Columnist Susan Snyder: Excuse us as we offer excuses

Friday, Jan. 16, 2004 | 3:32 a.m.

Susan Snyder's column appears Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Reach her at snyder@lasvegassun.com or (702) 259-4082.

WEEKEND EDITION

January 17 - 18, 2004

Need time to find yourself?

Well, for heaven's sake, don't tell the boss.

It's amazing what some people will tell their employers in order to take a day off, according to a survey of excuses by Accutemps. The national company provides workers to temporarily replace those who are looking for their inner child.

By spending a day at the mall.

"I need a day off because it's supposed to snow."

"The pool is broken."

"My cat has hairballs."

Let's also hope Fluffy has a job to carry the household.

Maybe the American work ethic -- or rather the ethic of consumer-driven lifestyles -- is catching up with us. Maybe we're pooped from working 50- and 60-hour work weeks to obtain a bigger television, bigger car or bigger house.

Maybe we do it simply to hold onto whatever it is we already have.

Of course, the current White House administration is trying to change overtime pay rules so that millions of us will no longer be eligible to receive overtime pay. So maybe we won't have to make excuses as to why we need a day off here and there.

"I have plastic surgery scheduled."

"My garage door is broken."

"My partner and I need to practice for the square-dancing contest in town today."

Square dancing pays well, I hope?

According to the Simplicity Network, which sponsors annual "Take Back Your Time Day" each September, Americans work nine weeks more each year than workers in Western Europe.

Some experts say it's because we have more jobs. Others say it's because we have more bills to pay, and employers know it.

I say give me back the whole nine weeks and I'll watch the entire DVD boxed set of "The Andy Griffith Show." Seriously, we probably wouldn't know what to do with all that time off if we had it.

But hey, we're willing to take the challenge.

"I'm taking a few days off to start my own business."

"I need three weeks off to travel to Europe. Starting tomorrow."

"I'm going to be in a kick-boxing contest."

"I'm going to jail."

Perhaps the kick-boxing contest was with a police officer.

One 2002 study says we can't even use the time off we already receive. According to the U.S. Human Resource Management Guide, Americans give back to their employers about $19.5 billion in unused vacation time each year.

That's a lot of time on the beach or golf course, folks. Cripes, learn to kick back a little.

Maybe we need to put those in their 20s in charge. According to the Simplicity Network, 78 percent of people surveyed in that age group said increased work hours affect one's general health (in a bad way), while 95 percent said it wears down child-parent relationships.

And 59 percent said the amount of vacation available is important when considering a job offer.

Whatever your cut, remember personal and vacations days are time earned. You not only don't have to tell anyone what you're going to do with them, you sometimes ought not tell.

"I'll be out this afternoon on job interviews."

At the Stupid Farm? Hope they pay well.