WIBTA if I don’t call out of work on Christmas Eve to go to family dinner?

A Reddit user shares a conflict between family traditions and work obligations on Christmas Eve. Despite being pressured by their mom to call out of a Target shift to attend a family dinner, the user worries about jeopardizing their new seasonal job and future employment prospects. Read the full story below for all the details and context.

‘ WIBTA if I don’t call out of work on Christmas Eve to go to family dinner?’

So 3 weeks ago, I (20F) started working at Target and on my 2nd day of work, I had to call out because I woke up throwing up. A team lead talked to me about my call out the next day I came to work.

I’m scheduled to work from 2-9:30pm on Christmas Eve and my mom isn’t happy about that because we are supposed to go to my Grandparents house for dinner like we usually do every year. She told me that I’m going to have to call out but I don’t want to risk getting in trouble since I recently already had a call out.

I was also hired as a seasonal worker since that’s what they had available and I’m trying to have them keep me permanently and if I call out again, especially on a holiday, that will affect my chances of them keeping me.

My mom got mad because I said I didn’t want to call out and she started guilt tripping me and saying “it’s messed up that you won’t be at family dinner” “I can’t believe your going to go to work on Christmas Eve” “I don’t understand why you can’t just call out so you can have dinner with the family”.

This would only be my first time not going to dinner and a few of my older cousins won’t even be there because they are busy with stuff. WIBTA if I don’t call out of work?

Let’s dive into the reactions from Reddit:

Blue_Waffled −  NTA, I am well into my 30s and my mom says the same every year and every year I have to put my foot down and explain to her that Christmas eve (at least in my country) is a working day and that not everyone can take the day off because they have jobs.

My mother is retired and sometimes I have her on the phone on a weekday afternoon and she asks “Are you working right now?” like hello! She will be saying the same thing every year,

it’s that guilt tripping family obligation stuff where someone thinks they control whatever happens in the world because it is Christmas, because it is new years, because it is a bday or whatever other holiday you can think of.

You are 20 years old, you’re a seasonal worker who is being told to call out on the most important days of the season you are hired for, you don’t want to risk your chances of not being re-hired after. I think you know it’s only fair to tell mom you are not calling out for work.

Forward-Dingo1431 −  I’m shocked that your mom wants you to call out. That’s sending a terrible message to you. Is that the kind of work ethic she has? You have a responsibility to your job and you need to learn that now. Good for you that you’re taking it seriously. I hope you get hired permanently! NTA

MedicinalWalnuts −  NTA. If you call out, you won’t get hired permanently. This is your chance to prove you are reliable. You can also compromise by stopping by to see your relatives on your way home. It isn’t ideal, but this is life when you have a job in retail.

Aggressive_Cattle320 −  NTA Your job is on the line, and your mother seems oblivious to that fact. Especially, since you are hoping to be taken on as a full time employee in the future, you must put yourself first.

Your mother is wrong in not supporting you in this effort. My son works in a grocery store, so he rarely gets holiday time, either. It’s not always convenient, but it’s life.

k23_k23 −  YWNBTA. “Calling out at christmas eve? You mean quitting your job. YOur bosses are not stupid.. Priorize your job.

elsie78 −  NTA. Let her know you’re open to Christmas Eve breakfast but you’re not calling out sick. You work retail, hired as holiday help. Of course you’re working Christmas Eve!

Heavy_Permission5704 −  My mom was a nurse. Never holidays off

OutlandishnessOk790 −  If you want to switch to permanent, or you want to use them as a future reference for a job – do not call out. If you decide to call out you’re unprofessional, and your mom should understand that. You’re a seasonal (aka holiday!!) employee after all!

CrinklyPacket −  NTA. Do you want to work it? You’re 20, employed and able to make your own decisions. If you REALLY want to be at the dinner and are happy to take the risk of losing your job, go. But if you don’t, say no.

It’s a very, very normal thing to work over Christmas for people. Seems like the choice is either your mother is disappointed that you miss a dinner, or you’re disappointed that you lose your job. Which of those are the bigger risk?

prevknamy −  NTA. Did your mom ever work? She doesn’t seem to understand the core concept

Do you think the Redditor is right to prioritize her new job over family traditions, or should she have called out to join the Christmas Eve dinner? How would you balance work responsibilities and family expectations during the holidays? Share your thoughts and experiences below!