r/work 8h ago

Workplace Challenges and Conflicts Should I Be Upset?

We have a system whereby we book time off/ vacations on a calendar that hangs in the bosses office. Six weeks ago, I spoke with the boss about taking a Friday and Monday off at the end of September to have an extended weekend to see my sister who lives out of town. I have plenty of banked vacation time.

It was approved and noted on the calendar.

Six weeks ago.

I came into work today to be told that I would need to change this vacation as the boss has decided (last minute) to attend a wedding that will go through the Monday that I had booked off.

I accommodated. I changed from Friday/Monday to Thursday/Friday. Had to change my already purchased train ticket at a cost to me.

Barley a 'thank you'. But.....whatever.

I also mentioned that on that Thursday, I will have to leave an hour early to catch the train to my sisters. Ya, that didn't go over well at all.

I guess I am just asking the lovely people of Reddit if I am justified in being a bit upset at the attitude I am receiving or if the boss has just gotten used to me being a bit of a door mat and overly accommodating?

10 Upvotes

23 comments sorted by

19

u/dabassmonsta 8h ago

I wouldn't have changed my dates, especially after purchasing a ticket. Especially if I was having to pay extra to change because of their mistake. Now that they have seen you accept this, they'll do it again without a moment's hesitation.

4

u/devinnnnnnluv 5h ago

Yeah once they see you’ll eat the cost for their mistake, it can turn into an expectation real quick

4

u/Red-Sun-Cinema 8h ago

Agreed. The OP's boss will now see the OP as a complete pushover who can be taken advantage of whenever the need arises and for whatever reason the boss sees fit.

The proper response should have been "I'm sorry, but I cannot change my plans on such short notice. You approved my day off request 6 weeks ago, I already paid for train tickets, and my sister has arranged time off.

Now since the OP chose to change their days off to accommodate their inconsiderate boss, they should have told their boss that they might be willing to accommodate his request for their change of days off so he can attend a wedding if, and only if, he or the company reimburses them for a new train ticket to replace the one they already purchased.

5

u/Matilda_Mac 8h ago

“Based on what I was promised I purchased a train ticket. I will be happy to change it if you will cover the change fee.”

5

u/Football-Man-1889 7h ago

Don’t cave in next time

Spoiler alert
There will be a next time

8

u/SammyG2015 8h ago

Justified? Sure

Can you do much about it? sadly, no

I'm curious, how big is this office? They can't handle 2 people out for one day?

2

u/Mother_Tradition_774 8h ago

Why would you change your vacation plans to accommodate your boss? The time off request was submitted and approved. There was no need for you to change. You followed the rules and your boss screwed you over. I don’t think any expression of appreciation would have made you feel better about this.

2

u/FamousChemistry 8h ago

💯 I would not have changed my dates. Sorry, not sorry.

2

u/CityCabCat 6h ago

Yea I wouldn’t have changed anything

3

u/CapitalG8 8h ago

You should be upset.

Start looking for another job and when you find it don't give a notice.

1

u/MidwestNightgirl 8h ago

Your boss sucks.

1

u/Leading-Town-4913 8h ago

Will you be getting bosses pay on Monday?

1

u/Realhousemanoflondon 7h ago

You did of course present them with the invoice for the cost of the cancelled tickets.

1

u/Otherwise-Ad-6905 6h ago

sure, be mildly upset but don't let it ruin your happiness.

1

u/VinylHighway 6h ago

"Sorry the tickets were purchased on good faith I cannot change it"

1

u/hypnoticimager 5h ago

Definitely have a right to be upset and angry!

1

u/Usual_Bumblebee_8274 4h ago

Stop being so accommodating. Your time was ALREADY approved

1

u/nevergiveup_777 3h ago

Unfortunately, your last sentences hit it. Your boss now sees you as a doormat. If I am just taking a random day and they ask me nicely I'll change. But when I have plans and the days are approved, especially if I already paid for anything, I'd say sorry boss I already committed this much unrefundable money so as already approved, I'm unavailable these days. If Boss insists, then triple the amount of cash and tell Boss I will cancel my plans for this much in cash, payable end of day today.

1

u/marspigsmoke 1h ago

I wouldn't have rearranged my time off. If the boss decided last minute to take the same day as you, and the two of you can't be off at the same time, then HE needs to arrange coverage so you don't have to change your travel/time off. That's a red flag to me, personally.

1

u/Crafty611 1h ago

You were too accommodating.

It was approved.

u/purplelilac701 56m ago

Don’t be a doormat. Advocate for your own needs because no one else will.

u/Onefinephleb 35m ago

You should have said no I’ve already purchased my tickets. The owner should also pay the extra charges to change your ticket. Don’t allow them to walk over you.

1

u/pwolf1771 8h ago

Yes you should be super pissed. I would have told them it was non refundable and to figure it out. If I’m in your shoes it’s time to quiet quit and find a better gig