AITA for refusing to cancel my vacation after my boss denied my PTO request last-minute?
I planned a trip months in advance, got my boss’s verbal approval, and suddenly she called it “last second” and tried to stop me from going. Now she’s cutting my hours because I won’t cancel. Am I the jerk for still taking the vacation?
I’m a 20-year-old guy working at a Midwestern retail store for the past two years. I’ve always been reliable, never had issues with my boss — let’s call her Susan — until now. Back in January, I decided to finally take a few days off in May using my earned PTO. I submitted the request well in advance, checked that it wasn’t during blackout dates, and Susan said it was approved. Everything seemed fine.
Months later, out of nowhere, Susan told me my request was denied because it was “last second.” I reminded her I’d planned this for months, but she said, “Screw your vacation—your coworkers are useless and we need you!”
I told her calmly that I understood she wanted coverage, but my plans were already set. We had enough staff to cover me, and this wasn’t during any busy holiday period. She got more aggressive, saying my coworkers were “useless” and that I didn’t need time off. I repeated that I wouldn’t be there because I’d already made travel arrangements. She ended the meeting by saying the discussion was over and to leave her office.
“Screw your vacation. You don’t need PTO—we need you here!”
After that, my schedule got slashed—hours cut by nearly half. It was clear she was retaliating because I wouldn’t cancel my trip. I was frustrated but decided to stand my ground. PTO is meant to be used, and I’d followed every rule. It felt like she was just trying to exert control out of spite.
“I gave you months’ notice. This isn’t last second — this is bad management.”
Eventually, I went above her and contacted her supervisor. I explained everything, showed proof of my original PTO request, and within days, my time off was approved. Susan got a formal warning but kept her job. I got to keep my trip and my peace of mind — and I’ve already started applying for new jobs just in case.
🏠 The Aftermath
Susan’s boss approved my PTO and confirmed my request had been valid all along. She also spoke to Susan about her behavior — no termination, but an official warning.
Since then, Susan’s been civil but distant. My schedule was restored, but the trust is gone. I’m quietly looking for other positions before summer hits.
I’m still taking my May vacation. I earned it, I followed the rules, and I’m not backing down from basic fairness.
If you can’t take time off you’ve earned, it’s not a job — it’s servitude.
I’m grateful to have it resolved, but the situation reminded me: stand up for yourself early, or management will walk all over you.
💭 Emotional Reflection
This wasn’t about a few days off — it was about respect. Employees shouldn’t have to beg to use the benefits they’ve earned. My boss treated my PTO like a personal favor instead of a right.
Her outburst revealed a toxic mindset: control over support. She’d rather guilt someone into overworking than admit poor planning. I’m glad I stood firm; it set a precedent not just for me, but for my coworkers who might be too scared to push back.
Reasonable people can disagree on policies, but respect and fairness aren’t negotiable. Boundaries protect both sides — and in this case, mine protected my sanity.
Here’s how Reddit might see it:
NTA — PTO stands for “paid time off,” not “permission to overwork.” You gave notice, she ignored it, and you handled it perfectly.
NTA — Classic power trip. Document everything and find a better job that actually respects its employees.
NAH (for upper management) — They corrected the issue fairly fast. But your boss sounds bitter you went above her head.
Most agreed you were right to stand up for yourself. It’s your earned time, not a gift. Some advised leaving sooner rather than later — no vacation is worth returning to a toxic boss.
🌱 Final Thoughts
When you’ve earned rest, take it. You don’t owe your job endless loyalty — especially when it doesn’t return the favor.
A good manager plans around people’s time off; a bad one punishes them for wanting it.
What do you think?
Would you have gone above her head, or just quit outright? Share your thoughts below 👇
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