enjoy your time off

QI’m a midwife and we have a schedule where everyone has a rotating opportunity at having the big holidays off. Since my divorce I’ve given up that right, as I see my family at other times. I’ve been seeing someone for two years and I’ve asked for Christmas and New Year as his family want me there, with him, this year. So I asked my boss for both, hoping to get one – I’ve got both. A few colleagues are saying it’s unfair, but my boss says it’s deserved. I was prepared to trade New Year but now I’m just annoyed.

Suzie says

AGo and enjoy – you’ve earned it. If anyone says anything more say, ‘I’m looking forward to my first family Christmas for years and my first New Year with my new man. That’s fair, isn’t it?’ And leave it at that. By the sound of it, colleagues who really know you are rejoicing on your behalf so take comfort in the fact that any grumbles are selfish and unreasonable. Next year you’ll probably be back to taking pot luck. Revel in it while you can!