{Vent} Annual Leave process

Ok, so I work in a small specialist team within a larger call centre environment. Have done for the last bit over 4 years, and generally enjoy it. But today enough is enough.

I've busted a gut for those 4 years, never really asking for much and always being as flexible as possible with things like leave dates, working back late or starting early etc. Up until now it's been a bit of give and take, where if you do the right thing by them they'll try to do the right thing by you when you need it. But apparently not anymore.

I asked to take 2 weeks annual leave as my best friend is getting married in July in Brissie (I live in Perth) and she has asked me to be her bridesmaid. However, another member of the team has requested a couple of days leave during the same period. So apparently, I can't take the time off as it is now against policy and would leave us short-staffed. I can understand this, however we have a number of general call centre staff who have been trained to handle our work and would be more than capable to step in for the couple of days needed to cover the time I need.

But no, this won't be considered as it's "against policy". Queue frustrated/angry meltdown at boss and went home for the day as totally not in the right frame of mind for work right now (customer facing and being on the verge of constantly angry tears not working too well at the same time) and thus am considering my options.

Option 1 - Suck it up. Miss out on the chance to be there for my best mate in the days prior and fly in the night before and leave the day after the wedding.

Option 2 - Fake a sickie and go anyway. Not like they could fire me over it anyway as I have a pretty well perfect record.

Option 3 - Start looking for another job. I had been heading towards this anyway, as the culture has becoming quite negative lately and haven't been as enthused with my job as previously. Going nowhere fast, boredom is becoming a big problem but the pay is good and it's easy work. Thinking about part time study juggled with part time work plus making a baby.

The stupid thing is that as much as I can understand the rationale from my employer's perspective, it doesn't help with the disappointment, anger and general feeling of having been taken advantage of that I am currently experiencing.

Have you booked & paid for your flights etc? They shouldn't be able to pull your leave if you've already done that. I'd also be asking exactly where in the HR policy that has been signed off by senior management does it state that particular clause.

Umm, couple days v 2 weeks..that does not make sense to say no.