Returning to work after a relaxing vacation should feel rejuvenating, but for many, it’s more like strolling into a guilt trip. In a hilarious skit, actor-comedian Ben Sweeny takes on the all-too-common scenario of a toxic manager who can’t resist making passive-aggressive comments about your time off. As his character, Corporate Sween, breezes into the office with a fake smile, he remarks on how much fun you must’ve had while everyone else was busy.
The painfully relatable video quickly struck a chord on social media, with countless viewers sharing their own run-ins with guilt-inducing bosses. One user even lamented that October was a month of well-deserved breaks, but the thought of returning to a similar treatment was less appealing than a root canal. This trend of vacation shaming isn’t just a minor annoyance; it’s a problem that many employees face, and a 2019 survey revealed that a significant number of workers feel guilty about taking time off in the first place.
For those struggling to navigate this toxic dynamic, tips from career coaches, including setting boundaries and preparing ahead for time off, could help ease that burdensome guilt. Here’s hoping more managers take a page from a kinder playbook and encourage their teams to recharge without feeling like they’ve committed a corporate crime by doing so! Can we all agree that everyone deserves a proper vacation without the drama?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.