Letter for Bright Side
Hello Bright Side,
This just happened, and I’m still shaking. My mom is in hospice, so I requested emergency leave because I may not have much time left with her.
I expected understanding. Maybe even empathy.
Instead, my boss said, “Can’t you visit on the weekends?”
I told him quietly, “She might not make it to the weekend.”
He scoffed. “Everyone has family stuff. We need you.”
My stomach dropped. I didn’t argue. I just said, “Okay.”
Later that afternoon, HR called him. I had reported the conversation and attached a screenshot of our company’s emergency leave policy. When he realized, he looked panicked — and honestly, that felt a little satisfying.
I don’t know if I handled it perfectly, but I don’t regret standing up for my mom. It’s shocking how cold someone can be about something like this.
Was reporting him too much? Or is this just what happens when someone forgets that work isn’t more important than family?
— R.
Our Thoughts
You weren’t wrong.
It’s okay to be angry. It’s okay to set boundaries. And it’s absolutely okay to put your dying parent above your job.
Work will go on. Moments with your loved ones won’t.
You didn’t overreact — you protected what matters.
