The Problem with Corporate America

My family and I have decided to help fund raise for the Epilepsy Foundation. Thus, we are participating in the Stroll for Epilepsy 2011. For this event, I spoke to my direct supervisor and explained that I would need August 11th off. She informed me that I would have to request the time off from her superior in writing. Evidence of first issue: There is absolutely no straight communication channel between said supervisor and said superior. I oblige and send an email informing the superior of my need for time off and the reason. Evidence of second issue: I get no response for over a week. I approach this superior and question if she did in fact receive the email that I sent for the time off request. After thinking about it for a minute, she said that she did receive it but unfortunately, they are not granting any time off requests for the month of August, especially for a soccer game. Evidence of third issue: She does not know the difference between a fundraiser and a soccer game. I gently re-inform her of the reason for the time off request. Which she then tells me again that they are not granting time off requests, but if I absolutely can not make it into work, I should call in sick. Evidence of fourth and final issue: The contact person for calling in sick is the superior in which I am currently speaking with.

This is how I know Corporate America is fucked. I am not allowed to take the time off to participate in a charity event, but I can play hooky and call in sick. Somehow lying, making excuses, and calling in sick has become more acceptable than honesty, open communication, and giving back to society.