I (43)work in retail. I've worked 20 yrs for same company. It's Christmas Eve Eve and it's technically a blizzard. They say only go out in emergencies. Last year or any year prior I would be on time and one of few to show up. This year I'm putting myself and my family before the company and it feels amazing. ( not really, I still feel guilty AF) but after 20+ years and everything I've seen and tolerated I'm putting me first.
I'm GenX and have always had the attitude of work over personal life and health. I've worked sick, came in on off days, stayed late, came im early, 5 and six day stretches of 12 hour shifts. I admit I looked down on younger coworkers for not being “loyal enough ” or not having better “work ethic ” and was brainwashed into thinking that doing all the extra shifts and being a “model employee” meant anything to the people in upper management.
Today I'm calling off.