A boss has gone viral after demanding an employee cancel their approved annual leave — while they were already on holiday overseas.
UK workplace expert Ben Askins shared the now-infamous text exchange online, where a manager abruptly messaged a staff member mid-trip to say their leave had to be partially revoked due to a scheduling error. The boss didn’t ease into the request, simply stating, “I am going to have to cancel the second half of your annual leave this week. You’ll need to be in the office Thursday and Friday.”
The employee quickly responded, pointing out they were already in Mexico. However, the boss ignored that crucial detail and insisted the worker return to the office, adding they would update the system to reflect the employee’s attendance.
The worker again explained their situation, emphasizing they were abroad and could not return in time. Undeterred, the boss claimed to have found a flight for Wednesday night and insisted, “You will have to move your flights around.”
“This is a joke, right?” the employee asked — to which the boss bluntly replied, “I am not asking. I am telling you the situation… you’re just going to have to be back.”
The worker stood firm, refusing to change their plans and warning the boss that further pressure would lead to a formal complaint.
Ben Askins criticised the manager’s actions, stating that annual leave is a right, not a luxury, and that mishandling of the roster should not fall on employees. “It certainly isn’t the poor employee’s problem — especially while they’re on holiday in Mexico,” he added.
Social media users were outraged, with many urging the worker to report the boss. Some said they wouldn’t have responded at all, while others expressed frustration with managers who believe they have unlimited authority over staff.
