Boss Cancels Employee's Pre-Planned Leave Request; Internet Reacts

In a recent post on Reddit, a user shared their frustration after their employer denied a previously approved vacation request, raising concerns within the online community about the importance of securing such agreements in writing.

The Reddit user explained, “My job just denied my vacation request even though I informed them about it during my interview.” The user had planned a cruise to Aruba in just two weeks, having already invested $700 (over Rs 58,000) in tickets. The user expressed disbelief, as HR had assured them during the interview process that taking a week off in January would not pose a problem.

The situation escalated when the user discovered they were scheduled to work during the planned vacation week. Approaching their manager, they were informed that the heavy workload and lack of available vacation time were the reasons for the denial. The Redditor, who works at a machine shop with good pay, sought advice on how to handle the situation.

The community responded with a range of suggestions. Some advised the user to take the vacation anyway, while others emphasised the importance of obtaining written confirmation for such agreements. One user stated, “You write an email indicating this was discussed as part of your hiring cycle – and one of the reasons you took the offer is because of the flexibility that was offered for your vacation time. Always get something like this in writing.”

The Reddit community emphasised the importance of standing up for agreed-upon terms, with one user advising, “Tell your manager you weren’t asking for the time off. It was part of the agreement for you to accept the position. Go on your vacation you have already paid for.”

Another user suggested, “Always get confirmation in writing, whether it’s email, etc. Always get written confirmation from your direct manager when you start too.”

The Reddit user provided an update, mentioning that they followed the advice given by the community. They sent an email to HR, copying their manager, outlining that the vacation had been agreed upon during the interview process. Ultimately, the request was granted, but the time off will be unpaid. The user said that the manager appeared displeased with the resolution. Despite the positive outcome, the user expressed their likelihood of actively searching for a new job shortly.