Context: I (M22) grew up in the 2000s and lived through the recession with my parents and was told about their money issues. which meant less eating out, spending money no non essentials, and no celebrations. I was ok with having no party and asked "if a small cook out with close family was ok?" which was always fine with my parents.

Fast track to 2022 and I've moved in with my grandparents due to their health issues and also because they where closer to my college and workplace. I got my Bachelors in Culinary Arts in two and a half years (2020 Grad) and got a position as a part dishwasher at PGA West. After six months I got Promoted to Prep and got a raise from $15 an hour to $17, which was amazing because I got to work with the chef and got more hours as well. All that work increase meant more responsibilities and more time working with food. That also meant coming in early and leaving late, having a non set schedule and getting called in on my day off. I was able to handle it and power through it, plus the things I learned from the Chef were amazing and helpful. Great Experience, not recommended to those who can't handle the pressure, stress, and/or getting yelled at for tiny mistakes.

My B-Day was coming up, my Dad and grandparents asked what I wanted to do for my B-Day? I told then nothing I just wanted to relax that day and do nothing. They looked surprised and asked if I wanted to do something with my family and I said "No, I'm fine with spending time with them at the house." They were ok with that and said If thats what I wanted they would just bring me a little cake for the day. I loved that and said sure.

My B-day comes and I'm called in to open the kitchen at 5 in the morning, due the morning guy calling off sick. I go in set up everything and open the kitchen at 11 for the day, cooking any orders. The rest of the crew comes in at 8 and we get rolling for the day. The Chef calls me aside and says he is sorry for having to do this on my B-Day, but he would need me to close as well. I said not a problem, I told him that I had nothing planned for my B-Day. He Looked at me and Said "Are you sure?" I told him it's fine.

After the day is done, some of the guys help me out in closing and we get everything done at 2 in the morning. We lock down everything and have some small talk between us and head home after. Once I get home I see my Dad and Grandparents sitting on the table all dressed up and looked at me with anger. I notice all the party decorations and ask what happened? My dad says that they invited my family to throw me a surprise party. They said that it was an embarrassment for them and everyone left around 8 P.M. since I was a no show. I looked at them and told them how was I supposed to know that they where gonna throw me a surprise party. I said I wanted to do nothing and I meant it. They did everything for the party, they even had a camera booth, a mechanical bull, and cotton candy machine. I looked at them and said "Well you guys wasted all that money for nothing. Next time I tell You guys what I want to DO! I MEAN IT!!!"

I just walked to my room and slept the night away. In the morning they said that I had to clean up the backyard by myself. I looked at them and laughed, I told them that I had to work in a few because of an event today and told them "Good luck cleaning, I'll bring you guys some food from the event."

So Reddit AITAH??

Edit:

I did send my dad a message letting him know I left for work in the early morning, which he said was ok, after the talk with the chef I sent him another message letting him know I’d be working late. Also we are not allowed to have our phones in the kitchen, so we leave them in our personal lockers. It helps us focus more at the task at hand, but once on our beak we can use them and answer any texts, emails, and/or phone calls. Plus I took my phone when I clocked out and I have no messages or phone calls from anybody. And finally, my family is Mexican so they didn’t bother calling me for any information on my hours that day and they waited all night to guilt trip me for not showing up.