Boss rejects employee's PTO request after not being able to find replacement for over 5 months, employee decides to quit altogether: ‘Not my problem’

Author image for Bar Mor Hazut
Bar Mor Hazut • Senior Editor
Jul 20, 2026 11:15 AM EDT

It's silly that we call it a 'PTO request' when we shouldn't really ask for anyone's permission to use our much-earned time off.

We should all make it a habit to never ask for permission to take our vacation days. Instead, we should simply email our manager saying, "Hey, I will be gone in these days; please plan accordingly" and call it a day. They can say no as much as they want, but as long as you gave them enough of a heads-up, their inability to plan ahead should never be your problem.

Most jobs don't even require that much planning ahead anyway. You simply take the time off, and your work can wait the few days it will take for you to return. Unless it is a matter of saving lives, nothing will happen if you're gone, clearing your mind and ensuring you return with actual energy to do the job properly.

When your absence means that someone else has to cover for you, then it is your boss's responsibility to make sure there is someone to do that. As long as you gave them enough time to prepare, it is not your concern whether they succeed or not. You should be able to go on your PTO regardless of whether or not your boss finds a replacement for you in time. And if they don't, well, all it sounds like to us is that your boss is going to work a little bit extra while you're away.

But under no circumstances should you give in to your PTO request being "denied". You don't ask for permission; you provide a proper notice, and that's that. They can say no as many times as you want, but you will not be here to discuss it during your PTO time.

If that gets you in trouble once you're back, then that workplace might not be a place you should spend your time at…

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  • 01
    Young female employee standing in a busy office.
    via Getty Images

    Young female employee standing in a busy office.

    Subjects are models.

  • 02

    I asked off 5 months ago and manager is declining it

    I asked off over 5 months ago since its our yearly vacation and we do it EVERY YEAR and it had been scheduled early. It wasnt
    via HappyHappyUnbirthday
  • 03
    approved because a coworker of mine couldnt give a yes or no to if he could work it. I changed my week off thinking that would fix it.
    via HappyHappyUnbirthday
  • 04
    It didnt. He has now left the company. My vacation request has been in limbo for 5 months now because we still havent hired a
    via HappyHappyUnbirthday
  • 05
    replacement. I asked about getting it approved and it has now been told to me that itll be denied due to staffing. (Not my problem). Had they
    via HappyHappyUnbirthday
  • 06
    denied it earlier, i would have had options. But it has already been paid, i legally had to tell my sons father my
    via HappyHappyUnbirthday
  • 07
    vacation dates, my son will be starting school, i cannot change it anymore.
    via HappyHappyUnbirthday
  • 08
    Man and woman walking in an office.
    via Carrie Allen

    Man and woman walking in an office.

    Subjects are models.

  • 09
    I've had a hard year, this is always my light at the end of the tunnel. Im tired from being forced to work 6 days a week and im burnt out
    via HappyHappyUnbirthday
  • 10
    majorly. What do i do? What do i say? Going to talk directly to him on Saturday. Hes the biggest j k and narcissist ever. Please help.
    via HappyHappyUnbirthday
  • 11
    I am currently looked to change jobs.
    via HappyHappyUnbirthday
  • 12
    EDIT: I just found out a coworker asked off for a VERY similar week (off by a couple days), teo months AFTER i had and his was approved...
    via HappyHappyUnbirthday
  • 13
    bianksterrr I would be honest and say you will not be available to come in. Apologize. But be firm. You'll regret missing out on your
    via bianksterrr
  • 14
    vacation. Life is too short to be working constantly, and until you are run down. Enjoy your vacation and don't feel guilty about it. Keep putting in
    via bianksterrr
  • 15
    applications to have the upper hand and be ready in case you have to find another job. Don't let capitalism win!
    via bianksterrr
  • 16
    howtobegeo Follow-up saying "Reminder, I'll be unavailable to come in on these dates." If he says that he won't grant you
    via howtobegeo
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    the time off, just say again "I won't be able to come in."
    via howtobegeo
  • 18
    You might get fired, but good riddance. When I have run into the situation, it was a calling their bluff situation. If they
    via howtobegeo
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    haven't hired someone to replace your old co- worker, they need you more than they don't.
    via howtobegeo

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boss workplace-stories employee manager job time off PTO overworked-employees workplace company vacation
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