Story Text

Part 1: A Tranquil Company of Two

It's 7:00 pm, a quiet Sunday evening - January 7th, 2024. Sarah and Alex are enjoying their tea time together in their small rented flat somewhere in the southern district of the City of Makati, the Philippines. They've been married for almost 5 years now. Though they had their ups and downs, especially in terms of finances, they always loved and supported each other.

Excitement fills the air as Sarah plans a special day to celebrate their mutual love.
Sarah takes a sip and says:

Sarah: Hey babe, I was thinking to get a day off for...

-- Alex jumps in excitedly.
Alex: For this coming Wednesday?

-- Sarah smiles delightfully.
Sarah: Yeah.. seems I'm not the only one thinking about our anniversary!

Alex: Guess not!

-- They both laugh at the same time.

Alex: Sure, it's a wonderful idea. So, when are you going to do it?

Sarah: Tomorrow morning I'll ask my manager. I'm sure she'll agree cause I haven't got any day off for almost three months.

Alex: Sounds great. I can't wait to hear the good news. Make sure to call me when it's done.

Little does Sarah know, her simple desire for a day off will set in motion events that challenge her dedication to work and ability to balance professional responsibilities with her personal life.

Part 2: Today's not my day!
It's 10:35 am, and Sarah is at her workplace. She is extremely annoyed by the fact that her request for the day off has fallen on deaf ears by her manager before even getting a chance to completely explain her situation. All she needed was a simple written endorsement by Ms. Lopez, her manager, passing it to the HR department, and she would be good to go with her plan.

Being angry and confused, the only thing she could think of was to call her husband, even though deep down she was hesitant on how to break the news to him.

"I was supposed to give him a call and deliver the good news. What can I say now!?" Sarah was talking to herself in her mind.

Part 3: The Phone Conversation
Sarah: Hi babe... So, I called you because I don't know what to do!

Alex, the husband: Why, honey? What happened? Is it about the day off you were planning on?

Sarah: Yeah, they denied my request for Wednesday, our anniversary. I'm feeling overwhelmed with work, and I really wanted to spend that day with you.

Alex: I understand, love. Your well-being is essential. Let's figure out how to approach this without causing issues at work.

Sarah: I know, but it's frustrating. I've been working so hard, and it feels like they don't see it. I even thought about quitting in the heat of the moment, but I held back.

Alex: It's tough, but you made the right choice. Let's work through this together.

Sarah: I hesitated to call you, because I'm feeling embarrassed that I couldn't manage to get the day off by myself.

Alex: You don't have to do everything alone, Sarah. We're a team, remember!? OK, back to finding a solution. You know what, I think you've achieved a lot, and they need to recognize that. Maybe try having a calm conversation with your manager, explain the significance of the anniversary, and how a day off would mean a lot to both of us. If it worked out, that's great; otherwise, just wait until you get back home, and we'll think about it.

Sarah: You're right. I need to be assertive without being confrontational. Thanks for helping me see a way through this.

Part 4: Sarah's Meeting with Her Boss

Sarah: Hi, Ms. Lopez. I appreciate your time. I wanted to discuss the denial of my day-off request for Wednesday.

Ms. Lopez: I think I already said no. What else is there that you want to talk about?

Sarah, internally: The denial almost made me burst into tears. Nasty ideas passed through my mind, like shouting "I quit," but I kept them to myself.

Sarah: Firstly, I want to express my gratitude for the opportunities here. I'm committed to my work, but this coming Wednesday is a significant day for me - it's my wedding anniversary.

Ms. Lopez: I understand, but we have tight deadlines this week.

Sarah: Absolutely, and I've thought about that. I have a plan to ensure my responsibilities are covered. I'll make sure everything is in order before I leave, and I'll be reachable for any emergencies.

Ms. Lopez: It's just not an ideal time.

Sarah: I completely understand the workload. However, this day is crucial for my personal well-being and I believe a brief break will enhance my productivity.

Ms. Lopez: Well, we can't compromise on the deadlines.

Sarah: Ms. Lopez, with due respect, I'm committed to meeting our deadlines, and I believe a small break will benefit both my personal life and my performance at work. Honestly, I've been through a tough moment after my request was denied, but I'm trying to find a solution that works for everyone.

Ms. Lopez: I appreciate your dedication and honesty, Sarah. I'll reconsider your request. Make sure your report will be ready by the end of this week.

Sarah: Sure, Ms. Lopez. Thank you for your understanding. I value my work here, and I believe this break will benefit both my personal life and my performance at work.

Key Lessons

Resilience:
Despite the initial denial and frustration, Sarah demonstrates resilience by seeking solutions and not giving in to drastic actions. This resilience is essential in navigating challenges both at work and in personal life.
**********

Teamwork:
The supportive dynamic between Sarah and Alex showcases the strength of teamwork in a relationship. Facing challenges together and being each other's support system enhances resilience.
**********

Communication Skills:
The story emphasizes the importance of effective communication, both at home and in the workplace. Open and honest communication helps in resolving misunderstandings and finding solutions.
**********

Assertiveness:
Sarah's story emphasizes the importance of being assertive at work, especially when it comes to personal needs. Learning to express oneself professionally is crucial in maintaining a healthy work environment.
**********

Work-Life Balance:
Sarah's struggle highlights the challenge of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It's crucial to prioritize personal moments and milestones, such as anniversaries, to ensure overall well-being. However, given the specific circumstances, we need to remain flexible, adaptable, and ready to make compromises whenever needed.
**********

Questions for Contemplation

Self-Awareness
Reflecting on Sarah's journey, how did self-awareness play a role in her decision-making process, especially when contemplating drastic actions? Also, how can individuals enhance their self-awareness to better navigate the complexities of work and personal life?
**********

Assertiveness at Work
How did Sarah demonstrate assertiveness in her conversation with her boss, Ms. Lopez, regarding her denied day-off request? Also, when was the last time you showed assertiveness at work or in society? How did it go, and how did you feel afterward?
**********

How can we avoid drastic actions?
What internal struggles did Sarah face when contemplating drastic actions like quitting, and how did she ultimately handle these emotions? Also, in your own experiences, how have you managed frustration at work without resorting to drastic measures?
**********

Role of Resilience
Identify moments in the story where Sarah exhibited resilience in the face of setbacks. How did these instances contribute to her overall growth? Also, consider real-life examples where resilience played a crucial role in overcoming your challenges at work or in personal life.
**********

Significance of Personal Milestones
How did Sarah prioritize the significance of her wedding anniversary in the face of work pressures? Also, reflect on the importance of acknowledging and celebrating personal milestones in maintaining overall well-being.
**********

Teamwork in Relationships
In what ways did Sarah and Alex function as a team when facing challenges, particularly in supporting each other through tough times?
**********

Practical Steps for Personal and Professional Growth
Drawing from the story, what practical steps can we take to foster personal and professional growth?
**********

Users' Comments

---

Be the first to comment on this story! :)