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Antiwork

The power of no.

Two years ago I decided to stop telling employers why I needed days off. I am so tired of overly entitled “managers” trying to decide which part of the human experience is acceptable for me to experience. One of my kids has a birthday? I’m not working. I ate too much in the middle of the night? No work. When pressed about the why I simply state, “I’m very sorry, but it’s personal.” If they continue to press? “I can’t, I’m sorry.” Press more? “Listen, I can’t be there.” No more responses. Three strikes and done. Haven’t been fired in two years. These people KNOW they need us. Don’t let petulant adult-babies control your life.


Two years ago I decided to stop telling employers why I needed days off. I am so tired of overly entitled “managers” trying to decide which part of the human experience is acceptable for me to experience. One of my kids has a birthday? I’m not working. I ate too much in the middle of the night? No work.

When pressed about the why I simply state, “I’m very sorry, but it’s personal.” If they continue to press? “I can’t, I’m sorry.” Press more? “Listen, I can’t be there.” No more responses. Three strikes and done. Haven’t been fired in two years.

These people KNOW they need us. Don’t let petulant adult-babies control your life.

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