I work in an mainly male environment where we work shifts, earlys, lates or nights. There are not many of us for one reason or another, so when one of is off, it usually hits us hard.
Yesterday my partner (work) recived a call from his wife basically saying that her mum was unable to look after ther DCs today for personal reasons which arent really relevant.
Today we start at 3pm until 11pm, which means he would have the kids from his wife leaving to go to work at around 7.30am until 6ish when she returned. I suggested he take some time off and come in after 6, but instead he went and asked our supervisor if he could take Dependants leave.
He said " I cant look after the kids all day then come to work, its not possible"!!!!!
I mean WTF?
I pointed out that although we finished at 2am this mornig, i would be up with my DH to help get kids ready and take to school as DH has to go to work also. Dont get me wrong, im not looking for a medal, this is just what we do, but seriiusly taking a days paid leave cos he cant look after his own DCS then go to work is a bit much, or am i just being a twat?
Anyway, i pushed him a bit to see just how much he has his kids and was astonished at his reply.
Bbasically if we work a night shift, the fist day of the night shift his kids will go off somewhere and be looked after by his MIL so he can rest. On a late shift either a 3-11pm or a 4pm - 2pm, he will have the whole day off then they will go to his MIL the following morning as he needs to sleep to 12pm.
Is this normal. My husband has the kids when im working - they are his kids too, and both of us just crack on.
i really think he is taking the piss, but also his DW must be a complete mug for letting him get away with this.
i know its not my business, but if pissed me right off when i hear him complain that he is bloody tired, when i have for years managed on little sleep, but know that im there fore my kids.
the whole reason i work shifts is so that i can be at home during the day for them adn dont have to rely too much in my mum or other childcare.
Am i being mean??