Newly Corporate

Everyone who has had a job has at one point, asked for time off.  Its inevitable.  As much as our employer wishes our job was our only goal in life, it isn’t.  I’ve always been proud of how hard the people of the United States work, so here are some comparative stats:

• United States: 1824 hours per year = 45.6 weeks
• Australia: 1816 hours per year = 45.4 weeks
• Spain: 1799 hours per year = 45 weeks
• Japan: 1789 hours per year = 44.7 weeks
• Canada: 1751 hours per year = 43.8 weeks
• Great Britain: 1669 hours per year = 41.7 weeks
• Italy: 1585 hours per year = 39.6 weeks
• Germany: 1443 hours per year = 36.1 weeks
• France: 1441 hours per year = 36 weeks
• Netherlands: 1357 hours per year = 33.9 weeks

So in such a hard-working country, how do you go about getting your time off while not offending your boss (and team)?  I know this sounds real basic, even Duh, but I was surprised by the number of new hires that have no tact when it comes to vacation.  New employees often look at their first career job much like their high school hourly one.  They see a vacation hour balance on their paycheck that they are entitled to and feel they can take that vacation whenever they choose.

The unfortunate fact is that many jobs are seasonal. And if not seasonal, they have their key moments that cannot be missed.  My job is quite possibly the epitome of seasonal.  As an accountant, I told my wife, it is very rare that we will ever have a winter vacation to go skiing until I retire.

I’ve developed my shortlist for getting a little R&R.  Here is my way of getting time off.

1) As soon as you think of it report it- Don’t just report it in whatever scheduling system you might use, email your boss and get the conversation in writing.  Also, a note via email is not always sufficient.  Certain instances require face to face begging.

2) Ask for time off, never tell them you are taking time off- This is just a basic interpersonal skill.  Approaching your boss with “I am not going to be here next Thursday and Friday” will not be greeted with as much empathy as, “can we work out something so I can have next Thursday and Friday off?”

3) Ask your boss when the best times for vacation are – If you know something at work is approaching, ask your boss “which days work best for me to take a couple days off?”

4) If it is unexpected or conflicting, develop a solution prior to raising the question- That is, if it is an emergency or maybe even a non-emergency that you really want time off for, be prepared to develop a way to still complete your task.  It will be alot easier if you ask for time off while simultaneously explaining how you will still get the work done.  Your boss will appreciate your dedication.

Remember “boss” is interchangeable with “team.”  I find it just as important not to upset your team as your boss.  Those people rely on you and expect things from you.

A few other factors that may affect your time off and should be considered: 1) how long you have been there, 2) how your performance has been, and 3) the general attitude of your boss.

And a few questions others can answer better than me:

If the reason for the time off change, should I report it?

How to ask for time of to care for a sick relative.

How to ask for paternity leave (Paternity, not maternity, this is also important for fathers!)

Also remember, ”worse they can do is say no” attitude is not a good one.  If your asking for time off during inappropriate times or inappropriate situations it affects your reputation and your dedication may be questioned.

But in the meantime lets all remember “Is it a big deal if I am a bit late to work on November 4th?”