Single mom requests PTO for her daughter's 1st birthday months in advance, then gets guilt-tripped by her coworker who wants that day off for a last-minute vacation: 'Jenna refuses any compromises'

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Jesse Kessenheimer • Writer and Editor
Aug 8, 2025 6:00 PM EDT

This baby's first birthday was a highlight of this single mom's life, but her coworker didn't seem to agree. There was a dispute about PTO requests and about who deserves the day off more, and even though this mom requested the day off months in advance, her entitled colleague thought that her impromptu romantic vacation was far more important. 

Besides, according to her, the 1-year-old baby won't remember their birthday party anyway, right? And who cares if it's a pivotal day for the mom as well… Lucky for this single mom, the entire squad at work had her back, knowing the fleeting whims of her enemy's entitlement might even cost them their job.

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  • JORS
    via Ron Lach

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • AITA for not giving up a PTO day that falls on my daughter's first birthday, even though my coworker has a trip planned?
    via Sohail_Marcelosousa
  • I'm a single mom, and my daughter is turning one soon. I requested that day off months ago so I could be with her, it's a huge milestone for us. My teammates have been super supportive and even offered to shift their PTO to make sure I I could have that day.
    via Sohail_Marcelosousa
  • The issue is one coworker (let's call her Jenna) also requested the same day for a trip with her girlfriend. She knew I had already asked for it and why it was important, but she's still insisting she should get it. She refuses any compromises or shift swaps others offered to help her out.
    via Sohail_Marcelosousa
  • What bothers me most is how inconsiderate she's being. Not once has she acknowledged how important this day is for me and my daughter. I feel bad that this has turned into a battle, but I don't think I'm wrong for standing my ground.
    via Sohail_Marcelosousa
  • wanted R-COMPUTERS PART.CAE JOUS 90
    via Ron Lach

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • Babies don't remember much of anything. My first POV memory is from when I was around 6 years old, snorkeling on the beaches with some orange fish. I can certainly tell you that I don't remember anything about my 1st birthday, apart from my recollection of a few cherished photos with my mom. What I know for certain is that my 1st birthday was incredibly important to only two people: My parents. 

  • Competition No4596 Whoever asked for it first gets it. Yes the 1st birthday isn't remembered by the kid but the parents will remember it. BUTTTTT if she asked for it first then she should get it
    via Competition No4596
  • MissMurderpants NTJ You asked first. Doesn't matter if your daughter won't remember. You will.
    via MissMurderpants
  • Outrageous_Rabbit842. It's a really special day, even though your daughter won't remember. If you asked first, you should get it.
    via Outrageous_Rabbit842
  • Cheezburger Image 10538956544
    via Ron Lach

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • Apprehensive War9612. Why is this your problem? You requested it months ago. So when did she request it? Whoever asked 1st get it and the other one has to figure it out. Are you the ONLY person that can work that day if she bails?
    via Apprehensive War9612
  • Deranged_Kitsune ⚫ She refuses any compromises or shift swaps others offered to help her out. Guess the trip isn't that important to her then. (^)_/¯¯¯
    via Deranged_Kitsune
  • Outside_Case1530 It sounds like Jenna is intentionally being difficult, especially when she refuses shift swaps offered by other employees.
    via Outside_Case1530
  • Flicksterea ⚫ Neither if you are jerks for wanting time off I will point out here that your daughter's birthday is only important to you just as Jenna's trip is only important to her. Instead if
    via Flicksterea
  • battling this out between you, take it to the manager. Whoever put in for the PTO first gets the day, none of this she won't help or doesn't understand how important my day is to me rubbish because it doesn't matter.
    via Flicksterea
  • k8esaurustex ⚫ If you asked first, ntj. The first birthday is really more for you and your loved ones - still super important!! But don't let it get you down if the day goes to her, just request another day, or several, to celebrate and enjoy yourself.
    via k8esaurustex

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