Dear {Name},
As you have probably noticed, the {quality of my work/length of my attention span/consistency of my arrival} has diminished severely since {date}. Due to unexpected and difficult {financial/medical/personal} circumstances, I believe that I will need to be away from {work/class} for the next {amount of time}.
On {date}, I {lost a family member/was diagnosed with an illness/received an unexpected expense}. My {financial/family} life has been affected by this and if given {number} days to work it out, I can {plan for getting back on your feet}.
I have already spoken with {boss/professor} about taking this brief leave of absence in order to get my affairs in order. {He/She} approved the leave on the condition that {ABC Project is completed/I get notes from someone else/someone completes ABC task in my absence}. I hate to ask you to cover for me during this stressful time, but I am currently in a state of crisis and would not ask you otherwise.
Please let me know as soon as possible if you can help me in this matter. I appreciate your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
{Sender Name}
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Index of Hardship Letter Examples