There are good excuses and there are bad excuses - to miss the work or not show at the job. Here are some of the top good excuses to miss the work:

Earn the holiday: You can show up to work two or three hours early for a week or two. Then negotiate a day off in advance. “Really work when you’re there, so you’ll be able to feel good about taking time off.

Entertaining the Client: For this one to work, you’ve got to have a job that requires you to meet and court current and prospective clients. Neil Simpkins, an account executive at Oxford Communications, has used this one successfully. One note of caution: Meet the client; don’t just say you did.

Have a Doctor’s Appointment: This excuse will get you out of work for a half-day or so. Make the appointment first thing in the morning or late in the day.

Have Cramps: It’s one of those things that men honestly have no clue about, and women can sympathize with. One important point: Don’t use this one if you’re a man. It’ll never work.