yeah I just say “sorry, I can’t” and leave it at that. you don’t really need to explain why you don’t want to cover someone’s shifts just as much as you don’t need to explain why you need someone to cover yours

"no, sorry. I have plans"

“Sorry, I’ll be at my other job.” It’s usually true, but it doesn’t have to be.

Just tell them you cant and don't feel bad. There are other people they can ask to cover.

“Sorry no”

I like to approach my NOs with a positive first followed by the bad news. Kind of like telling a customer we are out if their preferred syrup. I WOULD LOVE to make you a Pepperment Mocha…but we are out of Pepperment! So you could say…Normally I would love to help you out, but it’s my one day off, so I cannot. Definitely the other advice given is very sound. You don’t owe anyone an explanation! You just mentioned the guilt. I get that!! I went in many times on my day off when people called out and someone told me I was too nice. Starbucks doesn’t reward you anyway for you giving up your day of rest! You deserve it and earned it. Fudge the guilt!!

I had trouble with this at first but have been more stern lately just because its like every day someone calls out and complete honesty I probably cover 50+ shifts a year and maybe can get 2 or 3 of mine covered a year.

So at some point putting foot down

Sorry, I have plans.

Plans to relax but they don’t need to know.

"I'm so sorry, it's my only day off! good luck finding coverage!"

Most people are immediately horrified and tell you to enjoy your day.

At my last job I always felt like I had to give them some excuse why I couldn’t, even if I had nothing to do that day I’d say something about how I couldn’t get a ride or I didn’t feel good or whatever… but honestly I then realized that it’s no one’s business. It’s my day off. You can simply say “Sorry, I can’t.” any reasonable person should be able to accept that.

Don't ever feel bad. That's not good for you, some times, like now, you just need to focus on your mental health