What A Vacation!

Today was just a crummy day. So, I'm going to take this opportunity to vent ... a little ... ok - maybe a lot.

I think I'm a pretty good worker. I do my share and willingly work extra hours when asked. I've even been known to work an occasional weekend if need be. I go in early every day and on most days I stay past 5:00.

As you know ... from reading this blog ... my children have been sick. They have literally been sick for a month. And of course when they're sick ... they can't stay home by themselves. I try not to make Brian stay home all the time, so I have missed my fair share of work in the last month.

A couple of weeks ago I was home with Bella. When I returned to work ... I had an e-mail from my boss - asking me if I was going to use vacation time. I thought this was a bit odd ... because I had been home sick with a child before and was never asked to use vacation time for it. I was under the impression that by being an exempt employee (and one that works over 40 hours each week) it would be ok if I missed an occasional day for a sick child.

So I questioned why I was being asked to use a vacation day when I never had to do that in the past ... my response was that I apparently was supposed to use a vacation day before, but was never asked to do so. Yeah ... lucky me ...

So ... two weeks ago on a Wednesday I as home with Kadin. Then last Friday I was home with him again. Now, I completely understand that this appears excessive. I agree - it is. But ... when your child is sick what can you do???

The week I missed Wednesday happened to be the week of inventory. I worked 12 hours on Friday of that week. Last Friday when I stayed home ... I worked all morning from home while Kadin napped.

I went in today and saw that (without telling me) my boss put in two vacation days to cover the two days I missed. I am totally disgusted. Am I completely off the mark here or is that totally unfair???

If I am an exempt employee ... one that works over 40 hours each week ... shouldn't I be able to stay home with my sick child and not have to use vacation??? AND ... since I put in 12 hours one day and worked from home the other ... shouldn't I be able to use some of that time toward my work week and NOT be penalized a full 16 hours??

Oh you bet I complained and now it is in the hands of HR to decide my fate. I'm pretty sure my boss was thoroughly irritated with me today and you know what? I don't even care. If they dock me those 16 hours ... I swear I will start coming in at 8:00 and leaving at 5:00 because I don't see the benefit of working more than I have to ...