Thanksgiving is meant to be a day of family, rest and gratitude. But for one Amazon employee, the holiday turned into a stressful work weekend after receiving a message from his manager that left him frustrated and disappointed. The note began with the usual expressions of appreciation, praising long hours and dedication. However, the part that struck him the most was the reminder that “many” employees would be working through the Thanksgiving weekend in the US.
For him, it confirmed a growing belief that late nights, weekends, and even holidays had quietly become expectations rather than exceptions. What angered him further was the absence of any acknowledgment of the strain employees were under. There was no mention of shifting deadlines, easing workload, or supporting people with genuine time off. Instead, constant availability seemed to be framed as part of the company’s mission.
The frustration intensified when he revealed the reason he would miss the holiday: a new project dropped on the team at the last moment, with a deadline set for Sunday. Because of this, he could not travel home to spend Thanksgiving with his family. The most painful part for him was losing the chance to be with his grandmother, who raised him and is now elderly. He worried this could be their last Thanksgiving together.
In his post on Team Blind, he urged others to think carefully before joining workplaces that demand personal sacrifices without regard for employee wellbeing. He warned people not to trade health, holidays, or time with loved ones for a job that doesn’t value them.
The story drew strong reactions online. Many urged him to prioritise his grandmother, sharing their own regrets about missed final moments with loved ones. Others reflected on their difficult experiences in demanding work environments, noting how easily personal life can be overshadowed by relentless expectations. The conversation highlighted a growing concern: when work begins to replace life, even meaningful holidays lose their purpose.