Rant: called out for leaving early for kid's appointment

Apr 18·1 min read

Had to leave 45 minutes early yesterday for my son's orthodontist. Rescheduled my meeting, let my team know. My manager pulls me aside today saying I need to be more 'reliable' and that I'm 'not as committed as before.' The appointment was scheduled a month ago. Meanwhile Brad in accounting takes Fridays off every summer and nobody says anything. I'm doing my job, delivering projects on time, but apparently I'm supposed to just ignore that I have kids? This is grinding my gears.

5 comments153 views

Comments(5)

SSteve B.RegularApr 18

That's ridiculous. You communicated, you rescheduled, you did everything right. An orthodontist appointment isn't something you just skip. Your manager needs to remember you're a parent first.

MMike R.New DadApr 18

I've been on the sidelines every Saturday yelling myself hoarse for my kids' sports. If my boss had an issue with me leaving for their appointments I'd have words. You did nothing wrong.

RRyanRegularApr 19

That's garbage. You rescheduled the meeting and gave notice. What more do they want, for you to let your kid's teeth stay crooked? I'd document that interaction honestly.

PPatrick M.New DadApr 19

Getting called out for an appointment you handled professionally is exactly the kind of thing that makes people resent their jobs. Your kid comes first, always.

JJosh M.RegularApr 19

I've had similar pushback and I've learned to just not announce it beforehand. Show up to work, do your thing, then leave when you need to. They'll adapt.

to join the conversation.