To Lie, or Tell The Truth?

bsidebella

This seems kind of silly, but I would like some opinions.

I don't qualify for paid leave at my job yet (I will as of 11/9), so I don't get paid for any work that I miss (sick days, holidays, etc).

I have a concert to go to on 11/4 and I'm really looking forward to it. A friend is even coming in from NY to go with us. The doors are at 6:30; I don't get off of work until 5:30. It takes over an hour to get from work to the venue - without traffic. So, to make everything run smoothly, I will have to request a half-day and leave at 1:30 (rather than take the whole day off and lose out on the pay).

I have to clear it with my boss if I am taking any time off, and I don't know if I should tell a little white lie about why I need a half day, or be honest. We are a very small office (~20 ppl) and I don't know what to say if she asks why I need to leave early.

If I lie, I won't be guilt-tripped into leaving early. If I tell the truth, I don't know if it will put me in a good light, since I am so new at my job still. I don't want to be talked bad about because I left early for a concert.

Anyone have any imput?

CCO2012

I wouldn't tell her why unless she asks and then just say you have something planned with a friend in the evening and you need time to get there.

It is really none of her d@mn business. lol

Good luck!

DanieKA

Agreed. Don't lie (it's too hard to keep up with). I'd go with someone coming in from out of town. Wait, I might say I have to pick them up at the airport, just to make it more urgent. Oops, that's a lie. But really, only if she asks and presses you about it. 

Enjoy the concert!

TigerlilySabre

Hey there Bside, first let me say, I just watched that video of the concert. Seriously one of the coolest things ever. I shook Luke Pritchard's (from The Kooks) hand once and got an autographed CD by the band, which is the closest I've gotten to famous band concert interaction. They were kind of uptight though. In this video, it was awesome to see the lead singer acting so natural and relaxed, a totally different vibe than at the show I went to. I also really enjoyed that song. Lots of talent, thanks for showing me that.

Having watched it, I understand why you want to get there so early. Otherwise, I'd say don't risk leaving work early because anyway when the doors open there can be a lot of boring downtime, but yeah, if you want to be right up front, I can see why it's important. It does beg the question though, do you want to risk getting looked at the wrong way by ducking out of work early? I know that my company is very laid back and doesn't care but I did work in some offices where they would. They would let you do what you want but then mark you with a scarlet F (too Fun) afterwards. Fortunately, I've found an office that isn't like that and I'm much happier.

Basically, if I were you in this economy (I'm guessing at a new job), I wouldn't risk it and leave early. Otherwise, just tell them that it's a personal matter and don't go into details. Definitely don't mention the word "concert". Whatever you decide to do, I'm sure you'll have a great time.

loves2shop4shoes

To tell the truth.  ALWAYS.  Just tell her you planned this concert before you started working there and you have a friend coming in from out of town.

You're allowed to be human, right?  It's not like you're asking for paid time off for it.

bsidebella

Thanks y'all It was pretty cut and dry, actually. I was passing her desk on the way back from getting coffee and was just like, "BTW, I need to take a half-day on 11/4." She was kind of invested in what she was doing, so she just said, "OK".

I was surprised she didn't have any questions; usually she asks (she's nosy in a motherly way). Woot!

@tigerlily - I'm not 100% concerned with being up front; it's more like I have 4 other people I'm going with and I don't want to hold them up by being late. Also, parking at this venue is a nightmare, so going in one car is going to make it easy, too.

miamary

Well as this has already passed.... 

I'm just gonna say I wouldn't post publicly about lying to my boss on a pretty popular board with a signature picture that clearly shows who I am (I suppose).

God knows where and what she reads.