One common element is unexpected bad events. For example, like getting a flat tire on your way to an important place. Another is a series of misfortunes. Maybe you spill something on your clothes and then miss the bus right after. Also, things not going as planned, such as a party being cancelled last - minute due to unforeseen circumstances.
There are many things. For example, having a rude boss who constantly criticizes you for no good reason. One of my friends had a boss like that. He would nitpick at every little thing she did, and it made her dread going to work every day. It really made her days at work terrible.
Maybe things like losing something valuable. For example, you could lose your favorite watch. Or getting into an argument with a good friend over something silly. That would make the day feel terrible.
Well, a day could be considered terrible in a short story if there's a major disaster, like a natural calamity that destroys everything. Or it could be a personal tragedy, like the death of a loved one.
One of my terrible day stories was when I woke up late for an important exam. I rushed to get dressed and skipped breakfast. On my way to school, I got a flat tire. I had to call for help but no one was available quickly. By the time I reached school, the exam had already started. I was so flustered that I couldn't focus well and ended up doing poorly.
Often, in terrible day stories, there's a sense of being out of control. Maybe you miss a bus or train and it throws off your whole schedule for the day. Also, misunderstandings can play a part. You could have arranged to meet someone at a certain time, but they got the time wrong. And of course, things breaking or not working properly. Like your phone dying when you need it most.
Losing something important can make a day really bad. For example, if you lose your wallet with all your money, cards and IDs. You'll have to spend hours trying to cancel cards and figure out how to get money. It's a huge hassle and can turn your day into a nightmare.
Well, here is a story. I planned a lovely picnic with my friends. But in the morning, it started to rain heavily. All the food I prepared got wet. And then I realized I left my phone at home so I couldn't call my friends to cancel. I just sat there in the rain, feeling so miserable. That was such a terrible day.
Maybe someone loses their job on a terrible day. They could be called into the boss's office unexpectedly and be told that they are no longer needed due to budget cuts or some other reason. It would be a huge shock and make the day extremely bad.
You can start with things like waking up late or having a bad dream. Then things like getting stuck in traffic, or having an argument with someone. For example, you could say 'I woke up to my alarm not going off and then got into a huge fight with my roommate over who should clean the kitchen.'