New Hire Demands Woman’s Hard-Earned Schedule, Threatens To Quit When Denied

Some people would play the “I have kids” card to try and get what they want. We’ve covered this theme several times on this site, and the story you’re about to read is no different.

A recently hired employee wants to leave the graveyard shift and demands a change of work hours with her manager because of her children. The woman also threatened to quit if she did not get her desired schedule. 

The manager worked hard to get the suitable hours she currently has and refuses to budge. But at the same time, she refuses to be the reason for an employee’s sudden departure. 

Some employees with children carry a sense of entitlement because of their situation

Woman seeking advice at work, visibly concerned after a colleague's threat regarding the graveyard shift.

Image credits: fabrikasimf (not the actual image)

A woman demanded to switch work shifts with her manager because she has kids and threatened to quit if she didn’t get what she wants

Text about a woman's dilemma with a colleague threatening to quit over graveyard shift concerns.

Text from a message about training a new employee and shift changes.

Text message about work schedule conflict with colleague threatening to quit over graveyard shift.

Text excerpt about a colleague threatening to quit over graveyard shift schedule due to caregiving needs.

Child sitting on a yoga mat, facing away, in a calm room with natural light, suggesting a serene setting.

Image credits: EyeEm (not the actual image)

The manager refused to give in and feels she has paid her dues to work the schedule she has

Text on a personal conflict at work over a graveyard shift schedule.

Text discussing challenges of graveyard shift affecting personal life and work-life balance.

Woman in an office holding a box with a plant and clipboard, illustrating a workplace shift conflict.

Image credits: ufabizphoto (not the actual image)

She is now seeking advice on what to do 

Text expressing a woman's uncertainty about handling a colleague's graveyard shift ultimatum.

Image credits: Milkymilk909

Parents are almost automatically offered more privileges, particularly with work schedules

The corporate structure tends to favor parent employees regarding work privileges. This is why paternity and maternity leave exist and why the US Congress approved the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in 1993. 

“Historically, all of these provisions were for parents and carers initially. And some people don’t know that’s changed,” Manchester Metropolitan University HR lecturer Dr. Krystal Wilkinson explained to the BBC. 

The Clear Company executive director Kate Headley shared a similar sentiment, stating that most employers view flexible working as a privilege for “parents with young children.” 

This seemingly longstanding practice is likely why the woman felt entitled to a schedule that better suited her. However, many recognize the importance of impartiality among employees, regardless of whether or not they have children. 

University of Maine sociologist Amy Blackstone believes that companies do “very little” for childfree employees to “protect their time” to enjoy work-life balance. As she tells HR Dive, “employers could do more to show they value all employees, not just those who are parents.”

It might be easier said than done but for law professor Joan C. Williams, having “reason-neutral” policies that don’t favor anyone would be a good start. 

“When people work from home, just have them say, ‘I’m working from home.’ Don’t make people explain why,” Williams wrote in an article for Harvard Business Review. 

Image credits: Drazen Zigic (not the actual image)

Managers should clarify employee expectations

Incorrect expectations could be a reason why an employee acts entitled. According to workplace expert Michelle Gibbings, managers should manage these expectations and clarify their obligations at the beginning. 

But ultimately, finding a middle ground should be the priority. 

“If the team member always wants the Friday off before a public holiday, work through the options and what is fair for other team members,” Gibbings wrote in an article for the CEO Magazine. 

Gibbings also recommends that teamwork be a top priority. She advises managers to monitor employees’ performance and progress (or lack thereof) and consider how it affects the entire team. 

“For a healthy team dynamic, you want each person appreciating the value their colleagues offer,” she wrote. 

In the story, the newly hired employee does not yet have the right to make demands, let alone from her manager. Her threat to quit if her request is not granted also questions her dedication to the job, making her a possible liability down the line. 

Image credits: Anna Tolipova (not the actual image)

Commenters shared their unfiltered reactions, with some people suggesting the employee’s dismissal

Comment advising a woman on dealing with a colleague's graveyard shift ultimatum.

Reddit comment giving advice related to workplace shifts, emphasizing firmness in decisions without giving reasons.

Text exchange discussing a work situation where a colleague threatens to quit over schedule changes.

Comment discussing issues around a colleague threatening to quit over taking the graveyard shift.

Comment discussing a colleague threatening to quit unless a graveyard shift is resumed.

Text exchange about a woman seeking advice after a colleague threatens to quit over graveyard shift issues.

Comment discussing work conflict over graveyard shift; advises focus on personal responsibility, posted 4 months ago.

Text conversation discussing colleague's ultimatum over the graveyard shift.

Comment discussing challenges with colleagues over graveyard shift expectations and their impact on work dynamics.

Comment on shift change issue related to woman seeking graveyard shift advice.

Reddit comment saying, "Tell her byeeee," about graveyard shift dilemma.

Comment weighing in on a colleague threatening to quit over graveyard shift issues.

Comment criticizing excuse used in work setting, related to graveyard shift conflict.

Comment discussing advice for a woman facing a colleague's threat to quit over graveyard shift conflict.

Reddit comment in response to colleague threatening to quit over graveyard shift, stating, "Tell her bye bye!

Text comment advising woman on colleague threatening to quit over graveyard shift.

Comment discussing colleague's reaction about graveyard shift, suggesting to let her go if unwilling to work.

Comment on a post about a graveyard shift conflict, suggesting to dismiss the colleague.

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