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One man schedules his vacation ahead of time with his employer for an important event but is unexpectedly asked to work instead. Now, he’s forced to prioritize his passion over his co-worker’s request, sparking a heated debate.
Hobby vs. Work
The most recent Legend of Zelda game was released months in advance. And one OP (Original Poster) — who we’ll call Josh — couldn’t wait to play it.
Like any responsible gamer, Josh requested the day off on the game’s release date. However, Josh’s hopes were dashed in an instant.
A Clash of Priorities in the Workplace
Josh’s plan was simple: to play the Legend of Zelda the same day the game was released.
Coincidentally, the day the game was released was the Friday before Mother’s Day. Josh’s company had limits on how many people could request time off during this period.
Naturally, Josh’s passion for gaming led him to tell his co-workers his plans on the day Legend of Zelda was released.
Generally speaking, sharing one’s hobbies is a good way to connect and make friends with co-workers. However, the opposite occurred for this gamer.
Taking Time Off
Shortly after Josh shared his plans with some of his co-workers, word spread quickly around the office.
One of Josh’s co-workers — who we’ll call Nancy — asked Josh for his PTO (paid time off), so she could travel during Mother’s Day.
Is It Okay to Prioritize Personal Interests Over Work Obligations?
Josh explained to Nancy that he had requested time off a few months in advance for a “specific reason” and didn’t plan on changing his plans.
No one likes to be rejected, and Nancy is no different. “She got pretty upset with me claiming I care more about video games more than family and whatnot.”
Feeling Guilty
Josh was upset at this point. He prepared months in advance for this event, and then someone tried to disrupt (and belittle) his plans.
“I honestly don’t really care about her not being able to travel because I feel like if this was an important date, then you would have requested it off early, like I did.”
Coping With the Consequences of Choosing a Hobby Over a Co-Worker
However, the story doesn’t end here.
Josh believed he was right, and he wasn’t about to let another person’s failure to plan in advance derail his day off.
“I firmly told her no.”
When Work Relationships Turn Sour
Shortly after Josh told Nancy he wouldn’t give up his PTO, she told her co-workers about Josh’s response.
Due to this, many of Josh’s co-workers now call him inconsiderate and believe he is a bad person for not giving up his PTO for Nancy.
Revealing What People Really Think
“I would have told her I care more about my family than videogames, your family not so much. Her family is not your responsibility. She should have planned better.”
Exploring Public Opinion
“It’s not like Mother’s Day is a surprise or random event. Both employees had advance knowledge of what they wanted to do on that day, but only one requested the time off. It does not matter what either of them wants to do on their day off, it’s literally nobody’s business to know,” one online user remarked.
Inside the Action
Another user argued: “Mother’s Day is listed on a calendar every year even though the actual date may vary. Poor planning on their part does not equal an emergency on yours. You planned. You deserve it, and it doesn’t matter why you booked it off. FWIW, I’ve booked vacation around video game releases and it’s amazing. Enjoy your time off and your game!”
Finding a Middle Ground for Personal Interests and Professional Obligations
Never let anyone belittle your passion for your favorite hobby.
Unfortunately, even though Josh prepared months in advance for this special day, he was called a bad person and criticized by his co-workers.
Have you ever experienced unfair treatment when requesting time off?
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