Taking time off, can boss say no?

[Anonymous]

I am a 12 month employee for a school system, but have requested time off for a family trip in the spring. Can my boss actually deny me the leave? I'm not a teacher so my absence wouldn't directly impact anyone. I'm really nervous my boss will say no.

[Anonymous]

Do you have an employee handbook? A written policy?

[Anonymous]

Are you working on a contract? Unless there's something that says you're contractually entitled to time off when requested, of course your boss can say no.

[Anonymous]

The bigger question is why are you nervous?

Generally speaking, yes, a boss can deny a leave request, but IME good bosses won't as long as it's reasonable, with sufficient notice, and not in conflict with the business schedule.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The bigger question is why are you nervous?

Generally speaking, yes, a boss can deny a leave request, but IME good bosses won't as long as it's reasonable, with sufficient notice, and not in conflict with the business schedule.

+1

[Anonymous]

We have a written policy that really only says it has to be approved by my supervisor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The bigger question is why are you nervous?

Generally speaking, yes, a boss can deny a leave request, but IME good bosses won't as long as it's reasonable, with sufficient notice, and not in conflict with the business schedule.

It's a few months away but I'm nervous I would get denied since its during the school year.

[Anonymous]

OP, *could* he say no, of course. Then it's up to you to decide how you want to handle it.

He doesn't own you. You can let him know, I'm terribly sorry, but my participation in this family trip is necessary. I really do HAVE to go. Then he can cave or say, "If you go, your job will be terminated". And then you can decide if you accept the consequences or not.

He's not going to lock you in the company basement. But are you asking if legally he can deny your request, of course.

[Anonymous]

Of course your boss can say no. However that would typically only happen if there's some sort of conflict at work. Is something going on at the same time as your planned trip?

Why are you nervous?

Have you never requested vacation before?

There's a very good chance you are overthinking this.

[Anonymous]

It would be ridiculous (and illegal) for you to be denied any vacation at all. Is there some reason you think this request won't be allowed? Ask now so it can get on the schedule before it interferes with any projects.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all of the replies. I have asked and not heard a response yet. I think my supervisor would prefer that I take vacation during the summer when students are out. I am mostly anxious about it because I've never asked for this length of time off at this job. At my last job I had no issues taking a week off for family vacation. I chose a week where not much of anything was happening, so my absence wouldn't be noticed. I really just don't want to wait until July or August to go on vacation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It would be ridiculous (and illegal) for you to be denied any vacation at all. Is there some reason you think this request won't be allowed? Ask now so it can get on the schedule before it interferes with any projects.

Umm...not illegal. Every place I've ever worked states that leave must be approved in advance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It would be ridiculous (and illegal) for you to be denied any vacation at all. Is there some reason you think this request won't be allowed? Ask now so it can get on the schedule before it interferes with any projects.

Umm...not illegal. Every place I've ever worked states that leave must be approved in advance.

I am giving my boss 3 months notice so hopefully it gets approved.

[Anonymous]

Does it coincide with spring break?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does it coincide with spring break?

No unfortunately it's too expensive to go during break.