Good excuses to leave work early

The allergist wants me in at 3 for the skin test, and I can't take antihistamines today.

Too specific to be invented, and too itchy to discuss.

The vet can see the dog at 4 about his limp.

Nobody wants to be the reason the dog limps through the weekend.

The dermatologist can check the mole at 3:15, and the waiting list was four months.

Nobody tells you to skip a four-month wait.

I have a prenatal scan at 3:30.

Nobody asks a second question, and somebody will ask to see the picture.

My son's orthodontist appointment is at 3:45, and they only see kids after school.

Braces run on the orthodontist's calendar, and parents know it.

The pediatrician moved my daughter's checkup to 4 today.

Doctors move appointments, and parents go where they're told.

My daughter's driving test is at 4, and I'm the licensed driver who has to sit in.

Driving tests are booked weeks out, and you can't send someone else.

I'm donating plasma at 4, and it's my regular slot.

A regular slot reads as a habit, and a good one.

The fertility clinic only had a 3 pm slot.

Nobody asks a follow-up, and nobody should.

It's field day, and my son is in the sack race at 2:30.

Field days are fixed by the school, and somebody has to film the sack race.

The school called about a fight, and I have to pick up my son now.

Nobody delays a parent heading to that phone call.

The babysitter has an exam and has to leave by 3.

Babysitters have their own lives, and everyone with kids has met one.

It's my son's first week at daycare, and pickup is at 2 while he settles in.

Settling-in weeks are short days, and parents talk about little else.

My kid locked himself out after school, and he's sitting on the step.

Nobody leaves a kid on the step.

My son's vaccinations are at 3:20, and he won't go with anyone else.

Nobody argues with a child and a needle.

The pest control people come at 4 for the wasps in the attic.

Nobody asks a follow-up about wasps in an attic.

The landlord's inspection is at 4, and I have to be there for it.

Leases spell it out, and most people have signed one.

My neighbor called: a pipe is leaking through my front door.

A leak nobody's home for gets worse every hour, and everyone knows it.

The cleaner needs her key back by 4, and I have the only copy.

Keys are physical, and nobody can email one.

The rental car has to be back by 5, or they charge another day.

A late fee is a reason everyone respects.

The notary closes at 5, and the house documents need stamping today.

Notaries keep office hours and keep them strictly.

I've had a nosebleed at my desk that won't stop.

Nobody keeps someone at a desk in that state, and nobody wants to.

I twisted my ankle on the office stairs, and it's swelling up.

An injury on site gets you sent home, and there may be a form.

My dad is being discharged from the hospital at 4, and someone has to drive him home.

Hospital discharge times are a mystery, so nobody argues with one.

My partner had a procedure this morning, and the clinic says pick up by 3.

The clinic sets the time, and you're the ride.

I worked the weekend deploy, and this is the time off I was promised for it.

Promised time off is agreed time off. Mention who promised it.

My hours are 8 to 4, and the 4:30 meeting was booked after I said so.

Hours in your calendar settle it, as long as they're in your calendar.

I've got a 4 pm with the bank about the loan, and they don't do evenings.

Banks keep bankers' hours, which explains itself.

The vet called to say the dog is ready to pick up after his operation.

Nobody keeps a dog waiting at the vet after an operation.

The plumber can only come back at 4 to finish yesterday's job.

Half-finished plumbing beats any other argument.

School is closing at 2:30 because of the snow.

Snow closures come with a text from the school, which you can forward.

The doctor's office had a cancellation at 3:40, and I've been waiting weeks.

Everyone in the room has waited weeks for a doctor.

The city's bulk trash pickup needs my old couch out by 4.

City slots are fixed, and nobody wants a couch on the sidewalk overnight.

My wife has gone into labor.

Go. Nobody has ever said finish the email first.

My son has a fever and his dad's flight is delayed, so pickup is mine.

Two parents, one delay, one pickup. Every parent does the math.

The street is closing at 4 for a parade, and my car is parked on it.

Parades are announced weeks before, so check it's today.

The school nurse called. My daughter has a fever and has to be picked up within the hour.

Nobody argues with a school nurse.

Daycare closes at 6 sharp, and the late fee is a dollar a minute.

Every parent on the team has watched that clock.

I got the 4:20 slot for the parent-teacher conference, and there isn't a later one.

The school set the time, so there's nothing to negotiate.

The school bus broke down, and the kids are waiting at the depot for a parent.

They'll picture the depot and wave you out of the door.

School finishes at noon today for teacher conferences, and I forgot until the text came in.

Half days catch every parent out at least once a year.

My daughter's swimming lesson moved to 4:30, and I'm the only one who can drive her.

Lessons are fixed by the pool, so there's nothing to discuss.

My kid threw up at after-school care, and they want him gone in 30 minutes.

Nobody questions it, and nobody wants to hear more.

Kindergarten graduation is at 3, and there are tiny caps.

Nobody stands between a parent and tiny caps.

The gas company is swapping my meter and gave me a window of 1 to 5.

Nobody asks a follow-up question about a gas meter.

The pharmacy near my house closes at 5 on Fridays, and my prescription is waiting.

They won't ask what the prescription is for.

My partner's car broke down on the interstate, and I'm the ride.

A breakdown happens on its own clock, so the timing explains itself.

The bank is holding the certified check for our house closing, and it closes at 4.

They'll ask about the house for a week, which beats asking about your afternoon.

I have the last fitting for my wedding suit, and the tailor closes at 5.

The wedding date doesn't move, and neither does the tailor.

The vet closes at 5, and the cat's medication runs out tonight.

Nobody wants to be the reason a cat missed its pills.

The post office is holding a package that needs my signature, and it closes at 5.

Post office hours are short everywhere, so nobody argues.

I'm handing back the keys to my old apartment, and the agent's last viewing is at 4.

Deposits ride on it, and everyone has lost one.

The window fitter is running early and will be at my door at 3.

Tradespeople who arrive early are rare enough that you have to be there.

My flight is at 7, and the airport says to arrive three hours early.

Nobody asks you to miss a flight, and it's on your calendar.

My train home is the last one with seats before the strike starts tonight.

Strikes are in the news, and stranded colleagues back you up.

My mom's train gets in at 3:50, and she has a suitcase she can't lift.

Nobody says leave your mother on the platform.

I've had a migraine coming on since lunch, and the lights in here are making it worse.

Nobody wants you squinting at a screen until it arrives.

My back went when I lifted the water bottle onto the cooler.

Office water bottles have injured whole departments.

My tooth has been throbbing since lunch, and the dentist has a slot at 3:30.

Toothache gets no follow-up questions, only sympathy.

The office Wi-Fi is down for the afternoon, and my work is all in the cloud.

IT sends the outage email, so you can forward it.

Building management is cutting the power to our floor at 4 for the electrical work.

No power, no work, and the email went to everyone.

I started at 7 today, so 3 is the end of my eight hours.

Hours are hours. Put your start time in the calendar where they can see it.

My flex hours are banked, and I'm using two of them today.

Banked hours are yours. There's nothing to discuss.

It's a summer Friday, and the company email said we can log off at 1.

The company said so in writing. Forward it if you're asked.

It's my first day back, and we agreed I'd do a half day.

Agreed in advance means nothing to discuss.

My chiropractor had a gap at 3:45, and my back has been bad since the new chairs arrived.

Blame the chairs and facilities gets the follow-up instead of you.

My X-ray results are in, and the doctor wants to go through them in person at 4.

They'll ask if everything's OK. Say you'll know at 4.

I have a sleep clinic assessment at 4, and they want me there early.

They'll joke about you sleeping at your desk. Laugh once.

The podiatrist has a gap at 3:30, and my foot has been bad since the office walking challenge.

Blame the walking challenge and HR gets the follow-up.

My counseling session is at 4 today.

Most people stop at the word counseling, and they should.

The pet boarder wants the cat dropped off by 5 before our trip.

They'll ask where you're going, and you'll be talking about the trip until 5.

My eye drops appointment is at 3:40, and I can't drive for a few hours afterward.

They'll ask who's driving you. Have a name.

I'm setting up my daughter's birthday party, and twelve kids arrive at 5.

They'll ask what the theme is. Know the theme.

It's raining hard, and my daughter walks home from school otherwise.

They'll ask how far. Say far enough.

The science fair judging is at 3:30, and the volcano needs two adults.

They'll ask if the volcano works. Find out.

We're driving to a college visit tonight, and the tour starts at 8 tomorrow.

They'll ask which college, then tell you about theirs.

The school concert starts at 2, and my daughter has the triangle solo.

They'll ask how the triangle went. It went once.

The furnace service is booked for 3 to 5.

They'll ask why you booked a weekday. Technicians don't do weekends.

My package locker code runs out at 6, and the package is my passport.

They'll ask why your passport is in a locker. A fair question.

The dishwasher repair man called to say he's coming at 3:30.

They'll ask why you can't hand wash for a week. You could.

I'm viewing an apartment at 4:30, and three other people want it.

They'll ask if you're moving. Now you're all moving.

The new fridge arrives at 4, and the old one is in the hallway.

They'll ask why the old one is in the hallway. You'll have to explain.

The internet technician is coming between 2 and 6 to fix the line.

A four-hour window is the whole afternoon, and every renter has sat through one.

The smoke alarm at home has been beeping since lunch, and the neighbors have called twice.

They'll ask why the neighbors have your number. They're good neighbors.

My bank branch is closing for good today, and I have a safe deposit box to empty.

They'll ask what's in the box. Say paperwork, and stop there.

My accountant needs the tax papers by 5, and they're in a folder at home.

They'll ask why they're at home. Because your kitchen table is your filing system.

The car registration office closes at 4 and my tag expires tomorrow.

They'll ask why you left it until now.

I need passport photos for my daughter's application, and the shop closes at 5.

They'll ask why a photo booth won't do. Photo booths don't do babies.

The key-cutting place is the only one that does my building's fobs, and it closes at 5.

They'll ask why you need a new fob. Say the last one went through the wash.

I chipped a tooth on my lunch, and the dentist has a 3:30.

They'll ask what you were eating. Say a sandwich, it's always a sandwich.

I feel faint, and I'd rather go home than lie on the office floor.

Nobody wants to explain to HR why you were on the office floor.

My back went into spasm when I picked up the printer paper.

Printer paper boxes are heavier than anyone admits.

My grandparents land from overseas at 5, and they've never used a train here.

They'll ask how long they're staying. Know how long.

My sister graduates at 4, and it took her six years.

They'll ask what she studied. Know what she studied.

My in-laws arrive tonight, and the spare room is currently a gym.

They'll ask how long they're staying, and you'll know the real reason.

The family call with my grandmother abroad is at 4, which is her morning.

Time zones explain themselves, and grandmothers outrank a 4 pm.

We're viewing a wedding venue at 4, and it's the only slot this month.

Venues book up years out, and anyone married knows it.

My driving lesson is at 4:30, and my instructor charges for a missed one.

They'll ask how it's going. Be ready to talk about parallel parking.

The dog's training class starts at 5, and he's top of the class.

They'll ask what he's learning. Say patience.

I've been here since 6 for the release, so 2 is my eight hours.

Fair, if somebody saw you at 6. Send a message at 6.

Everything due today is done, and the rest can't move until tomorrow.

They'll find one more thing. There is always one more thing.

The office is closing early for the deep clean, and facilities wants everyone out by 3.

Facilities' email does the explaining for you.

My desk is in boxes for tomorrow's move, and there's nowhere to sit.

They'll offer you a hot desk. Hot desks are all taken.

My son's bike was stolen at school, and I'm meeting the police there at 3:30.

They'll ask if the bike was locked. It was.

The contract has to go by registered mail today, and the post office counter closes at 5.

They'll ask why the contract isn't digital. Lawyers.

My dad needs help with his laptop before his video call with the bank at 5.

They'll ask why he can't ask IT. He doesn't have IT. He has you.

My daughter's daycare has a stomach bug going around, and they're sending every child home at 2.

Nobody argues with daycare hygiene, and nobody wants details.

My car has a recall, and the dealer's only slot is 3 pm today.

Recall letters are real, and they'll ask which model.

The gym is clearing my locker today, and anything left after 5 gets thrown out.

They'll ask what's in the locker. Socks, mostly.

The bike shop closes at 5, and my bike is my only way home.

They'll offer you a ride. Accept and you're staying.

My landlord is coming at 4 to fix the furnace he's been promising to fix since March.

They'll ask why you'd risk missing him. You wouldn't.

The car's annual inspection is at 4:30, and the shop keeps it overnight if I'm late.

They'll ask why you didn't book a Saturday. Saturdays were full.

I promised to help my neighbor move a piano at 4, and she's 80.

Nobody asks why she has a piano. Everybody asks who's lifting it.

My sister is in town for one night, and dinner is at 5 because she flies at 9.

They'll ask about your sister, which is better than asking about your work.

My daughter's team made the playoffs, and I'm bringing the orange slices.

They'll ask who won on Monday. Find out.

My kid's dress rehearsal is at 5, and I promised to finish sewing the costume.

They'll ask what the costume is. It should be a vegetable.

My son's after-school club got canceled, and he's sitting in the school office.

They'll ask about grandparents. Have a reason for each grandparent.

It's my son's school play at 2, and he has one line.

They'll ask what the line was. Learn the line.

The class field trip gets back late, and someone has to pick up my daughter from the museum.

They'll ask which museum. Say the one with the dinosaurs.

It's my daughter's piano recital at 4, and she's third on the program.

Third means you can't slip in late. They know that.

My son forgot his inhaler, and I'm taking it to his game before it starts.

Nobody objects, and they'll ask if he's all right.

The building email says the fire alarms are being tested from 4, and I can't take calls through that.

They'll ask why they never got the building email.

The shop closes at 5:30, and if I miss it my car sits there all weekend.

They'll ask why you can't pick it up on Monday.

My dog walker canceled, and the dog has been inside since 7 this morning.

They'll ask if a neighbor can let him out.

I'm signing the lease on the new place, and the agent leaves at 4.

They'll ask how far the new place is from the office.

The contractor needs someone home at 3 to sign off on the drywall.

They'll ask why the contractor can't wait until 5:30.

I'm meeting the plumber at my mother's, because she won't let him in on her own.

They'll ask why, and you'll have to explain your mother.

My mom's flight lands at 4:45, and she won't take a cab.

They'll ask why she won't take a cab, and you won't have an answer.

The locksmith can only change my locks at 4, now that my ex has returned the key.

They'll ask about the ex.

They're towing on my side of the street from 4 for street sweeping.

They'll ask why you parked there. Everyone parks there.

The washing machine delivery moved to a 2 to 6 window this afternoon.

They'll ask why you agreed to that. You weren't asked.

The electrician finished early and needs me to test the new outlets before he goes.

They'll ask what you know about outlets. Say you know where they are.

The dry cleaner has my only suit, and it closes at 5 before tomorrow's interview.

They'll ask whose interview. Say a friend's. Then hope.

My building is turning the water off from 4, and I need to fill the bath first.

They'll ask if it takes two hours to fill a bath. It doesn't.

The storm is due at 5, and I want to be off the highway before it hits.

Weather apps are public. Check the storm is real and is due at 5.

I'm picking my brother up from the airport, and his flight is early.

They'll ask why he can't wait. Brothers can always wait.

I'm driving five hours to a wedding tonight, and I'd rather not arrive at midnight.

They'll ask whose wedding, then whether there's an open bar.

The ferry runs twice a day in winter, and the second one leaves at 4:30.

Island timetables explain themselves, if you live on an island.

Something from lunch is disagreeing with me, and I'd rather be near my own bathroom.

Nobody asks a follow-up after the word bathroom.

I think I'm coming down with something, and the team doesn't need it too.

Offering to protect the team usually gets you out of the door.

My allergies are so bad I can't stop sneezing, and I've run out of tablets.

They'll offer you one of theirs. Somebody always has one.

I've had a dizzy spell and want to get home before rush hour.

They'll ask if you're OK to drive. Say you'll take the train.

The office AC is down and the meeting room I'm in is 88 degrees.

They'll offer you a fan. Facilities has three.

The drilling next door starts at 3, and my next two calls are with clients.

Clients hearing a drill is a good enough reason for most managers.

There's no hot water or working kitchen on our floor for the rest of the day.

They'll ask how that stops you working. It mostly stops the coffee.

The parking garage closes at 5 today for repainting, and my car is on level 3.

Facilities sent the email, and facilities is never wrong about paint.

My book club has a Q&A with the author at 5.

They'll ask which book, and if you finished it.

I'm volunteering at the food bank, and my shift starts at 4.

Hard to argue with, and hard to bring up without sounding pleased with yourself.

I'm on the community council, and the meeting starts at 4:30.

They'll ask what the council is arguing about. Potholes, always.

I worked until 9 last night on the launch, so I'm taking the afternoon back.

Fair, if your manager saw the 9 pm email. Make sure they saw it.

I'm on a compressed week, so Friday afternoons are mine.

They'll forget it every Friday. Remind them every Friday.

I'm leaving the holiday party early, because the babysitter has to be home by 9.

Babysitters end parties for every parent in the room.

I came in for the office day, and the last train that gets me home before 7 leaves at 4:10.

They'll check the schedule. Schedules back you up.

The conference wraps at 3, and I'm not going back to the office for an hour.

They'll ask what you learned. Say synergy and watch them nod.

The budget review finished early, and I'm taking the extra hour home.

They'll ask what you found out. Say nothing yet, which is true.

I've got heartburn from the lunch special.

They'll offer you an antacid. Someone in the kitchen has a tub.

I have a first date at 5:30, and I need to go home and change.

They'll want a full report tomorrow.

Choir rehearsal starts at 5, and we've got a concert on Saturday.

They'll ask what you're singing, then hum it all afternoon.

My rec soccer team has a 5 pm kickoff.

They'll ask if you won. They'll keep asking until you do.

I'm caught up.

Nobody has ever been caught up. Don't say this one out loud.

There's a sale on, and it ends at 6.

They'll ask what's on sale. You can't say.

I think I left the oven on.

They'll suggest calling a neighbor. Have a neighbor who's away.

My kid lost a tooth at school and won't stop crying.

They'll ask what the tooth fairy pays these days.

I need to buy a present for tonight, and the store closes at 5.

They'll ask whose present, then why you left it until today.

The finale of my show airs at 6, and I won't risk spoilers on the train.

Honest, and the team will spoil it for you tomorrow to make a point.

I'm getting my ears pierced at 4.

They'll see the earrings tomorrow and know exactly what 4 pm was.

My smartwatch says I've hit my stress limit for the day.

They'll ask to see the watch. It will agree with you.

My son has a tutor at 4, and he won't let anyone else drive him.

They'll ask how old he is, and the answer won't help.

My contact lens tore, and my glasses are at home, 40 minutes away.

They'll ask if you can work with one eye closed.

My laptop charger died at 2%, and the spare is at home.

Someone will offer you theirs. Everyone has one.

I'm the landlord of a one-bedroom across town, and the tenant's toilet is overflowing.

Now your team knows you're a landlord, and they'll bring it up for years.

The hardware store closes at 5, and the shelf I'm building is half up.

They'll ask if the shelf can wait. Shelves can always wait.

I want to beat the traffic.

So does everyone, which is why nobody accepts it.

I'm tired.

True of everyone in the building, which is why it isn't enough.

The elevator inspection starts at 4, they're shutting them all down, and I'm on the 19th floor.

They'll ask if you've heard of the stairs.

I have tickets for the game, and the gates open at 5.

They'll ask who's playing, then ask to come.

My spin class starts at 5:15, and they give your bike away if you're late.

They'll point out that the gym is open until 10.

It's my partner's birthday, and the restaurant only had a 5:30 table.

They'll ask why you booked 5:30. Nobody books 5:30.

There's a concert tonight, and the doors open at 6.

They'll ask who. Then they'll be at the same concert.

My fantasy league draft is at 4.

Honest, and your manager may have a team in the same league.

Everyone else has gone.

True on most Fridays after 3, and it never convinces the one who stayed.

I'm leaving the holiday party before the karaoke starts.

Honest, and the most popular reason in the building.