Real work excuses. Looking for an excuse to be absent from work during an economic down-turn is never a good idea. With massive layoffs, corporate down turns, and overall financial panic - staying at work is the best thing you can do to ensure you have a job tomorrow. Keeping the economy going is a job all of us need to participate in. However, if you need a valid excuse to be absent from work, here is a list of common excuses many Americans use to play hooky:

1. Death in the family

2. Sickness

3. Car accident

4. House was robbed

5. Pet died overnight

6. Child is seriously ill

7. Spouse seriously sick

8. Sore throat

9. Chest pains

10. Hemroids / hemorroids