I faked a sick day

I remember the first time I faked a sick day. It was my first job at a movie theater and several friends and coworkers convinced me to call in sick so we could go to a concert at a local club. It was a “once in a life time opportunity” and I didn’t want to miss it for the likes of work. Surely someone could cover the concession stand for me. I called in and went to the concert. They found someone to stay late and all was well with the world… until my shift the next day.

Being young and naive I had a good time at the concert not considering that some of the people I went with worked with me. Should they decide to turn on me or merely slip up in their story I would be so busted. I also failed to foresee the permanence of the big black Xs on my hands I received at the show marking that I was under age. When I returned to work it was quite apparent where I had been the night before and nobody bought the story that it was a penalty in a card game my brother and I had been playing while I was recuperating.

Fortunately my managers realized that I really was a good hard working kid who made a really dumb decision. They called me into the office where I was reprimanded and reported to the corporate office. That was embarrassing enough but what really got to me was when they reminded me that I had a fellow coworker who was generally concerned for my health and well being. She stepped up and rearranged her schedule so that I could get the rest that I supposedly required. When I left the office I had to find her and apologize, which does not come easy for a 16 year old kid but I was genuinely sorry.

To this day I think of this once in a lifetime opportunity and even though I can’t remember the band that played I will never forget the forgiveness from my friend. It made me a stronger and sympathetic coworker in the end.

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By Heather Fairchild - Heather is a writer and blogger for Nexxt. She researches and writes about job search tactics, training, and topics.