Should I try and convince my boss this?

[Anonymous]

So I have a desk job ( receptionist ) and my family is really big on holidays and I seize any opportunity to spend time with them. Thanksgiving is in a couple of days and I unfortunately have to work the night shift from 4-8 on Thanksgiving. I really don’t want to because Thanksgiving dinner is huge in my family and I never miss it. I also graduate college in like 25 days so I don't know how long I’ll be living at home after that.
At my job I literally just sit there and welcome people in. I work a senior residence hall and there’s only like 12 people living there but some of them don’t plan on being there for the holidays and for the most part can take care of themselves. When I’m at the desk during my shift I mostly end up doing homework because there’s nothing to do. Also no one else at our job has to work Thanksgiving and I think it’s unfair. My friend works 8-4 but gets off just I bc time so she’s not complaining, but I don’t think it’s fair to sit there and do nothing when I can be home with family. I was thinking about talking to my boss today about it and asking if I could leave a little early. Security usually comes at 8pm and then I’m allowed to go home after that but should I ask my boss if they can come earlier? My boss is kind of a hard ass but she’s actually really nice sometimes and lenient when I ask her for things. I do feel bad because I’m taking next Thursday and Friday off because I’ll be in New York, so I don’t want to ask for too much time off. Should I ask her to leave early on Thanksgiving?

[Oliverlogan263]

Ah man, that's tough. I totally get wanting to spend holidays with family, especially Thanksgiving. Food's like the best part! And graduating soon too, so who knows how many more you'll get to do that.

I'd say it's worth a shot asking your boss. Since you said things are usually pretty quiet during your shift, and others don't have to work, seems fair to ask. Maybe play up the family thing - how much it means to be together and make memories, since you won't be home much longer. And offer to make up the hours some other time if needed.

Your boss sounds like she can be understanding sometimes. Just be polite about it, don't demand. Maybe butter her up a bit first - talk about how much you enjoy the job otherwise. Then go for it! The worst she can say is no. But maybe she'll give you an hour or two to still make most of dinner. Worth a shot, right? Good luck!

[tfan1]

Definitely yes. Thanksgiving only comes once a year just like Christmas and it’s the time to be with family. Everyone should be with their family. I can tell you that she is more than likely going to be with her family for Thanksgiving.

[gorydetails]

It's time for you to learn how to be an adult and suck it up. You knew the rules, you knew the work schedule. You work your shift and ask your family to accommodate you.

[Staximus]

No, somebody has to be there to watch over the oldsters

[Staximus]

If there are any old people there by themselves on Thanksgiving, you can bring some holiday cheer into their life by bringing them each a slice of apple pie or something so they don't feel forgotten