A Reddit user, ‘crownpoly,’ shared on the ‘mildlyinfuriating’ community that their employer denied a previously-approved leave request, citing heavy workload. Despite notifying the HR during the interview about the time off required in January for a pre-planned cruise to Aruba, the user, who works at a machine shop, found themselves scheduled to work during that period.
Providing context, the user mentioned a scheduled cruise to Aruba in two weeks, having already invested $700 in tickets. ‘Crownpoly’ joined the job in October, and informed the HR during the interview about the need for a week off in January, receiving assurance at the time that it wouldn’t pose an issue. However, the leave was later denied.
The situation prompted conflicting advice from fellow Redditors, some suggesting taking the vacation regardless, while others recommended securing agreements in writing.
In an update, ‘crownpoly’ followed one advice, emailing HR and copying their manager, resulting in confirmation of the agreed-upon vacation time, albeit unpaid. Although the issue was resolved, the user expressed dissatisfaction, indicating potential job-searching in the future.
Responding to the post, one user recommended having the agreement in writing or identifying the person spoken to during the interview. Another shared a similar experience, noting that vacations were accommodated upon hiring, even if unpaid. A third user recounted leaving a job due to unmet promises about time off for a wedding and specific annual weekends.
Emphasising the importance of written confirmation, a fourth user advised obtaining it from the direct manager at the start of employment, asserting that once agreed upon, it should not be up for debate.
In support of the frustrated user, a fifth user suggested taking the vacation without guilt, highlighting the advance notice given and raising the question as to how the employer would handle a family emergency.
