Redditor Bluntly Rejects Manager’s Work Request While On PTO Despite Being An Hour Away From The Worksite

“Since they rejected my WFH request, they should fly someone else in to do the job.”

Jesse

• Published in Interesting
• November 5, 2023

Our narrator's (Original Poster’s) world came crashing down when they received the devastating news of their father's cancer diagnosis. 

OP immediately hopped on the next available flight to be by his dad’s side. It was a grueling 12-hour journey spanning two flights, but they were determined to support their ailing father.

Fast forward to a year later, their father's battle continued. He was doing well with chemo, but time suddenly held more weight than ever; anything could change in a heartbeat - OP yearned to be with his dad.

They decided to put in a request with their manager to work from their father’s home during this trying time - OP already worked from their home, so figured it wouldn’t be a big deal.

Sadly, they were slammed with an unexpected no. The manager demanded OP use their PTO if they insisted on seeing their father. They were already on limited PTO, but family came first.

As the departure date loomed, a twist of fate introduced a professional dilemma. A project manager approached OP with a task that seemed tailor-made for them. 

It was only an hour's drive from OP’s dad’s house, a two-hour job, and the work was strictly on-site. OP immediately declined without stating any reason.

They nursed an inward grin, knowing their company would face unwarranted expenses to fly in someone else to do the job while they were nestled only an hour away. 

Served them right for declining their request; OP was going to enjoy their PTO as they should!

Let’s dig into the details

A little background

OP asked to work from their dad’s house, but was refused and asked to take PTO instead

OP was later asked to meet up with a client close to their dad’s house, which they bluntly refused since they were on PTO

Important edit

Here’s how the Reddit community reacted to the story:

Maybe OP could have take this route instead

“Man what the f**k kind of people does everyone work for. A little empathy goes a long way.“

The green screen trick is legendary

“You could have sent them the bill for your flight there and back, expensed them for the travel time from home to site etc.“

“If you don't make it clear that your manager screwed her over, then all you're doing is stewing in resentment.“

“I would have agreed to do the site visit if and only if they reimbursed me for all the travel expenses.”

This Redditor has experienced something similar in their workplace.

“The company may not have wanted to deal with the paperwork. You are taxed based on where you work.”

Redditors noted that OP missed a golden opportunity. They would have enlightened the manager about their predicament and explained they couldn’t work while on PTO.

This could lead to a discussion with higher-ups, potentially saving their precious time off and allowing them to be closer to their dad while working - a win-win!

They also didn’t mince words, condemning OP’s manager's lack of empathy. We can only hope for OP's dad to make a swift recovery. Here's to a brighter future and more family time ahead.

Jesse