Those of you who get a ton of leave--how?

[Anonymous]

I've been working at the same place for 10 years. I have 3 weeks of vacation, accruing 5.5 hours every two weeks.
There were 11 snow days. So I have ten left for the rest of the year. One week vacation over the summer. And three days sprinkled here and there. My new supervisor watches sick leave like a hawk (I used to use some for summer vacation days if I had run out; can't do that now).
What do I DO? If I switch jobs, I'll probably have to start with a job that offers less leave, right? Help. My child is whining that she doesn't see me much and she needs a day off. And we both do.

[Anonymous]

I've been with my current company for 5 years. 3 weeks vacation, plus I purchased a week. 60 hours sick time with 20 personal hours. I have a pretty understanding boss and they start to push employees to get FMLA if we are missing too much time

[Anonymous]

I work for the govt, so it's pretty easy to accumulate leave once you've been there a while (plus you get all the federal holidays).

When DH was switching jobs, he was able to negotiate a higher leave rate accrual as part of his package. I think this is pretty common.

[Anonymous]

Is leave without pay an option?

[Anonymous]

I'm confused, did you have to use your personal leave to cover snow days? If so, that sounds really unfair!

[Anonymous]

I have 3 weeks but can work from home on snow days.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm confused, did you have to use your personal leave to cover snow days? If so, that sounds really unfair!

That's the reality for most of us!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I work for the govt, so it's pretty easy to accumulate leave once you've been there a while (plus you get all the federal holidays).

When DH was switching jobs, he was able to negotiate a higher leave rate accrual as part of his package. I think this is pretty common.

I have tried negotiating more in the past and have always been turned down. How common is it actually?

[Anonymous]

Definitely the snow/leave policy that's screwing you. Vacation is supposed to be for your leisure, not for you to finance your company's loss of revenue. That's what you and your colleagues are doing. Give you the ability to work from home when it snows or take the administrative charge hit.

[Anonymous]

9 yrs at company, 6 weeks leave--we have comprehensive. Nobody cares if you're sick or home baking cookies. It's all the same. Snow days are telework.

I work for one of the big 3 defense contractors. (Since we're so fond of the big 3 here)

[Anonymous]

Why would a company cover snow days for parents that have to stay home with a kid? The parents have the option of using backup daycare if they want. I chose to not telework on one now day to spend the time with my child since I thought it would be nice for both of us.

[Anonymous]

I've been at mine for 10 years and get 4 weeks vaca and 5 day sick. We are pretty flexible with a little work on from home possible. For som sno days I worked off th hours latt that wk adding an hour or two every day and came in on the weekend. I only use sick leave if I am sick and staying home. For dr appts I come in early and stay late to make up. I'm very lucky we are flexible but proved over the years that I get stuff done and more.

[Anonymous]

You can always look for something new and see what is out there.

I have a very flexible employer. I have been here three years. I asked for more money which I knew they would deny but allowed me then to ask for more leave. I came in with 4 wks vacation and accumulate sick leave starting at the 5 year level. But if kid is sick I can telework and everyone gets 4 personal days which can be used for anything (I use for field trips and such). I haven't gotten a raise since I came but do get a COLA and bonus. To me the flexibility is priceless.

[Anonymous]

I sympathize, OP.
The US is the worst offender of all developed nations when it comes to benefits for employees.

DH contracts for the government and his office kicks him out as soon as he's done his hours because they don't want to pay overtime. He has more vacations than most and a lot of flexibility.
The downside is that his salary is quite low for the area and the job description. But he prefers having more time off and flexibility to come home to cover childcare now and again when I need him to.

[Anonymous]

OP I feel for you. I have friends who work for start ups or tech firms that get 5 months paid. You bet their employees are loyal. I get to use 5 days of sick time (out of 10 days per year), then I get another 5.5 weeks of disability, and then I may use my vacation time up (which I've also had to crack into to cover sick toddler and snow days), and then after that I can finish it off with unpaid leave, and not lose my job if I come back in 16 weeks. I think I might drop my 6 week old baby off on the CEO's desk and have him look after the child.