I Was Denied My Days Off, So I Turned the Tables on HR

Yeah... So you agreed to the hours you had for 4 years any delayed retaliatory reactions (taking 3 months off) definitely grounds for dismissal you can't accept an offer and work the hours then complain that you done mucked yourself over. Your a tool and should be let go.

It makes a lot of sense why the company wouldn't want you to take time off during the busy months you should be grateful that you get 3 months off and show the company some respect I think there better off without you for sure

Brenda Jackson

The gentleman worked 4 years without anytime off and his co-workers are not satisfied with continue working without using their PTO. The company need to hire a lot of temporary employees that will work to allow perm employees time off. Those type of working conditions is not mentally or physically healthy for the employees. Another option is leave of absence, I am not sure if the medical benefits will be available.

Cheryl Cadwell

Grateful for taking off the TIME THEY EARNED? I think we are better off without your ignorant opinion.

Jared D

Tell me you're a brown-nosing mentally impaired sycophant without telling me you're a brown-nosing mentally impaired sycophant.

D L

The employee worked tirelessly for the company for 4 years with no time off. Where's the company's respect for the loyal employee? The company should be grateful it has such dedicated workers. The worker seems to be the one better off without this slave driving company. Without the employees , the company will fail.

Nick Wolf

I would have rallied all of the employees to take their time off at the exact same time during the “approved period”. Corporate companies who make policies to punish one person who found a loophole deserve malicious compliance. On the other side of that coin, you could just be a grown-up and either stay and accept the changes, or move on to something else. You don’t need strangers on the internet to validate you.

Karen Kempler

In California, vacation (or PTO) is considered wages. That time can't be taken from workers. Also, use it or lose it is illegal. The most an employer can do is cap vacation and require that you take your time off before you begin to accrue any more time. The only exception is that an employer can pay you for up to ½ of your accrued time. Anything else is considered wage theft, punishable at 150% of your wages plus a 30 day penalty.

Got THAT RIGHT 👍

Our vacation expires at some point so we are encouraged to take time off yearly.

Chuck

Not overreacting, ultimately we are all batteries that power a company. We get paid and they profit. Once we think things are not as we'd like, don't feel any obligation to stay because you should remember they will fire you at will for almost anything at anytime. Do what makes you happiest. Life is too short to stay unhappy. Take some risks and live an adventurous full life.

*I also sent a company wide resignation email that was global and was sent to thousands of mailboxes. I smile every time I reminisce on that the friends you leave behind will have many a story to share about the legacy you make.

Brenda Vance

Normal, not normal...who cares since you were able to get all that vacation times paid for and you're outta there and happy, right...hahaha

I like your plan !

Put yourself first.

Well if they don't care about you then I turn about is fearplay

Cathy F

Take your days off.

Thank you, Shirley, for sharing your story with us. Your situation highlights a real struggle many employees face when companies restrict personal time under the guise of productivity.

We can understand how frustrating this must feel after years of dedication. Here are a few pieces of advice that might help you decide your next step.

Negotiate a compromise that benefits both sides.

Lauren Chesley

Im glad this site is called Bright Side bc all they write is BS in return. If I get 3 months vacation I'm taking 3 months vacation.

Before walking away, see if you can turn this conflict into an opportunity for flexibility.

Action: Offer to shorten your 3-month leave but propose working remotely part of the time during your trip — for example, checking in weekly or taking on small projects from afar.

Why it matters: It shows initiative and professionalism while keeping your personal plan alive. Even if they refuse, you’ll leave knowing you handled things maturely — and with a stronger case if you decide to quit later.

Learn what this policy really reveals about management.

Daniel Brown

Your "compromise" suggestion is for him to work DURING his vacation?
Then why even bother taking the time off?

The vacation list isn’t just about timing — it’s about control.

Action: Observe how other departments react. Does HR listen to feedback? Does your boss apply the same rule to himself? If not, document everything — unfair practices, favoritism, workload stress.

Why it matters: These notes become valuable if you decide to file a complaint, negotiate severance, or speak openly about company culture in your next job interview.

Turn your “revenge plan” into a power move.

Renna Pate

You're the one that was silly enough to work that many years without a day off that's on you I don't see that it's being on the company at all
I have worked in stores that require you to have vacations and what not out of the way before the busy time of the year hits because no one gets any extra time off I don't find that unreasonable at all everyone knows this and everyone can abide by it and if you can't then get out and find a different job no need to be s***** about it you could be a decent human being because like I said that's on you not taking a day off so accept some responsibility here you got money for working those days it's not like you got screwed out of anything but yet you're so willing to screw the company I hate employees like you

Your instinct to leave is valid — but instead of resigning in anger, turn it into strategy.

Action: Quietly line up interviews, but aim to secure an offer before announcing your resignation. Time your departure to benefit you, not just to punish them.

Why it matters: Leaving mid—busy season may feel satisfying, but leaving on your own terms with another job waiting shows true control and professionalism.

Reframe your exit as a reward, not a punishment.

RJ m

I couldn't disagree with your last statement more. I don't disagree that you should do it gracefully but I do not think you should say you want a healthier work-life balance that is a red flag to me and I will tell you why. Now remember I used to run a federal employee union for the department of Labor which was over 10,000 people in the bargaining unit in the national office. These days people saying they want to work life balance means they don't care about their job they just want to collect the paycheck and while I am a big believer in you work for money you don't go and be obvious about it. You do have a responsibility to be professional in doing your job and focus on your job and learning your craft and yes life is work and value comes from having a job. However this individual wanted to take 3 months off at once and I do not think that is reasonable for many reasons. I don't know what the specific role was but let's say it's a professional position as a data analyst. That is essentially what I did in addition to systems design and development and monitoring the employment database for the nation for the bureau of Labor statistics. If I were to take 3 months off the two regions that I was responsible for as part of my basic job role and I had a lot more responsibilities would have to be passed off on to other staff. In addition the system's monitoring and the deliverable monitoring of the quarterly unemployment reports for the nation which was my responsibility would have to be passed off as well. I did a significant amount of work towards the end of my tenure at BLS much to the point where I was free to pretty much make my own hours and that's a long story. So taking a month off would be hard but doable taking 3 months off would put a significant burden on the remainder of the staff. So this employee needs to understand that time off of that magnitude might benefit the employee but it would hurt the business the business is not in the the existence for allowing the employee to live a beautiful life but for doing whatever there economic function is. The bottom line comes down to they need to meet their operational goals. I would also put it back on the employee for not taking time off over 4 years. BLS had a lot of jerks for managers when I work there and I could tell you stories that would make your jaws drop not only it be a less but for the department of Labor and other federal agencies but one thing the managers never interfered with with employees any employees, even ones they pigeonholed was allowing them to take time off. Now there were some managers that would let employees say take a week off or 10 days and then 4:44 p.m. the day before they were scheduled to leave would say no we need you in the office. Under the fpm rules i, this is 100% permitted. As long as they come to the employee before 4:45 the day before this is actually written into the federal personnel regulations. I did have that happen twice in my 15-year career doing my job on the 202 program which is now the cew program while I was running the Union. HR got involved but their hands were tied because the manager was within their rights but the arbitrator found that the decision was arbitrary no pun intended and reinstated both employees with back pay. The point I'm making is you went 4 years without taking time off that's on you. You can't say I've earned my rest and respect when you didn't respect yourself for 4 years. So as a employee representative I would tell you both you and management are in the wrong and management is in the wrong for not making you take any time off over those four years

You’ve worked nonstop for 4 years — you’ve earned rest and respect.

Action: When you resign, do it gracefully. Thank them for the experience, mention your desire for a healthier work-life balance, and leave with your head high.

Why it matters: It preserves your professional reputation and closes the door on your terms — not theirs. Sometimes the real statement isn’t slamming the door; it’s walking out quietly while they still think they’re in charge.

It takes real courage to stand up for what’s right and to show kindness even when it’s not easy. Often, the kindest people are also the strongest — they choose compassion over comfort. These stories are a beautiful reminder of that strength.

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Julianna Carson