[olkid]

Years ago... I managed a 1MM retail shop in San Francisco; worked too many hours. Needed that "mental health" day off. I informed my regional manager. Within the hour, he called me back and said "next time, just lie to me. tell me your sick".

I'm not entirely sure what transpired. I assume he had to report to higher-ups(and it didn't go over well?). But, that experience has always stuck with me.

In general, I am honest & don't swear much.

[nastygibbon]

Yeah. I understand that. But by telling your boss the truth you gave him a real gift in that he could trust you. If he (or the higher-ups) thought about that a little bit they would realise that your honestly was valuable.

You could come up with similar examples where you take days off to interview at other companies. Obviously telling your boss will probably anger them (and might be seen as a breach of your contract if you do it during work hours) but the moment your boss actually thinks about it they would realise that your honesty provides them with much better evidence about what to do next. That might include finding out why you want to leave, how to keep you, ending the relationship on good terms, hiring someone else sooner than if you lied, etc etc.

Now, it's very difficult to tell the truth in these situations and people aren't expected to do so. But honesty is still a virtue, perhaps even more so, in these situations.

[olkid]

On point. Seems you value honesty as much as I do.

btw, I haven't altered my behaviour. Just can't forget the experience.