Redditor Faces Workplace Dilemma Over Declining Extra Hours And Alleged Unprofessionalism

I was getting emails from my boss constantly when I was supposed to be my time off.

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• October 3, 2023

In a recent workplace incident that has raised questions about professionalism and workplace boundaries, a 26-year-old security guard, OP, found herself at a crossroads when her commitment to her job clashed with her obligations.

This story sheds light on the dilemma faced by OP, who had diligently served as a security guard at a department store for six years. With a co-worker sick and short-staffed, the boss asked OP to extend her 10-hour shift.

Despite having covered shifts before, OP politely declined, explaining her prior commitment. Her refusal triggered a heated exchange, with her boss accusing her of being a "lousy worker" and "not a team player."

OP's decision not to prioritize work over her personal life led to a series of events, including incessant calls and texts from her boss during her time off. This prompted her to block his number, further escalating the situation.

Upon returning to work, OP was reprimanded and received her first-ever write-up for being "unprofessional" by not assisting her boss during her vacation time.

OP, now contemplating reporting her boss, has sought support from HR and is actively considering her future at the department store. Her boyfriend is also planning to move in with her, indicating a potential change in her personal life.

Is OP's reaction justified, or did she overstep the line between work and personal life?

OP and her boyfriend are in a long-distance relationship. They had planned to spend five days together, and OP had received approval for time off from her job

OP declined her boss's request to cover a shift, and her boss reacted negatively, calling her a lousy worker and not a team player.

OP was getting emails from her boss constantly when she was supposed to have her time off.

OP has formally raised a complaint against his boss to HR, her complaint has been substantiated with comprehensive records of all messages and emails related to the matter.

Eventually, the boss gets fired.

This is a serious breach that should be addressed.

OP was on vacation, and she had no obligation whatsoever to work during that time

The boss's actions were unethical and displayed poor boundaries.

OP should report the behavior and ensure she saved evidence like texts, emails, and call logs

Did he harass anyone else during those five days or just OP?

Vacation should be respected, and OP's boss's harassment during her time off is unacceptable.

On vacation, OP is not obligated to respond to her boss.

OP had every right to choose her personal life and spend time with her boyfriend since she had taken time off work for it. On the other side, her boss had a problem with not enough staff and might have needed OP's help.

But when we think about who might be wrong in this situation, it's important to remember that OP's boss didn't respect her time. He kept bothering her with calls and messages, even though she was on her time off. That's not okay; it's not how work should be.

So, it's fair to say that OP did the right thing by sticking to her plans and saying no to working more. She wanted to have a good balance between her job and personal life, which is important for everyone's well-being.

On the other hand, her boss's actions, like insisting she work more and even asking her out, show a lack of professionalism and respect for his employees. OP's decision to report her boss makes sense because it's essential to deal with this kind of behavior to keep the workplace healthy and respectful.

Damjan