A reader had planned their first real vacation in years. Everything was approved and booked when HR called them in just two days before departure and announced their role was being eliminated.
The meeting felt cold and scripted. When the reader asked about the already approved vacation, HR dismissed the question with, “It’ll be handled later,” offering no details or reassurance.
“Later” arrived as a final paycheck with no vacation pay included. An email from HR followed, stating that once terminated, approved leave no longer applied.
Frustrated by the dismissive tone, the reader reviewed the company handbook. There, they found a clear policy stating that approved vacation must either be honored or paid out.
They replied to HR with a screenshot of the policy and one simple question: “Can you explain this?” No accusations, just the rule in writing.
The silence that followed lasted until the next morning. Then HR called back with a sudden “adjustment.” The termination date was changed so the reader was technically still employed and officially on vacation.
They were told not to work, not to log in, and to take the trip as planned. When a manager texted mid-vacation with a “quick question,” the reader chose not to respond.
After returning, HR offered to reinstate the role temporarily, but the reader declined. They took the vacation, received the pay they were owed, and left on their own terms—with dignity.