Say it early
On evenings you have plans, say in the morning "I need to leave at 6 today, so I’ll front-load the afternoon". That’s far easier than ten minutes before you leave.
A template
Acknowledge + why not tonight (briefly) + an alternative
- Alternatives: by 10 a.m. tomorrow, 30 minutes now, the critical part first
Examples
| Situation | Example |
|---|---|
| Plans | I know it’s urgent. I can’t stay tonight, but I’ll have it to you by 10 tomorrow morning. |
| Childcare | I have to leave at 6 for pickup. I’ll do what I can in the next hour and finish first thing tomorrow. |
| Tired | I’m not feeling great, so I’ll head off on time and come in early to handle it. |
When it keeps happening
If overtime is routine, you need a workload conversation, not a better "no". Log what took your time for a week and ask your manager to help set priorities.
In the app
Favorites
Heart reasons that worked in Excuse Maker and they gather on the Favorites tab, ready to copy or share.
Clock-out reminder
Turn on the Clock-out reminder in Settings for a daily nudge at your chosen time, a handy prompt to leave on time.
FAQ
Can I be penalized for refusing?
Rules on overtime differ by country and contract. Check local employment law or ask a labor authority.
Do I need a reason every time?
A short reason and an alternative are enough; long explanations invite negotiation.
Office Excuse Maker Roulette
No sign-up, fully offline, made for fun. Free on Android.