I’ve been working for my current employer for the last 5 years, and I usually work over the holidays to help out the team. But this year I have a Christmas family trip planned. So, 2 months before my vacation, I requested leave, as per our company policy. My request was granted a few days later, and I booked my flights immediately.
When my coworker, Sally, found out about it, she came over and asked if we could swap vacation days. She said that her husband’s leave wasn’t granted and that they had planned a trip to Disneyland with the kids, so she hoped she could use my days instead.
I told her politely that I had an important family event that couldn’t be missed, but she didn’t want to accept my answer. She tried to push me into a corner, saying I had nothing booked, implying that because I don’t have children, my time is somehow less valuable than hers.
The Escalation “You can just go another time,” she snapped. “My kids have been looking forward to this all year. It’s Christmas. Don’t be selfish.”
“I’m not being selfish, Sally,” I said, losing my patience. “I followed protocol. I booked this two months ago. Your lack of planning isn’t my emergency.”
She stormed off, and I thought that was the end of it. It wasn’t.
The next day, I got called into the manager’s office. Sally was already there, wiping away fake tears. My manager looked uncomfortable.
“Sally tells me there’s a conflict regarding the holiday schedule,” he said. “She says you verbally agreed to swap shifts with her, but are now backing out.”
I stared at her. She refused to meet my eyes.
“That is a complete lie,” I said calmly. “I explicitly told her no. I have plane tickets booked. I have hotel reservations. I followed the policy to the letter.”
I pulled out my phone and showed the manager the email chain where my leave was approved, and the timestamp. Then I looked at Sally. “And frankly, lying to management to try and steal my vacation time is harassment.”
The Resolution The manager’s demeanor changed instantly. He realized Sally was trying to manipulate the situation. He told Sally to return to her desk immediately.
She didn’t get my days. In fact, because she had made such a scene and lied about me agreeing to the swap, she was put on a disciplinary action plan. I went on my trip, had an amazing Christmas with my family, and didn’t check my work email once.
When I got back, Sally was surprisingly quiet. She didn’t go to Disneyland, and she hasn’t asked me for a favor since.
