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.

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.

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 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 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?

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!

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

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.

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 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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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