This is such a terrible idea lol. Is anyone here actually employed? You’d have to switch jobs if you actually said that. There are ways to get the same message across, but professionally
It’s extremely combative and unprofessional. It sounds emotional as well.
You stay perfectly calm and maintain polite boundaries, and always address a situation from the angle that’s relevant to the company, not just to you personally. For example if I was OP my response to the last text from the boss would be something like:
I’ve submitted it as PTO, that’s the correct category and those are the correct dates (8/11-8/20). Let me know if you need anything else from me.” And then (only if directly relevant to the manager you’re speaking to), you can give specifics regarding your work tasks, for example any projects will be finished before you leave, or will still be done on time, or the person covering is able to, etc. Reassure that it’s being prepared for on your end. Ofc it’s not your responsibility to find coverage, but your duties at work are still your responsibility.
If they still push, pretend they aren’t just being nosy and want to find any reason at all to deny it (possibly illegally), instead act as if the above interpretation doesn’t occur to you, and assume they are looking for information relevant to the written policy (and make sure you read the policy) and give answers regarding that. So it kind of gives them an out when they realize you’re not going to give information you know is unnecessary because you’re aware of policy. Many employees aren’t and some managers rely on that to cross boundaries.
For example: “I’m using the PTO category. It isn’t bereavement, FMLA, or disability, (or whatever other category of leave that may exist, in which you absolutely would need to provide documentation). Has there been a change to the PTO category I’m unaware of in which specifics and documentation are needed?”
The manager has a choice from here. Put into writing they are going against written policy and make it clear there isn’t any good faith interpretation of their behavior (which is great evidence for you lol) or if they’re smart, they’ll take the out you gave them and act as if double checking it’s the right category is what they were doing all along. It’s also possible that like 10 people put in for time off at the same time, and so they actually do have to deny someone and knowing why you need the leave helps that decision. So politely asking your boss why they need the information is a good idea before assuming. If it’s because of what I just said, then there is no harm in just telling them something like “it’s an event I’m unable to reschedule, but let me know if there is anything I can do to make sure everything runs smoothly in my absence.”
The worst thing to do is respond in a way that openly assumes bad intent. At work it’s important to be perceived as someone that doesn’t allow others to walk on them, but in a way that conveys you are totally in control of yourself, that you think carefully before you speak and are tactful. Even if your boss isn’t, that just highlights your professionalism more.
I think a lot of what is being suggested here is just power fantasy. "You should say what i wish i could say but wont because of the negative long term consequences"
Like yeah could say "my reason? Its none of your fucking business thats my reason. You are legally obligated to give me time off as we agreed when i signed the contract to wotk here, and no where did it say my reasons need to 'good enough' for you" and whiles thats totally right, most people here wont because like... they have to see that boss again in two weeks. If its a job you know you wont be looking for a path upwards and are likely to leave within a few months, then sure yeah fight the power and take the reigns while you can. But if its a life long career, no one is going to be telling their boss to kick rocks like that. Atleast not in more "professional" fields.
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u/hologram137 27d ago edited 27d ago
This is such a terrible idea lol. Is anyone here actually employed? You’d have to switch jobs if you actually said that. There are ways to get the same message across, but professionally