How often do you take a day off?

[Anonymous]

I'm thinking about taking a day off. I haven't taken one in 6 months. Just wondering how often everyone else misses work.

[Anonymous]

I very rarely take a day off. About once a month or so I do ask to leave early or come in a bit late to do some stuff (usually an appt or something school related). On those occasions it's usually less than 2 hours.

I have quite a few paid days banked right now and have been thinking that I need to take a couple over the next 10 weeks to stay sane. It will be a long 10 weeks taking 3 classes with heavy reading/work loads and working f/t. This is the last quarter of classes though so I know I can relax soon.

[Anonymous]

Very rarely. I've used one sick day at my current position, as requested by my MB/DB, but I haven't taken any other days off. I work a shorter day on Fri so I try to schedule appointments and things for Friday afternoons when I can. I did ask once if I could have a day off and MB adjusted her schedule so I could have it off but still work another day that week so I wouldn't lose hours or have to take PTO - I really appreciated that!

[Anonymous]

I don't actually have PTO. I am paid hourly on the books with no PTO or benefits. I am begininnig to this this was a mistake. I haven't needed a day off yet.

[Anonymous]

There's nothing wrong with taking a day off. Your vacation is part of your compensation, and you shouldn't feel bad using it when needed. I hate this idea that its some kind of badge of honor if you never take a sick/vacation day. What good is that if you run yourself ragged and never take time to relax? I think I'm a better nanny when I make sure to take care of myself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There's nothing wrong with taking a day off. Your vacation is part of your compensation, and you shouldn't feel bad using it when needed. I hate this idea that its some kind of badge of honor if you never take a sick/vacation day. What good is that if you run yourself ragged and never take time to relax? I think I'm a better nanny when I make sure to take care of myself.

+1!!!
Paid days off are given for a reason, and employers should have back up care in place in case of an emergency as well. 6 months is a long time, especially in this profession. Take a day for yourself!

[Anonymous]

I have the standard 2 weeks paid vacation, which I use every day of. Aside from vacation, if I haven't needed to use sick time, I take a random day off, with about a weeks notice, every 4 months or so. I get nothing by NOT using my PTO except worn down, the days are given to me for a reason, and you better bet I use them!

[Anonymous]

If you haven't taken a day off in over 6 months, there's absolutely nothing wrong with requesting a PTO day. Try to give notice so they can make arrangements for childcare.

[Anonymous]

Never. My bosses wind up giving me time off often enough that I don't feel the need to take more than that.

[Anonymous]

Just say you have to stay home today because you have "explosive diarrhea."

Trust me...NO ONE wants you in their home if you say that.

LOL!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't actually have PTO. I am paid hourly on the books with no PTO or benefits. I am begininnig to this this was a mistake. I haven't needed a day off yet.

How many hours a week do you work? Why did you agree to this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Never. My bosses wind up giving me time off often enough that I don't feel the need to take more than that.

+1

[Anonymous]

I've taken one actual day off with my current family (my birthday because they offered me their beach house for the weekend. I took the day off but not the offer of the house.)
I have one charge (baby) and MB doesn't care what I do all day or where we go so she lets me cart him to any appts I may have or wait at my house for service people. It works out rather well. I get enough (IMO) time off when they leave early for their own vacations (2ish times a month, I'm still paid).
I'm happy. They're happy. It works

[Anonymous]

If I waited around for my employers to give me time off, it unfortunately would never happen. They come home early almost every Friday and not once have I been allowed to go early. They also never take vacations. They do take days off here and there but I'm still expected at work. So yeah, you better believe I do not hesitate to use my PTO.

[Anonymous]

I've had a few days off given last minute by my families (I work for several), also some extra days given off for the holidays, but I haven't taken a day off otherwise (asking for one) in who knows how long. I last took a single sick day during last summer. I work PT, and while I have guaranteed hours, I don't get paid sick or vacation other than Christmas week off. I get "paid" sick for my live-in position if really needed, but it is just a work exchange.

I have saved up enough money over the school year though that I might not find other PT work this summer, and just do 2 days a week with my live-in family. I will probably still find some kind of occasional work at least so I can save, but be able to take a relaxed summer before going in for another school year of work.