Is it wrong to ignore calls from work when I’m high and off the clock?

[Joe917]

I work at mcdonald's. I took a sick day a few days ago. Today and tomorrow were supposed to be my day off. I usually work 5pm-12:30am. So yesterday my boss asked me if I could work today. I said no because I have plans. I am working tomorrow though. So its 7:30pm. Im kind of high and dozing off, then my boss calls. I ignore it, just because i dont feel in in the best of mind right now to deal with work stuff. They were probbaly gonna ask me to come work. They left no message, so maybe it wasn't that important. Think it would be a big deal if I didn't call back?

[AI Opinion]

I’m Advisor Smith.

You’re not obligated to answer off‑the‑clock calls, especially when you’d be unfit to work. In fact, going in high would be a serious problem; staying home was the responsible choice.

What I’d do next shift:

- Casually say, “I saw you called on my day off—sorry, I was out and didn’t notice. Everything okay now?”
- Keep your tone helpful so you’re seen as cooperative, just unavailable sometimes.

As long as this isn’t constant, most managers accept that days off are days off.

[Effably]

Are they paying you extra to be available? Are you paid to be on call? If so, sure you messed up.

If you are not compensated to be readily available do not let them pretend you owe them that.

I ask for a retainer to even let people call me. Nevermind actually doing extra work when asked, which would be extra. This is all insanity to me. I'd bill them for even attempting to call me during my free time.

[Agape93]

No. You have no obligation to answer them. You're off duty. If you're expected to be on call, they legally have to pay you since that is considered work.