Every holiday season, my workplace turns into a guilt machine. Parents get priority for time off, while those of us without kids are expected to “understand” and pick up the slack. I used to comply—quietly sacrificing my holidays so others could be with their families. But last year, I hit a wall. I realized being childfree doesn’t mean being less deserving of rest, joy, or celebration. So I said no. I refused to work Christmas Eve. My manager was stunned. But I stood firm. I’m not a backup plan. I’m a person—with a life, traditions, and limits.
The backlash was immediate. Colleagues whispered. One even said, “You don’t have kids, what do you need the day off for?” That stung. I have parents, siblings, friends, and a partner. I host dinners, exchange gifts, and cherish the season just like anyone else. My choice to be childfree doesn’t erase my humanity. I’m tired of being treated like my time is less valuable because I don’t have a stroller in tow.
I explained my stance to HR. I wasn’t asking for special treatment—I was asking for equal respect. I proposed a fair rotation system, where holiday shifts aren’t based on parental status but on shared responsibility. Some agreed. Others didn’t. But I knew I’d sparked a conversation that needed to happen. Because this isn’t just about me—it’s about every childfree employee who’s silently overworked and overlooked.
My manager eventually relented. I got my holiday off. And you know what? It was magical. I cooked, laughed, and felt present. No resentment. No exhaustion. Just peace. And when I returned, something had shifted. A few coworkers apologized. One even said, “I never realized how unfair it was.” That moment made every uncomfortable conversation worth it.
Now, our team uses a volunteer-first system for holiday shifts. Parents, childfree folks, everyone gets a say. It’s not perfect, but it’s progress. I’m proud of that. I didn’t just reclaim my time—I helped reshape a culture. And I learned that boundaries aren’t selfish. They’re necessary. Especially when kindness starts looking like exploitation.
