Why do people with kids seem to get an easier time at work as regards to time off?

Question

If someone with kids goes to the boss and says something like - its a school play, sports day, they've got cubs/brownies, swimming gala etc etc. - time off - no problem.
If you haven't got kids though, no chance, you get discriminated against because you choose not to have them.
If you go to the same boss and say- I want to catch a movie, me and the girlfriend are going out to dinner, the Arsenal game's on telly, etc etc - time off - no chance.
Anyone else find this??

Answer 1

That's true. I also find that at retail stores, the employees that smoke get to slip outside for an extra break and the non-smokers don't and they have to cover for the smokers.

Answer 2

Because the fathers don't often regard looking after their kids as a priority. This is reflected in 'Family Friendly' policies within organisations - otherwise the mother would be disadvantaged by the fact that she has chosen to have a family. Unless you are suggesting that women of child-bearing age should be regarded as second class citizens - this is one 'positive discrimination' that is justifyable.

Answer 3

That's not been my experience. I request time off for personal business or a personal appointment. It's up to my boss to determine if my projects can wait. Same way for parents - sometimes the answer has to be "no" for them as well.

Answer 4

Touch me !!!
I could not agree more.'Paternity leave' is another classic example of discriminating against us fella's without any fledglings. Four weeks leave ? Unpaid or otherwise, i'll have some of that !!!

Answer 5

i agree. the girl i work with has been off most of last week and this with varying child related things and he's given them to her as paid days off.

lucky her

depends on your employer

Answer 6

I did not