Latest update:13 February 2026 at 19:37 IST

Instead of receiving understanding and support, the mother said she was told that another colleague was already on leave, so if she could work part-time…

The Reddit post quickly sparked strong reactions from users, who expressed anger and disbelief at the lack of empathy shown for a parent in crisis. (Image: file photo/representation)

A Bengaluru mother’s social media post sparked widespread outrage online after she shared her traumatic experience of being asked to work while her 15-month-old daughter was seriously ill, including an epileptic seizure and a prolonged high fever.

The woman, a customer service professional based in Bengaluru, took to Reddit to describe the ordeal. Her little boy had a mild febrile seizure Sunday afternoon, followed by a high fever that lasted for four days. Deeply concerned about her child’s health, she called her manager — whom she considered a good friend — to request leave so she could provide full-time care.

Instead of receiving understanding and support, the mother said she was told that another colleague was already on leave. Even after she explained the cause of the seizure, her manager reportedly suggested that she arrange for someone else to check in early on her behalf and continue working for a few hours.

She was able to take two days off at first, but when her daughter’s condition showed no improvement, she requested additional leave on Wednesday. According to her post, this led to another round of discussions about vacation availability, as someone else was absent that day as well. She was initially asked if she could manage a half-day shift, and she initially agreed. However, she later reconsidered and prioritized her family.

“There is nothing in the world as important as my daughter,” she wrote. “I didn’t have to explain why I needed time off. I didn’t have to negotiate.”

The woman confirmed that she is the highest consistent performer on her team and had previously believed that her organization truly valued its employees. “I know where I am now and how I will approach work in the future,” she added.

She also pointed out a glaring inconsistency in treatment: Her husband took time off during the same period to help care for their child, and his manager responded with genuine concern, even questioning why she was logged on at all while their daughter was sick.

The Reddit post quickly sparked strong reactions from users, who expressed anger and disbelief at the lack of empathy shown for a parent in crisis. Many stressed that no one should justify emergency leave when a young child faces a medical emergency.

“We hope for a future world where employees are treated like humans and not just a resource,” one commenter commented.

Another wrote: “Harsh reality. Politics and sympathy are just words on paper.”

A third user said: “You don’t have to negotiate being a parent in crisis. Work can wait. Your child can’t.”

Others were more direct, with one commenting: “There is a special place in hell for people like this.”

The incident has once again sparked broader discussions about the challenges women face in balancing demanding careers and family responsibilities, especially in high-pressure work environments. Many voices online called for greater compassion, flexible policies, and recognition that family health emergencies deserve immediate and unconditional support.

Instead of receiving understanding and support, the mother said she was told that another colleague was already on leave. Even after she explained the cause of the seizure, her manager reportedly suggested that she arrange for someone else to check in early on her behalf and continue working for a few hours.

She was able to take two days off at first, but when her daughter’s condition showed no improvement, she requested additional leave on Wednesday. According to her post, this led to another round of discussions about vacation availability, as someone else was absent that day as well. She was initially asked if she could manage a half-day shift, and she initially agreed. However, she later reconsidered and prioritized her family.

“There is nothing in the world as important as my daughter,” she wrote. “I didn’t have to explain why I needed time off. I didn’t have to negotiate.”

The woman confirmed that she is the highest consistent performer on her team and had previously believed that her organization truly valued its employees. “I know where I am now and how I will approach work in the future,” she added.

She also pointed out a glaring inconsistency in treatment: Her husband took time off during the same period to help care for their child, and his manager responded with genuine concern, even questioning why she was logged on at all while their daughter was sick.

The Reddit post quickly sparked strong reactions from users, who expressed anger and disbelief at the lack of empathy shown for a parent in crisis. Many stressed that no one should justify emergency leave when a young child faces a medical emergency.

“We hope to see a world in the future where employees are treated like humans and not just a resource,” one commenter commented.

Another wrote: “Harsh reality. Politics and sympathy are just words on paper.”

A third user said: “You don’t have to negotiate being a parent in crisis. Work can wait. Your child can’t.”

Others were more direct, with one commenting: “There is a special place in hell for people like this.”

The incident has once again sparked broader discussions about the challenges women face in balancing demanding careers and family responsibilities, especially in high-pressure work environments. Many voices online called for greater compassion, flexible policies, and recognition that family health emergencies deserve immediate and unconditional support.

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