Redditor Gets Fired For Requesting One Day Absence From Work To Enlist In The Army

"I got fired by text just six hours after submitting my request." Ouch!”

Jesse

• Published in Interesting
• September 24, 2023

For many people, the decision to enlist in the military is a transformative life choice that demands immense personal sacrifice and commitment. However, when individuals abruptly leave their current jobs for military service, they often find themselves embroiled in conflicts with their former employers.

We found an interesting story on the r/legaladvice subreddit that paints a vivid picture of this.

With a sense of excitement and purpose, our narrator (OP) made the decision to join the military. This decision held the promise of adventure, discipline, and of course, a chance to serve their country.

As the day approached for their visit to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) to officially enlist and sign the contract, the recruiter handed OP a letter. This letter was to notify his boss of his upcoming absence.

The recruiter assured OP that his job would be secure, emphasizing that he shouldn't be fired for his patriotic decision.

OP went to his workplace the next day, ready to share his life-changing decision with his boss. Little did he know that this moment would redefine his journey in ways he couldn't have foreseen.

Within a mere six hours of handing the letter to his boss, OP found himself jobless. The message from his boss, which OP captured in a screenshot, left no room for ambiguity — the absence was not granted, and hence, his services were not needed. 

It appeared OP’s boss was less than pleased to find the letter on her desk on her arrival, while OP was nowhere to be found.

"You left a note on my desk for me to find after you left, so no, it's not excused. You are not needed any further," she said. "I hope the army teaches more about being an honest man of your word."

In hindsight, he probably should have waited and handed the letter over in person. 

The question is: Was OP’s boss justified in issuing such a harsh dismissal, or is OP to be blamed for his careless delivery of such delicate news? 

The story in detail

A bit of background

OP got fired shortly after handing his boss the letter

Here’s what the text read

In other news

Here’s what the Reddit community had to say:

“Therefore, as long as you gave the appropriate prior notice you are protected from termination.“

OP needs to make the facts clear if he’s to get the best legal advice on how to pursue this matter

“Theoretically USERRA should protect you from termination for any reason relating to military duty.”

“If your recruiter is worth anything they should handle this for you.”

“Personally I would reach out to ESGR and talk to them.”

This serves as a harsh reminder that life's twists and turns are often unpredictable, even when one is making the most honorable choices.

The abrupt end to OP’s civilian job was just a hurdle he had to overcome. Luckily, OP’s enlistment process was seamless, and he's been stationed in Fort Stewart to begin his 3-year journey. Congratulations to OP! 

What are your thoughts on this story? Let us know in the comments. 

Jesse