- You've suffered a near fatal event
- You've been abducted by aliens and do not have access to your phone
- You're in prison
- You died
A "No Call, No Show" (NCNS) is when you don't show up for work, and don't call/text/email in advance to let someone know you won't be coming in.
While this is obviously unprofessional, no matter how long you've been employed, it's more likely not going to lead to termination if you've been with the same employer for a long time, they know you well, and you've proven yourself to be a reliable employee. If, on the other hand, you NCNS on your first day on the job, you can rest assured you no longer have a job.
If you find yourself unable to show up for work, the right thing to do is notify your employer as far in advance of your start time as possible. How you notify them is not important, anything - even smoke signals - is better that nothing. A quick text, email or voice mail stating that you're regretfully not going to make it in is sufficient, but a more detailed text, email or voice mail stating you're not coming in, why you're not able to be there, and when you anticipate being able to come in is ideal.
Don't be afraid to be honest! As a recruiter, I'd much rather someone call me the day before they're going to start, and tell me honestly that they're not going to be able to start the job because they've decided to accept another position, than to have someone ghost me and my client, leaving us all in a bad position.
Even in the case of most emergencies, it is possible to find a quick moment to shoot off a text stating that you're sorry you're unable to show up for work. This is one of many reasons why it is important to have the cell phone number of your recruiter or manager in your phone.
Being professional, and providing a "heads-up" can be the difference between a positive relationship with your employer or termination, bad references & burned bridges.
