Lying

[Tuumble]

Lying isn't worth it, and that's the truth

There was a time in the recent past where I wanted to have the following day off work but knew that if I just asked for a days annual leave it would almost certainly have been turned down as I'd given too short a notice. I couldn't take that chance.

The reason for the day off? I had a job interview.

To get the time off I concocted a series of what you would essentially call 'lies' to avoid going into work on that day. I had a mystery illness and faked a croaky voice on the phone to make it sound more convincing. I even briefed my wife on the details should an occasion arise where she would need to act as my alibi.

I'm not proud of this but the position I was going for could really have made a big difference to my career and our household income. The latter was a key motivation as we were in deep financial straits at that time.

As it turned out I didn't get the role but worse than that I later got a form asking about reason for absence and I couldn't complete it without officially heading for a misconduct charge. I had no choice but to confess to the head of HR.

I explained my reasons and as she knew about my situation she agreed that it would go no further but it was a definite black mark in my book and I've not repeated the error.

The problem with lies is that it's easy to forget what you've said to whom and it's only a matter of time before holes start appearing in your story. The transgression may seem minor but if discovered your credibility is shot and unlikely to recover.

It was a tough time for the business and morale was low so she had some understanding of my desperation fortunately. The point of all this is that with my original story I actually began to believe it was true. That I really was ill and felt some the symptoms which just goes to show what the power of suggestion can do for you.

If you want to be wealthy make yourself BELIEVE that it's true. Act as if you are that SUCCESSFUL person you want to be and who knows where it will take you.

However, DON'T LIE to others. I was found out and so will you be if you consistently go down that route. Lies breed lies and you will get caught. Be truthful to yourself and to others. It's the only way.

[sheffy4]

I have had this problem too. I hate lying to anybody, even employers, but I admit I have done it before.
But now I figured out a way to get a needed day-off while still telling the truth: I just call the employer and tell them that I have some personal business to take care of, and that I won't make it in to work. They don't have any right to know what your "personal business" is, even if they try to make you tell them the exact reason. What if it was something really embarrassing (you're having uncontrollable bowel movements), or something you just don't want to talk about (the death of a family member). I just tell myself that it's none of their business. If they ask, I just say "It's personal, and I would rather not discuss it."
If your boss would fire you over something like that, I would suggest finding a more understanding employer. As long as you don't call in sick all the time (which it doesn't sound like you do), I think you have a right to a day off every now and then.