In the past few years it's become increasingly acceptable to say you're taking a "mental health day" in order to get out of work. Though it's obvious that not every one of these people has a mental illness, I think there's nothing wrong with taking a day to decompress if that's what you need to stay sane in the pressurized chamber of the working world.

A new study from CareerBuilder.com seems to imply the trend is increasing. From the AP:

Senior career adviser Jennifer Sullivan says many people are using sick days as "mental health days" to catch-up on sleep or simply relax.

According to Sullivan, many employers are honoring that. But she warns that using sick days as vacation days can get you in trouble, especially if a colleague spots you.

And for those who told the teacher, "My dog ate my homework," it turns out there are grown-up versions. Employers have heard plenty of unusual excuses for not coming to work, including one guy claiming his mother-in-law poisoned him. Or the fellow who said he broke his leg snowboarding off the roof while drunk.

[Photo copyright Liz Spikol]