How To Tell Your Boss You're Sick Without Sounding Like A Whiner

We've all been there. You wake up feeling like death, but you drag yourself into the shower and try to will yourself to feel better. You get to work and your boss asks how you're feeling, and you say "Fine, thanks." But by lunchtime, you're sweating, your head is pounding and you're pretty sure you're going to vomit. You decide it's time to come clean and tell your boss you're sick. But how do you do it without sounding like a whiner?

Here are a few tips:

1. Be specific

When you tell your boss you're sick, don't just say "I'm not feeling well." Tell them specifically what's wrong. For example, "I think I have the flu." This will help them understand how sick you are and why you need to go home.

2. Don't make excuses

Don't try to make excuses for why you're sick. Just be honest and tell them the truth. They'll appreciate it and it will help them understand how serious your illness is.

3. Offer to work from home

If you're feeling well enough to work, but not well enough to come into the office, offer to work from home. This shows that you're still committed to your job, even though you're not feeling well.

4. Get a doctor's note

If your boss is skeptical about your illness, get a doctor's note. This will help prove that you're actually sick and not just trying to get out of work.

5. Take a sick day

If you're really sick, don't try to tough it out. Take a sick day and get some rest. You'll feel better and be more productive when you return to work.

Following these tips will help you tell your boss you're sick without sounding like a whiner. And if you're ever in doubt, just remember that it's always better to err on the side of caution.