Dear Experts,
I never take Black Friday off but this year I decided to so I could spend the day with family. My boss gave me permission three weeks ago to take this day off from work. He even said he was going to take it off as well.
Yesterday, my boss sent me an e-mail requesting I change my plans and take Monday off instead. He says he’ll be working on Friday and would prefer to have me there ‘in case’ he needs my help.
How do I politely explain to my boss I want this day off? Is there any nice way to decline a request from your boss? Should I just go to work? Ugh, the holidays can be so frustrating!
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Here is how our CAREEREALISM-Approved Experts answered this question on Twitter:
Q#384 I would politely (but firmly) let him know that you have already made plans (since he gave you the day off). (@gradversity)
Q#384 If it’s critical family stuff, explain to boss and take off. If not, score some points and work. Its just a day. (@thejobgenius)
Q#384 Took Blk Friday off, now boss wants me… Offer to work before & after: http://bit.ly/8qapDH (@ravingredhead)
Q#384 I’d tell my boss that w/his permission 2 B off, I’d planned things & couldn’t cancel on short notice. (@beneubanks)
Q#384 Say “So sorry! Made plans w/ family when you gave me day off.” If you feel pressure, offer to work 2-3 hrs. (@juliaerickson)
Q#384 Be honest. Tell boss U made plans when granted the day off. “Request” implies OK to say NO. OK to have life outside work. (@DawnBugni)
Q#384 Nicely explain to ur boss that u already hv plans w family 4 Friday u cannot change. Make urself available via cell. (@DebraWheatman)
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3 Comments
Unless it compromises your moral character or professional integrity, I say GO TO WORK! You may first see this as a sacrifice TO your family, but considering the economy and too, that this is a 'buyers' market – meaning, employers have the upper hand over labor, you may see going in to work Friday more as a sacrifice FOR your family rather than to them. I always say to my clients, “Health and family ALWAYS come first.” Nonetheless, isn't it true in your circumstance that to protect your family and consequently everyone's health that going to work Fri is the safer thing to do? A Buyer's market: There are about 23 mill jobless folks who'd happily get in line on Black Friday for a job. Unless it compromises your moral character or professional integrity, I say go and protect yours!.
Hope this helps!
YT, Rob Taub of http://www.JobSearchCorner.com
and the blog “JobSearchingWithRob”.
Unless it compromises your moral character or professional integrity, I say GO TO WORK! You may first see this as a sacrifice TO your family, but considering the economy and too, that this is a 'buyers' market – meaning, employers have the upper hand over labor, you may see going in to work Friday more as a sacrifice FOR your family rather than to them. I always say to my clients, “Health and family ALWAYS come first.” Nonetheless, isn't it true in your circumstance that to protect your family and consequently everyone's health that going to work Fri is the safer thing to do? A Buyer's market: There are about 23 mill jobless folks who'd happily get in line on Black Friday for a job. Unless it compromises your moral character or professional integrity, I say go and protect yours!.
Hope this helps!
YT, Rob Taub of http://www.JobSearchCorner.com
and the blog “JobSearchingWithRob”.
Unless it compromises your moral character or professional integrity, I say GO TO WORK! You may first see this as a sacrifice TO your family, but considering the economy and too, that this is a 'buyers' market – meaning, employers have the upper hand over labor, you may see going in to work Friday more as a sacrifice FOR your family rather than to them. I always say to my clients, “Health and family ALWAYS come first.” Notqwithstanding, is it not true in your circumstance that to protect your family and consequently everyone's health that going to work Fri is the safe thing to do? A Buyer's market: There are abou 23 mill jobless folks who'd happily get in line on Black Friday for your job. Unless it compromises your moral character or professional integrity, I say go.
Hope this helps!
YT, Rob Taub of http://www.JobSearchCorner.com
and the blog “JobSearchingWithRob”.