I have a bad migraine coming on and need to head home. I'll log off by [time].
Shift work
Leaving a Shift Early for A migraine
Leaving a shift early for a migraine is mostly about cover. Tell your supervisor early and line up someone for the rest of the shift.
Say what you need, briefly
A migraine makes screens and noise unbearable, so say you need to stop and rest. Keep it short — you may be in real discomfort.
Sort cover for your shift
On a shift, leaving early hinges on cover. Tell your supervisor as early as you can, and where you can, line up a colleague to cover the rest of your shift so the floor isn't left short.
Example messages
A migraine has hit and I can't focus on a screen. I'll wrap up and leave by [time].
I'd rather leave now than let this migraine get worse; I'll pick things up tomorrow.
Mistakes to avoid
Don't leave the floor short without a word. Flag it early and help line up cover for the rest of the shift.
Build my message
Free, multilingual, and your details stay in your browser.
This page shares wording ideas, not legal or HR advice. Follow your own employer's time-off policy.
Common questions
Do I need to call it a migraine?
No. Feeling unwell and needing to go home is enough.
What matters most on a shift?
Cover. Tell your supervisor early and, where you can, arrange a colleague to cover the rest of your shift.