Is it ok to take a week off unpaid?

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't have a problem with this and I have done it with my nanny when she wanted to visit her family out of the country for two weeks. She planned the trip during the summer, when she knew my MIL would be available to watch the kids (she's a teacher), so I didn't incur any additional cost. I would have zero problems with OP's request.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Unfortunately it isn't possible to shorten my other two weeks. We travel out of state to visit family during my week in the summer and they visit out house every Christmas.

Of course it's possible. Simply don't go to the summer family reunion. I would assume that if I went into work and told them "I know you give me paid vacation time, but I'd like to take more vacation, so can I take it and you dont have to pay me?" that they would say "Sure, but you won't have a job when you come back."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would be okay with this given your long time in the job, the fact that it is only one week, the fact that you have never asked before, and the fact that you can provide more than 12 months notice.

However, as a rule, I don't think unpaid vacation is an appropriate thing for a nanny to expect in a job with guaranteed hours. You want the employer to pay you when they don't need you due to their vacation because you are counting on that income and don't want the family's travel to disrupt your financial stability. By the same token, the family is counting on you and you have promised to be available every week in which you are not using your PTO.

Another MB and totally agree with this. In your circumstance, I'd be completely fine with the request. But, as you seem to realize, its an ask and not an expectation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would be okay with this given your long time in the job, the fact that it is only one week, the fact that you have never asked before, and the fact that you can provide more than 12 months notice.

However, as a rule, I don't think unpaid vacation is an appropriate thing for a nanny to expect in a job with guaranteed hours. You want the employer to pay you when they don't need you due to their vacation because you are counting on that income and don't want the family's travel to disrupt your financial stability. By the same token, the family is counting on you and you have promised to be available every week in which you are not using your PTO.

Another MB and totally agree with this. In your circumstance, I'd be completely fine with the request. But, as you seem to realize, its an ask and not an expectation.

I definitely don't expect that they give it to me. I have made it a point to always accommodate them when they need me to come in early/stay later. I always ask if I can pick anything up at the store, fold their personal laundry if I see it in the dryer, dust and various other extra tasks around the house in order I make their lives a bit easier. While I don't expect this, I do view these doing these things as a deposit into the bank of goodwill.
I go above and beyond because I like my job and employers, but also because I want flexibility on their end.
I'll keep you updated!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
I would be okay with this given your long time in the job, the fact that it is only one week, the fact that you have never asked before, and the fact that you can provide more than 12 months notice.

However, as a rule, I don't think unpaid vacation is an appropriate thing for a nanny to expect in a job with guaranteed hours. You want the employer to pay you when they don't need you due to their vacation because you are counting on that income and don't want the family's travel to disrupt your financial stability. By the same token, the family is counting on you and you have promised to be available every week in which you are not using your PTO.


Another MB and totally agree with this. In your circumstance, I'd be completely fine with the request. But, as you seem to realize, its an ask and not an expectation.

Another MB and I agree as well. That said, in your situation, for a very special and unusual trip, I'd probably give you the extra week, paid, as a holiday bonus, if I could. Good will goes a long way.

[Anonymous]

It sounds like you can give your family quite a bit of notice so I do not see why they would have a problem w/letting you go unpaid + still having your job waiting for you when you come back.

Sounds like you just got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and you would deeply regret it if you couldn't make it.

And I am quite sure your family wouldn't want you to miss out either!!

I am sure everything will work out fine!