It’s starting to feel like a second pandemic out there—but this time, it’s not a virus. It’s a wave of people missing work for reasons that, frankly, wouldn’t hold up anywhere else in life. A nail in your tire? A dead car battery? Oversleeping?

Let’s talk about it.

At Hire Up Staffing, we work with people every single day who want jobs. And we also work with companies who are depending on those people to show up, do the work, and help the business grow. But here’s the wild part: more and more candidates are being let go within the first two weeks of starting a job. Not because of skill. Not because of performance. But simply because they didn’t show up.

And what’s worse—they’re shocked when they’re let go!

The Top “No-Show” Excuses We Hear (That Don’t Cut It)

We’ve heard them all:

• “My tire has a nail in it.” You don’t have a spare? You can’t patch it within a couple hours and still make it in? There are 24-hour tire shops in most cities.
• “My battery died.” No ride from a friend? Uber? Jumpstart? And still time to go in and fix it after work? These shops are open well into the evening.
• “I overslept.” With smartphones, smartwatches, microwaves, ovens, Alexa, Google Home—you have more alarms than ever before. And yet somehow, you sleep through them all?

This isn’t just about excuses. It’s about a pattern of behavior that screams: I’m not prepared for the responsibilities I signed up for.

Sick Days and Emergencies Happen—But Are You Prepared?

We’re human. People get sick. Kids get sick. Things come up. But real adults plan for the unpredictable:

• Got kids? You need a backup plan to your backup plan. No one reliable to watch them means you can’t work—which means you can’t pay bills. That’s not sustainable.
• Got a health issue? Bring a provider’s note. Employers want to support you, but they also need documentation.
• Need a day off? Don’t call out your first month on the job—especially not your first two weeks. That’s when employers are watching the closest.

Let’s Get Real: Employers Are Losing Patience

At Hire Up, we’re clear from the start: No unexcused absences in your first 30 days. Period.

Yet we see it constantly—2 out of every 3 new hires call in within their first two weeks. And guess what? They get let go. Even if not immediately, it leaves a lasting impression that’s hard to shake. When an employer can’t count on you, they move on. Fast.

Here’s the Bigger Picture

The U.S. unemployment rate is sitting around 4.2%—and climbing. There are fewer jobs and more people competing for them every day. So if you’ve landed one, ask yourself:

• Is it worth staying up too late, scrolling TikTok or watching Netflix, and missing work the next morning?
• Is it worth not programming three alarms, knowing your job depends on it?
• Is it worth risking your paycheck because you didn’t set up transportation or childcare backups?

Want to Keep Your Job? Start Here:

1. Set multiple alarms. Phone, watch, smart speaker—whatever it takes.
2. Go to bed on time. Being tired is a choice if you’re up late without a real reason.
3. Create a backup plan for childcare and transportation. One point of failure is too risky.
4. Treat the first 30 days like a trial period. Show up. Be early. Be reliable.
5. Know that every missed day affects not just you, but your coworkers and the company. It costs productivity, trust, and in some cases—business itself.

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Bottom line? Responsibility is still in style. Reliability is rare—and it’s your greatest advantage in today’s job market.

Let’s stop normalizing the idea that calling out of work is no big deal. It is. It’s a habit that can cost you your income, your reputation, and your future opportunities.

If you want a better life, keep the job you have—or show up strong for the one you’re applying for.

Let’s start showing up.