A
female
age
36-40,
anonymous
writes:I've been asked to go to a work meeting that I really want to avoid. The meeting is a 3 hour train ride from where I live so I would have to leave very early and get home late. I don't have any children or pets that I can use as an excuse. Are there any good excuses I could use to avoid going? The meeting is in a months time. Reply to this Question
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female
reader, Ivyblue  +, writes (12 April 2017):
 meeting or social gathering?
Social: " unfortunately, this time I am going to have to politely decline, however I do really appreciate the invite. next time perhaps" and walk away so not to engage in the 'why not?"
Work meeting: " Is it absolute necessary I attend this time round ?" I have a pressing personal matter I need to attend. If you can give the agenda I am happy to add anything of value to discuss".
If you cant get out of it at least it may be noted that you put aside personal for professional. Even though really, thats a porky pie
A
female
reader, Honeypie  + ♥, writes (12 April 2017):
 Socializing and networking are expected in certain jobs and unless the work environment is hostile and THAT is why you really want to go, I say go... Get it over with. Who knows you might actually enjoy it.
I'm an introvert for the most part and always HATE social events, but 9 out of 10 times I go, for work I always went, whether is was golfing or coworkers birthdays or teambuilding events (those were always crazy!).
You could book a room there and NOT have to take the 3-hour train ride home late at night.
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A
male
reader, anonymous, writes (12 April 2017): I also share the opinion that you should attend because such functions introduce you to important people and further your career with the company and help you to aquire important experience in your work
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A
female
reader, RubyBirtle +, writes (11 April 2017):
Migraine? Toothache? Explosive diarrhoea?
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A
male
reader, anonymous, writes (11 April 2017): . This your job you're talking about. Do your job or quit and find something else.
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (11 April 2017): I hate going to these things. There are no good excuses - why are you so against going? Yes you'll have to leave early and get back late but it's only one day and as you said yourself you're not rushing home to look after anybody so I don't really see what the big deal is. Unfortunately we all have to do things we are paid to do and really I think it's character building.
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (11 April 2017): Go to the meeting. I manage and supervise a corporate office. I expect my staff to attend meetings; as boring and inconvenient as they may seem, upper-management looks around the room to see who is in attendance. Meetings keep you informed and updated. Your performance evaluations and assessments also include your participation. If it's mandated, I suggest you attend! You're not the only one who has to!
I often have to fly to corporate-related meetings,work seminars, conventions, or for training. I'd rather stay home; but I try not to get into the habit of avoiding them, because I have responsibility to my staff and my bosses to be on top of my game. Take a good book or your tablet, pack good snacks, a neck-cushion, and enjoy the ride. Arrange for someone to pick you up at the station when you return.
I know when my employees are trying to wiggle out of something; and I keep that in mind when they really need a favor. I notice when there's a pattern. Married-with-children get no passes. They need the money more than the single-folk! My staff are like family to me. We help each other, and care for each other.
Go, get it over with. It's a few hours from your job and out of town for a day. If you're single and have no kids; they will see through your excuses. Having kids or pets won't get you off the hook either, if you want/need a paycheck! With the job come meetings and other job-related responsibilities.
You've known a month in-advance. So anything else can be rescheduled before or after the meeting.
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A
female
reader, CindyCares  +, writes (11 April 2017):
 Do you need to give an excuse ?
I mean, if this meeting is something that is mandatory ,like ,included in your job description and duties , or at least something that it would be reasonably expected from you to attend in order to keep your work performance at a good level - I'd give myself a push and go.
If is one of those " social ", optional things... say, the ceremony for the 100th anniversary of the foundation of your company, .. I don't even think you need to justify yourself ; you can simply tell them you won't be attending. If you really have to add something, you can say " due to other committments " ( which is not a lie, I am sure you've got other stuff to do that day ), or quite simply, that the commuting is too exherting for your current state of health ( which is not a lie either, because YOU know what level of fatigue can or cannot handle. )
In short - if you are supposed to go because that's what you get paid for, you should go, because of work ethics and also because no lie is totally foolproof . Only , if you get caught weaseling out of something that is not mandatory, at most it will be a bit embarassing. If you get caught . But if it was something that you HAD to do, fibbing about it will be serious stuff.
Then again, if you really insist on having a creative excuse : people take money seriously ( and rightly so ): Tell that you have already paid for some seminary / workshop / class / guided tour / event etc.etc. and you had not realized that it was in that date.
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A
female
reader, mystiquek + ♥, writes (11 April 2017):
 A friend or family member is flying in from out of town, they've already bought the airline ticket and you need to pick them up and help them get situated.
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A
male
reader, N91 +, writes (11 April 2017):
 Friend or relatives birthday?
Medical appointment?
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