I put in my vacation request long ago. Last week, my coworker asked if I’d swap my vacation with her. I said that I’d booked everything and thought that the discussion was over. The next day, our boss called me into an unscheduled meeting and said, “I need you to switch your vacation with Sarah’s. There’s a critical project that requires your expertise, and we can’t afford to have you away right now.”

I was taken aback. It wasn’t the first time the company had asked employees to change plans for business needs, but this felt different. My vacation had been planned for months, and I had been looking forward to some much-needed time away. My mind raced, torn between the company’s request and my own personal plans.

“Boss, I understand that the project is important,” I began, “but I’ve already booked my flights, my accommodation, and made several personal arrangements. It’s not just a few days off. It’s a whole trip I’ve been waiting for.”

He leaned back in his chair, looking thoughtful. “I know, and I appreciate that. But this is a matter of priority. The team needs you, and Sarah isn’t available for the same role. She can cover your responsibilities, but we need you here to keep things on track.”

I paused for a moment, considering my options. I knew my boss wasn’t the type to make these decisions lightly. He rarely interfered with personal plans, but the stakes were high now. The team had a deadline looming, and my involvement could make or break the project.

“I understand the importance,” I said after a long silence, “but this vacation means a lot to me. I’ve been planning it as a break from work. Can’t Sarah handle this alone, or could we possibly adjust the schedule a bit?”

He shook his head. “Unfortunately, the timing doesn’t work. It’s tight. We need you here.”

I felt the weight of the decision pressing down on me. On one hand, I had my responsibility to the team, my career, and my boss. On the other hand, this vacation was a rare opportunity to unwind, recharge, and reconnect with my family.

“Okay,” I said, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. “Let me think about it.”

I left the meeting, my mind a swirl of conflicting emotions. I had been looking forward to this vacation for months, and the idea of giving it up was painful. At the same time, I couldn’t help but feel guilty for considering saying no. What kind of employee would I be if I didn’t prioritize the company’s needs?

That night, I went home and discussed it with my partner. I explained the situation, and to my surprise, they didn’t pressure me to make a decision one way or the other. Instead, they asked me to think about what truly mattered to me. “What’s more important to you right now—this trip or the project?”

The question was simple, but it made me pause. I had always been the type to put work first, to sacrifice my personal time for the benefit of the company. But as I reflected on it, I realized that this vacation wasn’t just a luxury; it was a much-needed break, a chance to recharge and return to work with renewed energy and focus.

The next morning, I made my decision. I went back to my boss’s office, ready to have an honest conversation. “I understand the situation, and I see why you need me,” I started. “But I’ve realized that this vacation is important for my well-being. I need to take this time off to rest and recharge so that I can continue to give my best when I return.”

My boss didn’t seem upset. In fact, he nodded thoughtfully. “I get it. I know how much you’ve been looking forward to this. If it’s truly important to you, we’ll figure something out. We can work with Sarah to cover your tasks while you’re away.”

Relief washed over me. The conversation was difficult, but in the end, I had stood my ground. I realized that sometimes, prioritizing self-care is just as important as being there for work. And sometimes, it’s okay to put yourself first.