Hard times have a way of piling up until even the strongest people feel buried.

When one overwhelmed IT worker asked his rigid employer for a chance to work from home, he was told to see a doctor instead.

So one compassionate doctor’s note soon turned into the longest and most transformative break of his life.

Keep reading for the full story!

“If you feel sick, go see a doctor!” “Okay Boss” – KACHING

About 10 months ago, I was going through a very hard time in my life. My job, my marriage, my family — everything was failing, including me, who had relapsed.

Then the pandemic came on top. I desperately needed a break, or at least some slack.

This employee really wanted to work from home, but his boss wouldn’t let him.

Since I was regarded an essential employee (IT-Helpdesk Admin Grunt), my employer blocked all of my inquiries for some home office to catch a breath, get some distance between me and a certain micromanaging “inofficial Teamlead,” and maybe even find enough time and power to tackle some of my personal problems.

Home office would have meant saving 3 hours of driving daily.

He looked into the feasibility of this, but the boss never budged.

Little background information: this was during a time where laws and policies changed almost weekly. I can’t say if at that moment home office was even mandatory (if possible), but at least the whole world already, or still, agreed everyone should stay home if possible.

Except my employer, who told me there’s no home office — no, not even some hours after lunch break — and to go see a doctor if I didn’t feel well enough to work.

So when he got to the doctor, he finally found someone who was on his side.

So I did. The doc shook his head about my employer and gave me a sick note.

And another one. And another one… until today.

And I made good use of this time. As of today, I am 241 days sober.

Now he’s taking other steps to improve his life too.

My divorce is lined up, and my ex has recently finally moved out.

Never in this time did my employer reach out to me, not even once.

So when they finally did reach out, it wasn’t with anything good.

Until some weeks ago, when they sent me my dismissal. This I had been waiting for, since they are legally not allowed to do that (in my case at least).

Thankfully, I have always been a fan of unions.

Luckily, he was able to squeeze some money out of them.

Now, after some “Dormammu, I’ve come to bargain,” I have agreed to leave this toxic workplace in exchange for coin. Those coins will help me replace the stuff my ex-wife took with her.

I ain’t even mad.

Sometimes rejection is just redirection.

What did Reddit think?

This job field deserves a lot more respect than it often gets.

Not all divorces are something to mourn.

This user couldn’t help feel inspired by this story.

Toxic workplaces tend to only exacerbate other problems in life.

The company’s worst decision ended up being the best thing that ever happened to him.

Funny how hitting rock bottom can launch you straight into a comeback.

If you thought that was an interesting story, check this one out about a man who created a points system for his inheritance, and a family friend ends up getting almost all of it.