Workplace health emergencies often place employees in difficult positions, especially during probation periods when job security is fragile. Strict attendance policies and performance expectations can leave little room for recovery, even in genuine medical situations. One such case has surfaced online, where an early-career professional claimed he was terminated after taking unpaid leave to deal with a sudden health issue, prompting discussion around employee welfare and probation norms.
The incident was shared on Reddit by the affected employee, who said he experienced intestinal inflammation that lasted several days. He attributed the condition to prolonged working hours, irregular eating schedules, and dependence on junk food. As his symptoms worsened, he decided to take three days off from work to focus on recovery.
The employee clarified that the leave was taken without pay, as he was still on probation and did not have access to paid leave benefits. He also stated that his employer was informed about his condition and that he remained transparent throughout the period of absence.
Termination Cited Due to Leave During Probation
Despite returning after the brief break, the employee was informed that his employment was being terminated. As per his post, the company cited the number of leaves taken during probation as the reason for the decision. The absence, though unpaid and health-related, was reportedly viewed as excessive for an employee still under evaluation.
The employee shared that he chose not to challenge the decision or enter into an argument with the management, as he did not see value in contesting the outcome. He stressed that honesty was maintained at every step and that there was no attempt to misuse company policies.
Reddit Users Express Support and Encouragement
The post received responses from other Reddit users who expressed sympathy and concern. One user encouraged the employee to prioritise his health and reassured him that career setbacks at an early stage are not permanent. The comment focused on resilience and the possibility of better opportunities ahead.
In response, the original poster said he was choosing to remain hopeful and positive despite losing his job.
Many professionals, particularly those new to the workforce, often feel compelled to push through illness due to fear of job loss. Cases like this highlight the tension between organisational expectations and basic employee well-being
The employee also described the organisation as a “LALA company,” a term commonly used online to refer to workplaces perceived as rigid, founder-driven, or lacking structured employee-friendly policies. He mentioned that the health issue developed over three consecutive days and linked it directly to demanding work hours and poor eating habits caused by work pressure.