I am so annoyed with work right now. If you're feeling mean, don't bother...I'm not after being pulled apart.

[lucysmam]

For context: I have stage 4 breast cancer & may not see either of my girls graduate/marry/whatever other big life events. Work are very aware of this & I did have a conversation with Headteacher a couple of weeks ago re. asking for an early finish to spend time with dd1 - answer was no then also.

I requested dd2's prom day off. Answer is no - speak to headteacher if I want to know why. Meanwhile; one colleague currently at international themepark on 2 week jolly that's been approved, another allowed sports day off.

Neither actually in the process of dying & being kept alive by various medications.

I'm feeling massively hard done by & annoyed that a holiday's allowed, but being with my child to prep for a special event isn't when they know my prognosis as well as I do.

Oh @lucysmam this has made my blood boil! You have an army of weekend thread mumsnetters behind you and we all agree you should go on the sick! Fuck them!! Sending love.

Sorry to hear about your situation. If you’re in a trade union, I’d have a meeting with them. Are you also under occupational health? You might be eligible for ill health retirement so contact the provider - not sure if you are teacher or support staff so LGPS or teacher’s pension scheme. Go off sick in the meantime. I’m genuinely shocked a school has sanctioned a theme park term time holiday for a staff member - would be a hard no at the school I work in.

I just want to make sure you are getting advice from your union. Your contract gives you certain benefits like, I'm sorry to say, death in service which will be an enormous help to your family. Your union rep should be able to support you in making sure you and your family are supported and also get all you and they are entitled to.

Maybe don’t ask next time. Take the day off as sick. Can’t believe your employer is being this horrible. Deep breaths and do what is good for your soul