'Too bad, so sad: I won't give up my holiday for a coworker with kids'

"There's no doubt that she asked me because I'm a man."

A man has refused to move his annual leave for a mum who's just worked out when her kids are on school holidays.

The man is kid-free, and she's argued that he can be more flexible.

But his holiday is booked, and he thinks it's a matter of you snooze, you lose.

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"I don’t think it’s fair"

“I put in my vacation request months ago for a specific week. I made plans, booked flights, and was looking forward to it. Everything was approved by our manager with no issues,” the man posted in an advice-seeking group. 

“But then a colleague came to me and asked if I’d be willing to swap my vacation for a different time so she could take her kids on a trip,” the 30-year-old explained. 

“I told her I was sorry, but I had already made non-refundable bookings and didn’t want to change my plans. 

“She got frustrated and said, ‘it must be nice to have so much flexibility,’  implying that since I don’t have kids, my plans aren’t as important. 

“I told her that just because I don’t have kids doesn’t mean my time off is any less valuable.”

Since then, the mum has been giving the man the silent treatment; but others in the office have weighed in.

“Another coworker mentioned that I “could’ve been more understanding.” I don’t think it’s fair to expect me to give up my plans just because she has kids." 

Now he's wondering if he should be more flexible.

Computer says no... to helping a colleague. Image: iStock

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"I have no sympathy for that mum!" 

Many people in the comments of the post backed the man, baffled by how the woman hadn’t planned ahead, considering school terms are locked in well in advance.

“She’s delusional. Just make sure to document everything in case she starts creating a hostile work environment,” one advised. 

Another agreed: “It's tough when colleagues don't respect your plans. Stand your ground and protect your well-deserved break.”

Even a fellow mum agreed with him.

“As a mum that usually forgets until the last minute to make plans for school breaks, I have no sympathy for that mum. Enjoy your vacay!”

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Originally published as 'Too bad, so sad: I won't give up my holiday for a coworker with kids'