What.The.Crap (a work vent)

I usually try to stay away from posting much about work. Mostly because I don't have a whole lot of positive things to say about it. Also, because I'm scared of someone (IT) searching my computer and seeing something I have written and somehow that being used against me. But I can't help it this time. This time, if it comes out, it will be for the better. Maybe... I say that now. Actually, this is more something I wish I could say to my boss, but I can't.

As you may (or may not) know, Jon and I are going to the mountains with his family in October. We did this last year as well, and this is a trip that Jonathan really really looks forward to. Back when we were planning with his parents, I specifically told them that it needs to be either the week of the 4th or the week of the 18th, because I have to work on the 12th and I really can't get it off because it will leave my department very short staffed (I have every other Monday off, the 12th is not one of them.) They agreed, said ok, we can work with that. Well, SIL swoops in and tells them that BIL has already put in for his days off at work and he asked for the week of the 12th off. BIL's job is very strict when it comes to time off. Every December 31, they have to submit all vacation days for the ENTIRE COMING YEAR. Seems a little crazy to me, but thats how it is. So, he can't get out of going to work on that day.

So, MIL and FIL book the cabin for Oct. 11-15. Being the easy-going, non-confrontational, walk-all-over-me type that I am, I told them, "Well, it may be an issue and I may have to twist a few arms, but I'm sure I can get that day off." After all, Bro and Sis in law absolutely can't go the week before or after now because of his schedule. And now, its looking like we may not get there until late Monday night, and Jon is none too pleased about this.

Now for my vent. My co-worker, we'll call him Bob, just took all of last week off. Not only did he take a day off that left us very short staffed, but he substituted 2 days so he could take less time off (he has every other Friday off, he will be working two of his off days in exchange for 2 days he took for vacation. Follow me?) Forget substituting days, I just plain out asked for the entire week off. My boss' reply, "You couldn't go the week before or after on your day off?" Obviously, no. I briefly told him about the "sore subject" that I have with my SIL over the week we are going and that I tried all that I could to go a different week.

Then you know what he said?
"Well, if you can't grow a backbone with them, then I will have to grow one for you and not let you off." He then said he would have to think about it and get back to me. I don't think he will tell me anything until at least the end of the week.

What do you say to that? Golden boy (Bob) takes a whole week and leaves us very short staffed. Whereas, the week I am wanting off, everyone in the department will be here and it won't be short staffed, even on that Monday.

One of my biggest complaints is that Bob can do no wrong. He takes extra days off, leaves work an hour early, leaves us short staffed, but he never gets one thing said to him. I ask and I get lectured and drug through the mud. Sometimes I really get sick of double standard. Oh, and don't even get me started on the "Do as I say, not as I do," hypocrisy that goes on.

Added at 4:05: I'm still livid. I mean, REALLY livid.