Ive done Portal of Safety Drills in martial arts when I was younger. I really hope this changes some day in the US. It is also a less confrontational and frightening way to approach those issues, putting the onus to explain on him rather than on you. Its a 5-7 minute trip (if youre sprinting) to the nearest building with one of those. Each year the US Bureau of Labor Statistics releases its data on volunteering in the United States. Absolutely. [M]onkey. Why Quiet Quitting Your Job is Not All Wrong? I would argue that children shouldnt be doing these drills, either, and everyones time would be better spent working on reducing shootings overall. It took maybe 30 minutes total. In public places, in crowds, out and aboutits not a risk thats on my mind at all. You do volunteer work 8. I had a young kid when Sandy Hook happened, as many of us old folks did, but even those who are childless should at least be able to imagine the trauma these drills can cause. A seven hour training is rediculous, even actual drills for emergency services dont last that long. So to me, everyone should have to go thru emergency drills of some sort as our part to reduce our burden on emergency responders. 1) Get enough sleep the night before. Not-really-jokes aside, call in sick. There are many reasons why you might just not want to work on the weekend, such as: In this instance, you can propose a better alternative. 10 Good Excuses for Not Working on Weekends 1. Unfortunately, many of our politicians (and the people who elect them) would rather our children live in danger than lose lobbying and stockholders money. Call or text the host andtellthemthat your pet isnot very well,andyouhave to take them to thevet. Make sure you have a plan for how youll cover these expenses before you sign up. The babysitter just called and told me she c. nt make it today Thats all you need to say to them. Guessing they will breakout into groups and tour the building to find safe places to hide or ways to block paths. And where the training is done by people who are professionals *in the topic they are training*. Heck no. Husband noped right on out of that and worked from home that day. None of it was tailored to our facility. Im in charge of working with our local law enforcement to conduct an active shooter training. Dropped about $1500 which basically emptied my bank account. Why is it gaining popularity amount employees and it is not exactly a bad thing? I snuck out between the lecture piece and the hands-on drill to sob in my office and then go home sick for the rest of the day. I hope it goes well, and click send. The best way to make the most of your time in the Drill Army Reserves is to get involved with your unit and fellow soldiers. https://www.everytown.org/solutions/active-shooter-drills/. Our society (U.S.) has gone around the bend and its valuable for reasoned voices to call it out. Also, youre making some broad assumptions here about the quality of training delivered in all workplaces. My administrations seem to recognize that they dont actually work. I am well into Gen X and we did an active shooter training and I hated every moment of it. So, maybe next time? Is there a way to get the instructional content without going to the most triggering parts, which I cannot imagine will outweigh the psychic cost this is going to take on me? Communicate early and often with both your NG chain of command and also with your college professors. I didnt want to go to the active shooter training (not a drill, a presentation) but went anyway to be a team player. My husbands previous job did an active shooter training at their factory, with different employees pretending to be the shooter, complete with something like a pellet gun or paint gun (I dont remember exactly what was used). Even if it doesnt, she would still have to face a conversation about it the next time she shows up to work, so it doesnt help the problem any. This book full of deep insights about the nature of human beings, paired with plenty of laugh-out-loud and highly relatable moments. If you know a few months out, let your unit know and submit a RST. Save yourself the heartache and the stress. So, maybe next time? One of our providers is a speaker in an education day for LGBTQ+ providers and there was a threat called in to the event this year. Often when you are communicating at work, youll need to write a formal email to a coworker, HR, or client. Each person should be allowed to decide the risk-benefit of having the training versus the impact on their mental health. But it might be helpful to do so. otherwise you are going to end up in a more awkward situation. I definitely think Id go the call in sick route. To use this excuse, you need to make a story of how awful that Tinderdate went to be described later to the party host. You should absolutely opt out if you want to. 3. The blood that rushes to the tip of your finger usually matches the tone of your lips. Wed sooner head for somewhere in Europe or Australia (where we have no ties) first. Here are some valid excuses for missing drill: 1. excuses to get out of drill weekend - shantisrl.com asthma? Sure, but like, a real fire evebt would also take a lot longer than a fire drill takes, and I dont think anybody ever suggests that fire drills should be lengthened to be more realistic. My unit was pretty strict though, so who knows. My mind is so boggled by the fact that anyone would find this an appropriate and normal thing to do in a public setting where there are almost certainly students, staff, faculty, etc. We were about 1hr 25 min away. Which is even stupider than forcing everyone to do active shooter training in the first place. Shortly after this, one of the fire stairwells smelled like dead rat. The timeline itself would be enough for me to push back. Some of them can be a lot of fun if the team already works well together, but I dont think any of them are useful if the team dynamics are bad. So its a surprise, but not TECHNICALLY because they told everyone about it in advance. Yup. Agree. Just send me the information I need to know and dont make me go through it all again. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. I asked for active shooter training at my current workplace because our current safety training is very spotty think staff not knowing the nearest exits or how to lock doors. Same here. If not, I would call in sick the day before and after to solidfy the excuse. Which could be related to all the drywall replacement weve had to do after the fire sprinkler floods. I think what happens is that someone sees the day-long disaster simulation events using those who will be involved in emergency responses (police, fire, hospitals, etc) and thinks day-long training will be useful to everyone. 2. For example, an evacuation drill might reveal that the intended exit route is actually inaccessible because its blocked by blackberry thicket (true story), or a fire drill could show you that the fire alarm isnt audible in one part of the building (also true story). OP, feel free to call out sick. If anything would persuade me to learn how to do make-up well, its this lmao. You Have a Doctor's Appointment 3. this situation is hard enough without your boss being insensitive. A good excuse to tell your boss not to work on the weekends is an excuse that is socially acceptable and relatable. When I voiced my concerns, he made a few jokes about how he would simply redirect the shooter to a younger person, then asked if I was saying I wouldnt be able to take it.. I am tired and frustrated that my unit has decided to disrespect my schedule and time. My organization has gone through several stages. See you in hell. According to the National Guard, these circumstances include but are not limited to: or is there something unique about this type of training? If you have questions please Contact Us. I know many of them are probably fine, but many are also horror themed. A year or so before COVID, our state decided to mandate active-shooter drills for schools. After much hand-wringing, the law enforcement liaison finally convinced this person not to develop such training. I saw on other comments that some, like Snarkus Aurelius, had something presented by non-emergency responders. Before you comment: Please be kind, stay on-topic, and follow the site's commenting rules. Call in sick is what I would do. Weve talked about where to run to and how to get the heck away from our building as fast as possible more than once. My ability to consent to this work activity was removed, and I repeated to Jerkface that I did not consent, and he said that was fine but I had to do it anyway. I think state law might require us to do x number a year. /lolsob/. Question about Army Reserve - skipping out on drill But that was just about 30 minutes, not anything we had to actually do. You should not have to traumatize yourself at work. As it is a work emergency,no one is going to know that you are bluffing. But since I am pretty much exhausted, I dont need anything more than my bed and a days sleep. Some say that the siren is extremely loud and frightening when it goes off suddenly, sometimes in the middle of the night, sometimes when there is no earthquake, and that the sound/experience itself is traumatizing. You want to spend the time with your family and friends, It has a positive impact on your physical and mental health, You have the opportunity to develop networking opportunities, Yor provide a service or goods to the community. I work in emergency management and these drills are NOT helpful nor necessary for the public. excuses to get out of drill weekend - bbjtoysandbeauty.com It just so happened that these frequencies were what the Coast Guard were using. Stuff like this is why Im glad I always bring up early in any employment situation my chronic history of migraines; its true, but its also a convenient excuse as needed if not used too often in that fashion. They cant ask to leave them alone at home nor do theywant their party blessed by the presence of these little party wreckers. Tell them how you were all dressed up for this party, but at the last moment, you found out that your car tire is punctured. A group of robbers had started robbing this particular chain, specifically. OP, pick whichever option works for you, but I would think explaining yourself in a firm, unwavering way would not only be empowering to you, but also eye-opening to your boss. Take care of yourself! Hey Ive gotta drive to [Insert Town/College Name] to pick up [Insert Your Siblings Name] [Insert the Party Date]. Its not that he cant understand. For staff, we simply review our active shooter policy at our annual inservice which mostly amounts to lock-down and hide and pray. I dont even have anxiety on this topic and I would still nope out of a 7-hour training. Combine that with the militarization of police, and these trainings are an abusive nightmare. Thats ridiculous! I have been battling car issues for over a week now. Cant see any problem with that. (ex. Thats what you would be doing. Perhaps it is the most powerful excuse and totally legit, but just imagine how lame you sound when your . It gets so much worse! A chemical material handler from HAZWOPER? And then you can tell your boss in advance that ou have an appointment you just cannot move that day is the ONLY day available. I full stop do not trust any training that requires multiple hours and comfortable clothes. They youd be able to get your note without having to have an excuse, you legit had to miss because you had an appointment that day. If all else fails, you may be able to trade your drill weekend with another member of your unit. Your friend would be a monster for thinking that youre anything other than a concerned pet parent who has to look after their sweet child. Without fail, some jackass tells me how terrible I look. And make sure to tell them that its coming out of both ends. I already know how to do nothing. Failure to call before you miss your drill weekend or immediately thereafter is considered an unexcused absence by the military. Im sorry you have personal experience with this. Just try to get through it and then enjoy your weekend! 30 Good Reasons To Call Out Of Work - Rigorous Themes What Happens if I Miss Navy Reserve Drill Weekend? I did not encounter any of the officers because I immediately closed my door when the drill started, but my Dean and several coworkers who were standing in the hallway right next to our office did encounter one. I do NOT want to LARP a shooting. During the week, you were full of hope and motivationfor the weekend ahead. So. With Katrina, it was a mix of local ordinances & state laws which essentially banned communications on specific frequencies. My apartment building fails fire drills because we have false alarms EVERY GOSHDARN WEEK. We also have a conscript army, which means that the vast majority of young men and an increasing number of women who volunteer learn to use firearms appropriately. I already deal with the anxiety on a daily basis; I dont need someone pointing it out in a tasteless joke. I know you said your boss is normally nice, but hes being a bonehead, insensitive jerk about this if he doesnt allow you to quietly bow out. Start documenting everything. I dont think this automatically makes them unfeeling people. I think it varies both person to person and generationally. It turned out nobody really cared that I wasnt able to make it to the training and nobody mentioned it ever again so hopefully your absence will be a non-issue. In the past 10 years, both employees and employers have recognized the importance of fostering a work-life balance. Here are some tips from some of the worlds best mentor for you to jump-start your career to get that sweet promotion and excel in your career. Call in sick. something to consider! Also want to say: I hear that there are differences between younger folks experience and us middle aged people who grew up prior to mass school shootings being so frequent. i hope you get out of this smoothly op! (You say you dont have traditional HR, but in a large organization theres probably someone youd go to if you needed to request medical or religious accommodations, report harassment or discrimination, or turn in paperwork for FMLA. The social aspects of man-caused tragedy (shooters/bombings) aside (which I agree with others that acceptance this is the new reality is wrong, will require better funding for mental health/social support/etc that I can vote for), it has been demonstrated time and again that reading about what to do is NOT the same level of preparedness as drills. It could be anxiety/PTSD or something else, regardless it puts them in a place to have the sick note for work if theres any pushback. Most mass shootings happen at schools or venues where there are a lot of people because the shooter wants notoriety. A SEVEN HOUR drill would definitely be too much for me, too, and Id seriously consider quitting if I was forced to do that (especially if there were pellet guns like another commenter said, thats horrific.). Some people believe working on the weekends is bad for your productivity. A.C is the editor-in-chief & career development expert who writes about real-world career advice on job search, interviews, career success, and hiring the right people for the team. If youre curious I can expand on that, but I dont want to derail the thread. This LW has done THIS TYPE of drill so has met her obligation and should have no guilt or issue dropping out of this particular drill. For more information, please see our Earnings Disclosure. Seven hours?! Well I thought a good excuse would be to call in sick which I did. Ill clear my head first, get in a better place and come to the next one. There is a huge possibility that they wont remember asking you later in the hustle of all the guests. This kind of boss only considers puking in a trashcan as sick. If you have a doctor's note stating that you are too ill to participate in drill, this is a valid excuse. On a serious note this post and the sheer volume of responses speaking to this issue as being so common scares me so much. Adults with postsecondary qualifications will earn significantly more than those with only high school education, so it is a recognized pathway to a more comfortable life with a stable income. Now its Friday afternoon. Want more Junkee in your life? You say hes a nice guy, but Im so thankful I dont go to that mall anyway; now I have yet another reason to avoid it. This letter-writer already knows the most common-sense run-fight-hide advice. Same with mine; customized by law enforcement but the only customization was Oh yeah all your doors are glass so hiding isnt an option! Question regarding missing drill weekend. The kind of situation that can easily develop really complex emergencies that take skilled professionals to safely respond. Dominic Perrottet Is Officially NSWs New Premier So Heres Everything You Need To Know What possible benefit is there to be gained from crouching and hiding for hours? It doesnt matter whether youre needed to babysit your grandchildren, godchildren, or your best friends fur babies, lending a hand when its needed is a fundamental part of living in a caring society and being a good friend. And then, afterwards, we got the WORST LECTURE EVER from a crying teacher telling us that if this was real wed all be dead because of our collective inability to JUST BEHAVE OURSELVES and BE QUIET for half an hour. I would absolutely call in sick. See also so many links and comments above on why these do not work. Asking the host for a favor right before they are holding a party is going to result in your favor. (Even those who havent had personal connections to any of the many, many mass shootings in recent decades.). My office recently did the same thing. Anyone attending Drill Sergeant school in June of next year? Total wild west time no supervision by an expert or law enforcement. Im likely close to the same age as the LW, and at the risk of making everyone feel ancient, I was born the year Columbine happened. Unfortunately I really doubt the boss is going to be at all receptive to having his eyes open, just based on the description of him. who have been through it. https://bit.ly/3SDoQpc. -Get together with some friends and head to the range. (Joking, of course, but trying to make a point.) What if theyre going to do it several times? He remembers Columbine and Virginia Tech and Aurora and Sandyhook and Parkland and Pulse . Oct 21, 2005 #2. There is no excuse for him to be joking about this, calling you names or otherwise mistreating you. Never the Right Word is a participant in the Awin Affiliates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to participating merchants. 1 When Something Comes Up & You Still Want To See Them Shutterstock "Hey, I'm so sorry, but something came up tonight and I. And I am of the generation that didnt have mass events constantly, Im 51. update: how can I turn down training requests from my clients? Is that the one that takes place in a bar? assigning women extra work to help them, calling out when youre in the ER, and more. Ive been participating in active shooter drills since high school, know about run-hide-fight, and have friends who have lost siblings to gun violence. I dont think I could do a drill again. If you have a valid reason, such as work or school, you can request an exception to miss a drill weekend. There were two separate school shootings in my district in the time frame that I was middle school through high school. Doesnt matter that the only reason that day is the only day available is because you told the office to schedule it only on that day. Copyright 2007 - 2023 Ask A Manager. 11. Use it to your advantage! Id develop a migraine toward the end of the day before and call in the next day. Hey [Name] Im really sorry to leave you hanging, but my dad just got into to town and Ive got to be on good daughter/son duty. A peer/fellow manager can say things in a much more direct way than you might be comfortable with doing with your own boss because of the power dynamics in play. Ive been participating in active shooter drills since high school, know about run-hide-fight, and know people who have died from gun violence. Yup I was going to do this pre-pandemic to get out of a (much more minor) mandatory fun activity that happened to involve one of my anxiety triggers because I knew trying to explain why something most people think is at worst annoying makes me shake with nerves was just not worth spending political capital on. Your coworker asked you to a 9am brunch on Saturday? When staff brought this and other safety concerns to upper management, these were brushed away, even though 1) they hired the trainer to come and say these things, and 2) we had violent threats and probably at least 1 or 2 lockdowns per year. . For one we were on lockdown. If a teacher or student has an issue then they should be removed from the situation. You Were in a Car Accident 8. Should issue directions? Maybe its one hour of active shooter drill, and then an additional six hours of getting everyone to calm down, because there is NO way I would be a productive worker after that. An avian flu outbreak was even the disaster they had to simulate! I will have to miss 1.5 days of the conference to make it to drill on time. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "adc1af5dd80e55ae1e3f646224ebba55" );document.getElementById("a603c4a483").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Subscribe to all comments on this post by RSS, Email (Optional will display your Gravatar). Hes a nice person but has very deeply entrenched ideas about mental health, anxiety, young people, and triggers, and I dont want to have to disclose my own mental health diagnoses to him, make him think Im simply not tough enough to handle it, or come across like a millennial snowflake, etc. You dont even have to do it well! nationak guard how do you go to a non drilling status https://www.everytown.org/solutions/active-shooter-drills/ But Alisons advice is great. When I was 12 I pretended to be a dead body for a drill run by the local police. Best practice is to allow people to opt out, for any reason. Im sorry for the loss of your loved one and for your own experience too. and if i got any pushback id say it was a mental health day. All-day first aid training? If he doubles down, especicially on the threatening to goad a potential shooter to shoot you instead (seriously wtf?!?!?) You can offer a better alternative 5. I had to sit through one video active shooter training at work several years ago, and that was bad enough. At their large school, the directive is that 3rd+ need to get off campus and run out to the neighborhood by any means possible. Multiple employees thought it was real, panic ensued, injuries occurred, and theyre all traumatized. Hearing it makes me think well, of course but I might not have thought of that when telling my staff about it. I have done this several times throughout my career. We did an active shooter drill at my organization and I thought it would be similar to the same drills I grew up doing (also a millennial) but it was so much worse than I imagined. Make sure your office doesnt do retaliatory things like this. So boss will sacrifice OP to save himself. Woke up this morning for drill and my car would not start. As a former company commander in the NG I routinely let my personnel miss or make up drills. It will not be possible for me to participate.. You are studying 7. Youre exhausted from your week and want nothing more than to collapse on the couch and watch an unhealthy amount of Netflix. A few years back someone actually did bring a gun into our building, attempting to commit suicide by cop. However, life happens and there may be times when you cannot attend. You may not even know who the person is, but as long as your friends are going, youre good to go. To enhance the dramatic effect, you can fill up your voice with tears and can have a catharsis you were longing for. Im 38 now and I still think about that day with anxiety and sadness. Yes I laughed about it a lot, even when we were hiding in a hotel room. Lastly, if you found this content helpful or want to share your own examples, let us know in the comments. But we do talk about it at home. This is not an uncommon occurrence at my unit. It still felt stupid, though. We then had a staff meeting to discuss their concerns and a number of my staff expressed anxiety about mass shootings, workplace shootings, and what their kids went through with drills at school. But I like a little theatre. What do you MEAN they didnt know what to do?? Why the hell did you make so many freakin plans? Security performance theater indeed. To unsubscribe, please use the link included in the newsletter. No joke, they slipped and fell WHILE managing a video shoot for a safety video, resulting in yet another work comp claim.)