First of all, thank you to everyone who commented on my original post. I read pretty much every response, and a lot of you encouraged me to stand my ground. Unfortunately, things didn't go the way I hoped. I spoke to my manager again yesterday and explained that my vacation had been approved almost two months ago. I reminded him that I'd already spent around $600 on flights and accommodation that I couldn't get refunded. I also explained that I hadn't seen my family in months and that this trip was really important to me.

His response was basically that he understood my frustration, but the situation hadn't changed. Apparently, the coworker who called in sick won't be returning anytime soon, and they haven't been able to find anyone to cover those shifts. I asked if there was any possibility of working extra hours when I returned or finding someone from another location to cover for me. He said they'd already considered their options and that they needed me there. Then I asked what would happen if I went on my trip anyway.

He didn't directly say I'd be fired, but he made it very clear that missing my scheduled shifts could result in disciplinary action. That was the moment I realized I wasn't going to win this. I know a lot of people told me to go anyway, but I genuinely can't afford to lose my job right now. I have rent, bills, and other expenses, and I don't have enough savings to risk being unemployed. So I told him I'd come in. I contacted the airline and the accommodation to see if there was anything they could do, but so far, I haven't been able to recover the money.

The worst part was having to call my family and tell them I wasn't coming anymore. My mom was really disappointed, although she tried not to make me feel worse about it. I'm honestly exhausted. I've covered so many shifts for other people, stayed late when they needed help, and rarely complained about anything. But the one time I needed my employer to respect something they'd already agreed to, suddenly none of that mattered. I'm going to work next week because I need the paycheck, but I've already started looking for another job. I don't think I can keep working somewhere that expects complete flexibility from employees while offering none in return. I guess this isn't the update anyone wanted, but it's what happened.

Thanks again to everyone who gave me advice. I really appreciate it.

TL;DR: I tried speaking to my manager again, but he refused to reinstate my approved vacation and warned me about disciplinary action if I didn't show up. I can't afford to lose my job, so I'm canceling my trip, losing around $600, and going to work. I've started looking for another job.

i need advice.. what would you do?
it is freaking me out and i have never voted on my own. i dont have freedom. 5 years i’ve been registered and they even stole my ballot for presidential election.

(edit)
Last voted in CA and they allowed it, now in MI not sure if they will let it happen but this is what my grandma sent me.

I (33F) recently saw texts exchanges from my bf (33M) & his co worker & i dont know what to make of it. Is he trying to say he doesn't want to be in a relationship with me because he still wants to see other people? Or is it just guy talk?

I (18F) met this guy (23M) on Tinder about three weeks ago. We've been on four dates, and honestly, I thought things were going really well. He's been super sweet, always texting me good morning, planning dates, and telling me he wants something serious. Yesterday, one of his friends randomly followed me on Instagram. A few minutes later, he sent me a DM asking if I was still seeing Ryan. I said yes, and he told me something I genuinely wasn't expecting. Apparently, Ryan and his friends made a bet about how quickly he could get me to fall for him. His friend even said Ryan had been sharing screenshots of our private conversations in their group chat.

At first, I thought he was just trying to cause drama, but then he sent me details about things I'd only ever told Ryan. When I confronted Ryan, he admitted there was a bet but claimed it started as a joke and that his feelings for me are real now. I feel so embarrassed because I actually started liking him. Part of me wants to believe he's being genuine, but another part feels like everything between us was fake.

Would you give him a chance to explain or just block him?