Firstly let me make clear I am fine working all key dates and said this to my manager. I've worked the last couple of Christmases and new year. I work in hospitality so its extra busy at this time of year, extra stressful for everyone. I work full time, so 5 out of 7 days a week is norm. I am happy to work Christmas eve, Christmas day, boxing day, new years eve and new years day. All I asked is that I get 2 days off between Christmas and new year to have "my family Christmas" to spend time with my husband and kids. (kids are older teens so to us to have "family day" than actual Christmas day is fine)
I have recently been unwell. I'm being seen by hospital while they run tests but in the mean time I'm in constant pain and this is heightened when I get stressed to the point I end up doubled over in pain. I get a couple of hours sleep if that at night because of my current health but I have still been going into work. I haven't eaten properly for 2 months because I am in pain when I eat which is my reason for asking for 2 days off so I can still do a family Christmas meal knowing ill be in more pain for next 24hrs at least but then I should be able to work day after that.
So Christmas and week after rota has just been made available.. I'm working Christmas eve and every day from then right through to January 3rd 2025. By the time I get any time off my son will be going back to school. My manager is full aware of my health issues and family and I actually asked in person for two days off between the holidays and said I was happy to work the key dates.
Am I being unreasonable? Out of almost 30 staff I am the ONLY staff member working 10 days straight and I am the ONLY staff member working every key date.
On an added note I also put in a holiday request for early January (so I could visit my family) which has been rejected. I am the kind of person who comes in on my day off when they are short staffed, even cancelling my holiday to help out if I haven't anything booked.