'd say that qualifies for a sick leave for psychological reasons. And I know there are general practitioners in Germany that certify the incapacity for work.

              – Arsak
              2 days ago











            • I would still be careful with this. I personally would do this only if a) I am convinced I am unfit for work, b) I am convinced I can convince my boss I am unfit for work, or c) the choice is between potential termination if I get caught and certain termination if I have no excuse for not showing up to work (e.g. after a prior formal warning). I am not sure any of these apply here, thus "not recommended".

              – Jan
              2 days ago



















            • Note that the three sick days count calendar days, so that only allows him Monday.

              – Martin Schröder
              Apr 8 at 12:47






            • 1





              No. Three calendar days means that if he gets sick on Friday, he has to see the doctor on Monday. If he gets sick on Monday, he has to see the doctor on Thursday. But as said, this is not what I would recommend anyway.

              – Jan
              Apr 8 at 14:22






            • 2





              "Many German employees can also take sick leave for up to three days without seeing the doctor." Faking an illness can be grounds for immediate termination (Fristlose Kuendigung), so yeah that sounds like a less than brilliant plan indeed.

              – Voo
              Apr 8 at 21:53













            • @Voo OP's situation causes a lot of tension and stress on him, which could/does affect his ability to work. I'd say that qualifies for a sick leave for psychological reasons. And I know there are general practitioners in Germany that certify the incapacity for work.

              – Arsak
              2 days ago











            • I would still be careful with this. I personally would do this only if a) I am convinced I am unfit for work, b) I am convinced I can convince my boss I am unfit for work, or c) the choice is between potential termination if I get caught and certain termination if I have no excuse for not showing up to work (e.g. after a prior formal warning). I am not sure any of these apply here, thus "not recommended".

              – Jan
              2 days ago

















            Note that the three sick days count calendar days, so that only allows him Monday.

            – Martin Schröder
            Apr 8 at 12:47





            Note that the three sick days count calendar days, so that only allows him Monday.

            – Martin Schröder
            Apr 8 at 12:47




            1




            1





            No. Three calendar days means that if he gets sick on Friday, he has to see the doctor on Monday. If he gets sick on Monday, he has to see the doctor on Thursday. But as said, this is not what I would recommend anyway.

            – Jan
            Apr 8 at 14:22





            No. Three calendar days means that if he gets sick on Friday, he has to see the doctor on Monday. If he gets sick on Monday, he has to see the doctor on Thursday. But as said, this is not what I would recommend anyway.

            – Jan
            Apr 8 at 14:22




            2




            2





            "Many German employees can also take sick leave for up to three days without seeing the doctor." Faking an illness can be grounds for immediate termination (Fristlose Kuendigung), so yeah that sounds like a less than brilliant plan indeed.

            – Voo
            Apr 8 at 21:53







            "Many German employees can also take sick leave for up to three days without seeing the doctor." Faking an illness can be grounds for immediate termination (Fristlose Kuendigung), so yeah that sounds like a less than brilliant plan indeed.

            – Voo
            Apr 8 at 21:53















            @Voo OP's situation causes a lot of tension and stress on him, which could/does affect his ability to work. I'd say that qualifies for a sick leave for psychological reasons. And I know there are general practitioners in Germany that certify the incapacity for work.

            – Arsak
            2 days ago





            @Voo OP's situation causes a lot of tension and stress on him, which could/does affect his ability to work. I'd say that qualifies for a sick leave for psychological reasons. And I know there are general practitioners in Germany that certify the incapacity for work.

            – Arsak
            2 days ago













            I would still be careful with this. I personally would do this only if a) I am convinced I am unfit for work, b) I am convinced I can convince my boss I am unfit for work, or c) the choice is between potential termination if I get caught and certain termination if I have no excuse for not showing up to work (e.g. after a prior formal warning). I am not sure any of these apply here, thus "not recommended".

            – Jan
            2 days ago





            I would still be careful with this. I personally would do this only if a) I am convinced I am unfit for work, b) I am convinced I can convince my boss I am unfit for work, or c) the choice is between potential termination if I get caught and certain termination if I have no excuse for not showing up to work (e.g. after a prior formal warning). I am not sure any of these apply here, thus "not recommended".

            – Jan
            2 days ago


















            draft saved

            draft discarded




















































            Thanks for contributing an answer to The Workplace Stack Exchange!


            • Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!

            But avoid



            • Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.

            • Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.


            To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.




            draft saved


            draft discarded














            StackExchange.ready(
            function () {
            StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fworkplace.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f133439%2ffamily-emergency-and-i-cant-attend-work-tomorrow-morning%23new-answer', 'question_page');
            }
            );

            Post as a guest















            Required, but never shown





















































            Required, but never shown














            Required, but never shown












            Required, but never shown







            Required, but never shown

































            Required, but never shown














            Required, but never shown












            Required, but never shown







            Required, but never shown











            Popular posts from this blog

            Couldn't open a raw socket. Error: Permission denied (13) (nmap)Is it possible to run networking commands...

            VNC viewer RFB protocol error: bad desktop size 0x0I Cannot Type the Key 'd' (lowercase) in VNC Viewer...

            Why not use the yoke to control yaw, as well as pitch and roll? Announcing the arrival of...