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Boss Demands Workers Tell Every Single Thing They’re Doing During A Vacation, Gets Called A Menace
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Boss Demands Workers Tell Every Single Thing They’re Doing During A Vacation, Gets Called A Menace

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Some people love to abuse their power, making it miserable for everyone but them and those they like or want to please. It’s endurable when you don’t have to deal with these characters for long. However, if they happen to be, say, your superior at work, that’s when things get really challenging.

A great example of this kind of situation is this story that one Redditor recently shared. Her boss caused problems for her and everyone else from the very beginning, but now, he decided that everyone requesting time off must provide detailed accounts of what they plan to do if they want to get approval. Needless to say, this caused a lot of dissatisfaction among the workers. Scroll down to read the full story!

More info: Reddit

There are bad bosses, and there are bosses who seem as if they made it their mission to make their employees’ lives as difficult as possible

Image credits: LRM Exterio (not the actual photo)

A woman worked for a boss who was absolutely menacing to everyone the whole time she was at the company

Image credits: August de Richelieu (not the actual photo)

The man decided to take it a step further and demanded that employees who want their time off approved must give him detailed accounts of their plans

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Image credits: u/theQueenofScream

Outraged, the woman came online to seek advice on how to deal with the situation

The OP started her story by describing her boss as an absolute menace who has caused trouble for employees throughout her time in the company. However, his recent antics topped everything that he had ever done before.

The man decided to send out a company-wide message stating that, to have their time off approved, employees must provide detailed accounts of why they’re requesting it and what they’re going to be doing, including flight numbers and times, where people are going, where they will be staying, etc.

This situation made the OP question whether what her boss was doing was even legal, especially because she had a vacation planned at the time of the post, and she really didn’t feel like telling her boss all the details about it. Thus, she came to look for a solution online.

The ridiculousness of the situation had everyone in the comments in tears. People were coming up with absurd explanations that the woman could give to her boss that would make him reconsider his idea, each funnier than the other.

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Image credits: Lukas (not the actual photo)

We were really curious to learn a bit more about the situation, as well as whether the OP settled on a solution. To do that, Bored Panda reached out to u/theQueenofScream, who was glad to give us some additional details.

When we asked the author to paint a more vivid picture of her boss, she didn’t hesitate. “He’s the type that will fire someone the second they put in their two weeks notice, thinking he’s getting the upper hand,” began the woman, adding that the company’s employee turnover is through the roof. 

“I was also out sick for the first time in my several years of working here, [and] my boss called when I got back in and told me how disrespectful I was for ‘not thinking about the impact my absence would have on the company,’ and he’s also said that my paychecks are a ‘gift,’” shared the woman.

She added that the man believes nobody is owed any vacation time, doesn’t see a problem with forgetting to pay employees on time, and complains about people taking days off, no matter the reason.

The OP explained that the situation is not only because of him but also because of his wife and son, who treat the company as their own private ATM. They only come when they need something and spend most of their time vacationing or doing other personal things, leaving the woman to manage the entire business singlehandedly. 

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Image credits: Zetong Li (not the actual photo)

Feeling lost and unsure of where to turn, the poster decided to seek advice from like-minded people in the AntiWork Reddit community, where she was surprised by way more responses than she ever expected. “In a way, it kind of opened my eyes. The way my boss has treated me, and some of the other people who work here, has always been questionable, but I didn’t really notice all of the red flags until people started pointing [them] out. It makes me feel like I’m not alone.”

The poster loved some of the suggestions that she received in the comments, but as much as they were entertaining, she explained that she didn’t want to be fired just yet. “If they ask why I need the extra day, I’m going to say, ‘My plans ended up changing, and I need the day off.’ If it’s denied, I fully plan on calling out.”

Summarizing her answers, the woman opened up that this job has undeniably taken a toll on her mental health, and it was all these responses from Redditors that brought her to the realization that she has to stand up for herself because if she doesn’t, no one else will. “So to everyone who responded: Thank you, this overworked and underappreciated girl is taking her time off, and it’s nobody’s goddamn business what I am gonna do with it,” finished the OP.

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Ultimately, it is by no means okay that some people in power treat others however they please. In reality, however, they’re only really able to do that for as long as we let them. So if you ever feel that, for example, a place you work in sees you only as a tool, perhaps it’s time to start exploring your other options. The interviewing process might be exhausting, but it will definitely pay off in the long run.

What did you think of this story? Have you ever had a similarly unbearable boss? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The commenters were full of hilariously malicious ideas, pointing out the absurdity of the boss’s actions and the overall situation

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jessicaspecht avatar
Jessica SpeLangm
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As others suggested, I would give him an hour-by-hour detail of a fictional week off, including excruciating details about my bathroom habits and doctors' appointments.

stephyg1980 avatar
Ms.GB
Community Member
1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

5pm dinner date, ate 2 beef Enchiladas and a heafty serving of refried beans. 7pm food poisoning kicks in, explosive diarrhea ensues. Back of wall, floor and toilet covered with watery poop. 7:30 pm repeat, 8pm repeat, 8:30 pm repeat. 8:45 pm pass out on bathroom floor. 2am wake up in a pool of my own filth but for some reason have to grab my now soiled laptop and log it (pun intended) because boss is a jag off...

Load More Replies...
libstak avatar
Libstak
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm off to Timbucktoo to do a poo. Then it's to Marakeet to take a s**t. Then Gladstonleigh to have a pee, and off to the Florida Keys to get in some wees.

acarberry430 avatar
Angela C
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd tell him I was having a massive week long orgy and just tell him it involved a lot of increasing unusual kinks. Don't ask a question if you really don't want the answer

viviane_katz avatar
-
Community Member
1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is nuts. What's the boss going to do, sign extradition treaties with hotels and airlines?

zora24_1 avatar
Trillian
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That reminds me that our old time-off request forms had room to include the "vacation address". I always left it blank bc that is none of their business and also I don't want to be contacted during my time off. Nobody ever said anything.

shead26 avatar
Steve
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Two suggestions: 1) Go to the National Labor Relations Board. They deal with this stuff. 2) Tell him you need to report back to your home planet and inform them the Earth is ready for invasion, and that your boss is extra tasty and should be eaten first

laurabamber avatar
The Starsong Princess
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Smile, feed him some b******t and get another job. He’s the owner so this cannot be fixed.

angelwingsyt avatar
AngelWingsYT
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think we finally found a good use for ChatGPT: make a long rambling essay for a*****e managers/bosses

andyfrobig avatar
Andy Frobig
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is probably a small enough company that a lot of labor laws don't apply. I wonder if the employees are eligible for unemployment insurance, and then I wonder if getting fired for giving notice triggers it. If OP can get unemployment in this scenario, she should do it. With the labor market what it is right now, why would you stay in a gig like this?

magenta_1 avatar
Magenta
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My boss calls me when I am on leave. If I don’t pick, he will call my colleagues and tell them that I don’t pick his call. Later, he makes sure to take revenge during product demos. No matter what I explain (as decided with him before we started building the product), he says it’s all wrong. We don’t take his inputs seriously, and he thinks we are careless, waste time and don’t know what we are doing. He insults us in front of everyone and doesn’t allow us to explain anything. He won’t stop until we apologize and say that we are wrong. We promise to make a note of his new requirement and work on it within a week for a fresh demo. Each person will be assigned with unplanned 4-5 projects and all are priority 1. If any good employee has left the company due to poor pay, work overload, or unplanned work all the time, he calls and asks them if they can support the team during their off hours in the new company.

michaellargey avatar
Michael Largey
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Just hired a local hitman to come to our city and finally get rid of ... woops!"

ajones_1 avatar
A Jones
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would find another job. I wouldn't want a job that's potentially appearing like it's ran by someone who sounds like they do identity theft.

glennschroeder avatar
Papa
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"I'm a grown-a*s man (or woman), not a child, and you're my boss, not my parent."

drmagdn avatar
DRMAGDN
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And this is why we need less middle management and more remote work

gingerwinters avatar
Ginger Winters
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just start copying/pasting quotes from 50 shades. Say I'm doing this passage and insert. Make a small dissertation and say you'll follow up with pictures next time

naras-nest avatar
Alexandra Nara
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

wouldn't use gpt,cause he already mistrust..but I would send a lot of pics just to prove the truth.. " should I wear the blue Pyjama or the green one? Look at this great turd, looks like W doesn't it? Restaurant serves delicate seafood.. but with my wage..I love to go to MC Donalds Have a zit on my .... do you find I should see the doctor..is it cancer? and so on.. and at the last day I would send the sign off..cause working like this...is not even legally

ceciliachavez-marino avatar
Lavender Unicorn
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This sounds like my ex boss at a vacuum repair shop I used to work at. Crazy!

mralt avatar
MR
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"None of your business. If you need more details than that, let me know so I can make arrangements for you to speak with my employment attorney."

fallfun12 avatar
Fall F.
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

USA, the land of slavery. 1,5 month, 30 workdays ... that's what is called normal as a yearly holiday-time in civilized world. And if you don't request all of it in the given time-period, the company will urge you to do so.

maleafrank avatar
Happy
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is NOT normal for the U.S. this boss is crazy and she needs to find a new job immediately.

Load More Replies...
jessicaspecht avatar
Jessica SpeLangm
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As others suggested, I would give him an hour-by-hour detail of a fictional week off, including excruciating details about my bathroom habits and doctors' appointments.

stephyg1980 avatar
Ms.GB
Community Member
1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

5pm dinner date, ate 2 beef Enchiladas and a heafty serving of refried beans. 7pm food poisoning kicks in, explosive diarrhea ensues. Back of wall, floor and toilet covered with watery poop. 7:30 pm repeat, 8pm repeat, 8:30 pm repeat. 8:45 pm pass out on bathroom floor. 2am wake up in a pool of my own filth but for some reason have to grab my now soiled laptop and log it (pun intended) because boss is a jag off...

Load More Replies...
libstak avatar
Libstak
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm off to Timbucktoo to do a poo. Then it's to Marakeet to take a s**t. Then Gladstonleigh to have a pee, and off to the Florida Keys to get in some wees.

acarberry430 avatar
Angela C
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd tell him I was having a massive week long orgy and just tell him it involved a lot of increasing unusual kinks. Don't ask a question if you really don't want the answer

viviane_katz avatar
-
Community Member
1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is nuts. What's the boss going to do, sign extradition treaties with hotels and airlines?

zora24_1 avatar
Trillian
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That reminds me that our old time-off request forms had room to include the "vacation address". I always left it blank bc that is none of their business and also I don't want to be contacted during my time off. Nobody ever said anything.

shead26 avatar
Steve
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Two suggestions: 1) Go to the National Labor Relations Board. They deal with this stuff. 2) Tell him you need to report back to your home planet and inform them the Earth is ready for invasion, and that your boss is extra tasty and should be eaten first

laurabamber avatar
The Starsong Princess
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Smile, feed him some b******t and get another job. He’s the owner so this cannot be fixed.

angelwingsyt avatar
AngelWingsYT
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think we finally found a good use for ChatGPT: make a long rambling essay for a*****e managers/bosses

andyfrobig avatar
Andy Frobig
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is probably a small enough company that a lot of labor laws don't apply. I wonder if the employees are eligible for unemployment insurance, and then I wonder if getting fired for giving notice triggers it. If OP can get unemployment in this scenario, she should do it. With the labor market what it is right now, why would you stay in a gig like this?

magenta_1 avatar
Magenta
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My boss calls me when I am on leave. If I don’t pick, he will call my colleagues and tell them that I don’t pick his call. Later, he makes sure to take revenge during product demos. No matter what I explain (as decided with him before we started building the product), he says it’s all wrong. We don’t take his inputs seriously, and he thinks we are careless, waste time and don’t know what we are doing. He insults us in front of everyone and doesn’t allow us to explain anything. He won’t stop until we apologize and say that we are wrong. We promise to make a note of his new requirement and work on it within a week for a fresh demo. Each person will be assigned with unplanned 4-5 projects and all are priority 1. If any good employee has left the company due to poor pay, work overload, or unplanned work all the time, he calls and asks them if they can support the team during their off hours in the new company.

michaellargey avatar
Michael Largey
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Just hired a local hitman to come to our city and finally get rid of ... woops!"

ajones_1 avatar
A Jones
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would find another job. I wouldn't want a job that's potentially appearing like it's ran by someone who sounds like they do identity theft.

glennschroeder avatar
Papa
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"I'm a grown-a*s man (or woman), not a child, and you're my boss, not my parent."

drmagdn avatar
DRMAGDN
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And this is why we need less middle management and more remote work

gingerwinters avatar
Ginger Winters
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just start copying/pasting quotes from 50 shades. Say I'm doing this passage and insert. Make a small dissertation and say you'll follow up with pictures next time

naras-nest avatar
Alexandra Nara
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

wouldn't use gpt,cause he already mistrust..but I would send a lot of pics just to prove the truth.. " should I wear the blue Pyjama or the green one? Look at this great turd, looks like W doesn't it? Restaurant serves delicate seafood.. but with my wage..I love to go to MC Donalds Have a zit on my .... do you find I should see the doctor..is it cancer? and so on.. and at the last day I would send the sign off..cause working like this...is not even legally

ceciliachavez-marino avatar
Lavender Unicorn
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This sounds like my ex boss at a vacuum repair shop I used to work at. Crazy!

mralt avatar
MR
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"None of your business. If you need more details than that, let me know so I can make arrangements for you to speak with my employment attorney."

fallfun12 avatar
Fall F.
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

USA, the land of slavery. 1,5 month, 30 workdays ... that's what is called normal as a yearly holiday-time in civilized world. And if you don't request all of it in the given time-period, the company will urge you to do so.

maleafrank avatar
Happy
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is NOT normal for the U.S. this boss is crazy and she needs to find a new job immediately.

Load More Replies...
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