Working 10 days straight from Christmas Eve

[SLB7875]

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.

That's crazy. I'd be looking for a new job. What's their reasoning?

They have given you this rota because you are a hard worker and they’ve judged you won’t complain and will just do it.
So prove them wrong.

Oh my god talk to your manager and argue it. Honestly, this is absolutely a hill to die on. You’re willing to work but you need time off. And op on the new year Id he taking annual leave AND sick leave. Hugs

You shouldn’t be working every single key day over the festive season, that’s incredibly unfair on you. As you’re unwell, I’d pull a sickie and make my New Year’s resolution to find a better job.

YANBU.

That's incredibly unfair when you are being so flexible. Definitely raise it with them immediately

Call them and discuss it

You’re kind of unreasonable and have set yourself up for this by working even on your days off. Go back to your manager and tell them the total is unfair and you want some time off over Christmas as agreed. Alternatively go off sick. Fuck em. And in the new year start looking for a new job. With your work ethic you’ll find something easily and hopefully a little less toxic.

They are taking the piss because you are so reliable. Its incredibly unfair. Please argue this op.

No way. Ask your GP to sign you off for the whole festive period. You will only make yourself more ill working when you're in so much pain and not sleeping.

You said you’d work all dates and they’ve took you literally.
Put your health and your family first.

Definitely talk to your manager as this is very unfair. I fear they are taking advantage of your good nature but it could just be a mistake. Point out the things you've said on here but mainly the fact that you are ill so it won’t be possible for you at the moment to work 9 days straight. It might have more impact in email and then there is documented proof. Be polite and state that you understand it’s their busiest period and you want to be supportive etc etc. Send it now so your manager can have more time to sort things out.

I’d imagine they’ve given other people loads of time off. You’re ill, spend some time recovering at home with your family.
go sick if need be. I realised years ago that you need to put yourself first, because they don’t care.
And then look for another job.
don’t let yourself be exploited like this.

Time to put your foot down OP.

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.

Unfortunately this doesn't earn you any credit as a respected employee. It just earns you the reputation of being the mug that they can repeatedly dump on because you won't say no. Start saying no.

You sound unwell. I'd go off sick for the entire time.

I would absolutely urgently be looking for a new job, hopeing to get something before Christmas.
Also, complain to management, argue your case and point blank refuse to do all the dates. If this is a chain escalate to area management or HR.

I'd be taking sick leave in these circumstances.

If your symptoms haven't been diagnosed you could be making yourself worse by not resting when you're in pain.

My dad worked in retail and this happens a lot, he'd never complain or refuse to the extra hours. The quite workers that work hard and get on with things get the shit dumped on them. I'm sorry OP that is really unfair and not ok of them. I'd be calling in sick as a last resort. They can suspect all they want but they can't know for sure as long as you keep off social media and don't share with colleagues. Dealing with constant pain is so hard, I hope you catch a break with some answers and effective treatment soon.

Eta: quote fail.

Fuck that.

I think I would be phoning in sick. Which to be fair isn't unreasonable as you will be exhausted,

Succinct 100% this

I wouldn't automatically go off sick if working a reasonable amount wouldn't be a problem. Speak to the manager, tell them you can work all the bank holidays but you're going to need two days break after Boxing Day or you won't be capable of working by New Year. They'll hopefully realise they've messed up the rota and shuffle things.

Tell your manager that they've forgotten to schedule your days off. Then state the 2 (or 3 - it's time you put yourself 1st) days off together that you want. You are not asking, you are giving them the courtesy of letting them know you will be off.

Stop giving them your life. You have a family who love you. You have health problems. If you keeled over tomorrow your family's world would be blown apart. Work would just be peed off that they'd have to find cover.

Change your way of thinking and prioritise yourself and what you want over a work place where you are just another body on shift. Yes you have to work to make money to live. But they do not own you. You have become their automatic fall back. It's time to stop. They won't like it. Tough. Time to value yourself.

In the new year look for a new job with a better work life balance.

The squeaky gate gets the oil. They know you're sure bet and a work horse so they will just keep piling it on.

Ask for a meeting, be very clear that you are not able to do the shifts you've been rota'd for and you would like 2 days off between x date and x date, ask them to confirm by the end of the day xx day so you can make family arrangements.

If they aren't able hand in your notice, go off sick and look for something else. You can't remain there, it's all downhill now you know they will take the piss out of you if they can.