Employee sparks debate after refusing to give up their holidays for coworker's honeymoon trip

Imagine planning your ideal vacation a year in advance, only to have someone else come in at the last minute and try to take it away. u/GenTube0 found themselves in a tricky situation involving their coworker and the 2-week-long vacation they were supposed to go to. The person shared their story with the community because they wanted a perspective on this situation from people who are not emotionally involved. The employee wondered if they were in the wrong for refusing to give up their holidays so their coworker could go on her honeymoon.

"I work at a small company where vacation time is pretty limited, and we have to request it months in advance. I put in my request almost a year ago to take a two-week vacation during the holidays. I planned to visit family, who live out of the country, something I only get to do once every few years," the employee wrote in their post. "Recently, a coworker of mine, who's getting married, came up to me and asked if I'd be willing to give up my vacation days so she could go on her honeymoon." The bride-to-be had only just realized that she might not get a vacation if she was late to put in her request. 

Her only chance to enjoy her honeymoon was if someone canceled their own holidays. "Since I have one of the longest vacation blocks, she came to me first. I told her I was really sorry, but I couldn't give up my time. This trip means a lot to me, and it's the only time I can see my family this year. She wasn't happy and told me I was being selfish for not accommodating her once-in-a-lifetime event. Now a few other coworkers are chiming in, suggesting I could be more flexible since I don't have special circumstances like a wedding," the person concluded. In an interview with Bored Panda, the person disclosed how they felt after their conversation with the coworker.

"I felt torn. It's more than just a vacation—it's about maintaining relationships and making the most of the limited time we have together," the person told the outlet. "One of the things this whole experience highlighted for me is how we often view special occasions differently depending on our situations. Weddings and honeymoons are undoubtedly huge, but so is reconnecting with family across the globe." The employee also informed the outlet that the woman was ultimately able to get time off for her honeymoon. Another colleague was able to give up some of their days and the company had to make some scheduling adjustments to accommodate her.

People in the comment section sided with the employee who refused to give up their preplanned vacation days. u/Significant_Planter pointed out, "So let me get this right, she's asking people to give up their vacation days and came to you first and now you're wondering why everybody else is pressuring you to give it up? Obviously, because if you don't she's going to ask them next. Talk to HR. This is not okay behavior! She's creating a hostile work environment by acting like her wedding is more important than your family vacation." u/PenelopeShoots added, "I took my honeymoon six months after the wedding. There is no rule that it has to happen after the wedding. She is being selfish. How do they know you aren't visiting sick family? Just tell her it's an important trip, you can't change it and don't give details."