No vacation time?!

[Anonymous]

OP here - I completely understand where you are all coming from. My contract doesn't necessarily protect me on this matter.

The issue is that they told me that since they have no more vacation time this year, I can't take any of mine for the rest of the year. Their vacation time resets in January and I have been working for them since September of last year, so I have to possibly wait until January to take a vacation.
I will not get my two weeks this year.

Sorry, but I just needed to vent.

[Anonymous]

MB here. I totally agree with the other posters that your employers can deny vacation requests for a particular week. Many jobs accrue vacation on a few hours per pay cycle basis, so I would understand if your employers said they won't get more time for another couple of months, and thus can't let you take your time right now. But telling you you can't take your vacation time at all this calendar year is unreasonable. I can't imagine why they would even WANT you to work an entire year with no time off. Such a recipe for burnout.

When are your scheduled trips? You probably are not yet vested in the full two weeks if you started in September 2012, but you certainly have at least five days and probably the seven you need (I have not attempted to figure out exactly how many hours you've accrued). Approach them calmly and say that mentally and physically, you need the time off and it can't wait until 2014. Then offer to help them make other care arrangements by asking around among your nanny network or posting an ad on Care and Sitter City and helping to screen applicants. Is that your responsibility? No, but it may help you get what you want, which is the time off and a job to come back to.

If there are no other job concerns, also talk to them about future expectations for vacation time. If you can't get them to amend the contract to specify ground rules that work for both of you, look for another job.

[Anonymous]

I disagree with the other PP's. You gave 6 months notice and it's not your problem that your bosses have used up their vacation days. This is why families need to have BACK-UP CHILDCARE. My contracts always state 2 weeks paid vacation at my discretion. I have NEVER had a family deny me my requests for paid time off. OP, I wish you the best. Go on your vacation. Btw, you are way underpaid at $15 an hour for 3 kids under 5. Start looking for a new job if possible. Maybe one that begins after your much needed vacation.

[Anonymous]

OP did not just make this request and it wasn't approved. She requested time off 6 months ago!!! Your employers suck OP.

[Anonymous]

What did your employers say when you asked 6 months ago?

[Anonymous]

OP here, my employers told me "that's fine, just put the dates you will not be available on the calendar and we will figure out backup care."

[Anonymous]

They're assholes. You told them and they were fine with it 6 frickin months ago and now say no??? Yup, keep looking around.

[Anonymous]

OP, I agree that you need to seek another position.

You both agreed mutually to the 2 wks. of paid vacation and it is not your freakin' fault that they already took theirs. Tough luck for them.

I say either fight tooth and nail for your paid week vacation...It is in the contract and you are entitled to it. If they balk or do not give it to you, then leave. I wouldn't even give them notice since they are not holding up their end of the bargain.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

"OP here, my employers told me "that's fine, just put the dates you will not be available on the calendar and we will figure out backup care."

ok, they are clearly insane then. I would tell them that you considered rescheduling the vacation but: 1) you began making arrangements 6 months ago and at the time they told you OK so now everything is booked; 2) while you realize that you need to get approval of the vacation - which you did - it sounds as if they are now saying you cannot actually use your vacation, nor were you supposed to have used it while they were gone so this is not in keeping with the contract.
They could keep refusing though in which case i think you should immediately start job shopping, plan to go on the vacation anyway and provide notice that will end the day that you would come back from vacation. this is extreme but your employers sound nuts.

[Anonymous]

They are taking the piss, of course you get your vacation days. Remind them of what they said 6 months ago and follow PPs advice exactly.

[Anonymous]

So sorry for you, we just can't foresee everything that should be put in agreements. Take your vacation and look for a new job If they continue o give you flack. Do you have any nanny type friends that can sub for you, although if this is your paid vacation parents will complain they have to pay twice that week. Jez that sucks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - I completely understand where you are all coming from. My contract doesn't necessarily protect me on this matter.

The issue is that they told me that since they have no more vacation time this year, I can't take any of mine for the rest of the year. Their vacation time resets in January and I have been working for them since September of last year, so I have to possibly wait until January to take a vacation.
I will not get my two weeks this year.

Sorry, but I just needed to vent.

What they are doing is crappy. While they can deny for a specific week or 2, saying that you cannot take ANY vacation time this year when you are owed 2 weeks is shameful! I would definitely be looking for a new job.