Workplace sensitivity during times of personal loss has increasingly become a point of discussion, as employees turn to online platforms to share experiences that highlight gaps in empathy at work. One such incident, shared on Reddit, has drawn attention to how a single interaction with a senior manager after a family tragedy can leave an employee questioning whether staying in a job is worth the emotional cost. The post has since sparked debate around workplace boundaries, mental health, and the risks of quitting without a backup plan.
In the Reddit post, the employee explained that his grandmother passed away last month, following which he travelled home to attend the funeral after informing his manager. However, once he returned to work, the manager reportedly reacted with anger, questioning how the employee could leave without explicit permission and stating that the absence would be deducted from his salary.
The employee said he responded calmly, acknowledged that permission should have been taken more clearly, and accepted the salary cut. He also assured the manager that such a situation would not arise again. Despite this, the conversation escalated in a way that deeply unsettled the employee. The manager allegedly responded by saying that similar situations would happen again, adding that the employee’s parents or other close family members would eventually die and the employee would again leave work.
Impact on Mental Health After the Comment
According to the post, the comment changed how the employee viewed his manager. He said he now feel suffocated and angry during every interaction, with the emotional strain affecting his mental health on a daily basis. The employee described the environment as draining, making it increasingly difficult to focus on work.
he also noted that the role itself was never something he wanted long-term. It was taken due to a lack of options, and despite actively searching for another job last year, no opportunities materialised. The role offers limited growth, adding to the feeling of being stuck.
The employee shared that while he does not currently have another job lined up, he does have some savings that could sustain him for a few months. Still, he acknowledged that leaving without a backup comes with financial risk. This uncertainty led him to ask the Reddit community whether prioritising mental health by quitting was the right move, or if he should endure the situation until he secures another job.
Reddit Users Divided
The post attracted several responses offering different perspectives. Some users advised filing a formal complaint with HR and documenting the incident, stating that such remarks cross professional limits. Others countered this advice, pointing out that HR typically protects the company’s interests and that without written proof, escalation could backfire.
The employee later clarified that the company is small and that the manager is the owner’s wife, making HR intervention unrealistic. This prompted many commenters to recommend caution rather than confrontation.
Advice Ranged From Planning an Exit to Standing Ground
Several users suggested quietly preparing an exit strategy by applying for better-paying roles and resigning only after securing an offer. Some shared personal experiences of leaving jobs after similar incidents, saying that once a manager crosses such boundaries, it often signals future mistreatment. Others advised not tolerating disrespect but warned against draining savings without a clear plan.