There Is Need For More Holidays

Truly, there are certain moments in our lives when we deserve more free days. It's painful that we work every day from Monday to Friday, only observing holidays that are officially designated, neglecting important moments that require our attention.

Though we have holidays throughout the year, many of them are based on historical or religious events. Living a life of work and daily activities makes it essential for us to have some time off.

For me, one such moment I would need a holiday would be on my birthday. It's a yearly celebration that carries overflowing joy, and I deserve a full day for myself, getting quality rest and enjoying the day to the fullest. Trying to juggle work on my birthday and returning feeling exhausted means I don't have a perfect day as I should.

I remember what happened last November. It was my birthday, and instead of feeling strong and excited, I was struck down with a severe headache. I felt I needed to take the day off, to get quality rest and focus on self-care, but that was impossible. My workplace made it a rule that all excuses must be fully documented in handwritten form a week before, or charges would apply.

There are joyful celebrations that deserve our full attention, like a family member's wedding, an occasion that requires time with family members. As a worker, joining such a company is impossible.

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This reminds me of when I started my first job and tried to juggle it with my project. Since it was my final year and our only focus was on project submission to our supervisor, I thought getting employed was the best option, seeing it as a simple and possible task.

Many companies denied me employment, some quoting a price that wasn't favorable just to be polite instead of rejecting me completely. The man who finally accepted deals in all kinds of attire, both traditional and foreign. His shop was well-equipped, with influential personalities coming in to purchase ready-made dresses.

I only told him I would be leaving the shop sometimes for school to see my supervisor, something he agreed to at first. I started working, but the first day I took a day off because seeing my supervisor was like seeing Alpha and Omega - his presence was rare. Sometimes, after a wait, I wouldn't get to see him.

It was at the end of the month I realized they didn't have a problem with my days off because my salary was covering for me. While others received their full payment, I found myself being paid only for the days I worked. It was very painful. After that month, knowing I would still be skipping days off, I completely stopped working to focus on what's important.

So many companies don't even want to understand the term "emergency situations" that come up unplanned. Personally, as a worker, having the liberty to take off when needed would really ease lots of stress and burnout, but the question is, won't many employees abuse the privilege?