An Australian worker quit his job after receiving a text message from his boss canceling his overseas holiday without asking him first.
The wild text exchange was posted by Michael Sanz, a business owner and outsourcing expert, who often shares people’s experiences as a “bad boss” online.
He shared the conversation between the worker, Noel, and his boss, Nick, on TikTok, telling his followers: “You’re not going to believe this message you just sent me.”
The initial message is from Nick, telling Noel that his leave had been canceled because he needs all hands on deck as he tries to replace a member of staff who had just resigned.
‘We can delay a few months. I informed HR that it has now changed for you. I appreciate your understanding,’ the boss wrote.
Sanz then says exactly what all his followers were probably thinking: ‘This guy sounds like a tool; it’s automatically canceling without any conversation.’
Noel, the employee, responds by saying that he understands how “frustrating” this situation would be for the company, but explains that he cannot change his plans.
“I can’t cancel my leave because it’s my brother’s wedding in Bali, all the flights are paid for and my children are in the wedding party,” she wrote.
“I booked this seven months ago, so canceling is not an option.”
The initial message is from Nick, telling Noel that his leave has been canceled because he needs all hands on deck as they try to replace a member of staff who has just resigned.
Nick reiterates to the worker that he will have to change his plans after the employee, Noel, tells him he can’t cancel a trip months in advance.
Nick then asked the worker to reduce his leave from three weeks to three days over the weekend.
“I’m not sure what you can do for three weeks in Bali haha,” he added.
Sanz then said he would be “furious” if he were the worker because the boss was making a “joke” with a totally unreasonable request.
Noel then responded: “I feel very bad because the company is in this situation, but I can’t cancel it or change it.”
“I haven’t had a vacation for three years and it’s no one’s business how I use my vacation.”
He then reiterated that he could help more before he went on leave and suggested they get some temporary workers to cover the portfolios until they could find a replacement.
But his boss responded bluntly: “Dude, I can’t stress this enough, your license is cancelled, we just can’t do it.” I’m sorry.’
Clearly frustrated by Nick’s lack of compassion, Noel informed his boss that his leave would begin “from today.”
“While I’m away, I’ll think about whether working with a company that doesn’t promote boundaries is a place I really want to work,” he wrote.
He also added that he would forward this “totally unreasonable” exchange to Human Resources.
Sanz praised the worker, saying he had been polite and should not have to justify his annual leave.
“Their holidays should go ahead, the management of the business should be left in the hands of the businessmen,” he said.
“They should get a temporary employee or a virtual assistant, someone who can help carry that administrative load while the staff is away.”
Since the video was uploaded, it has been viewed more than 700,000 times and received hundreds of comments from stunned viewers.
‘Is this even legal?’ said one person.
Another said they would “tender their resignation.”
In the comments, Sanz confirmed that Noel has since found a new job.