My Diving Experiences

Tradd, I had a boss one time who grumbled about a 4 week trip I wanted to take to India. Got free airline tickets and wanted to make the most of the time. Well, I felt good enough to tell him it was now or later. He did not believe anyone needed more than a 2 week vacation. I had the time off saved up and used it in one chunk. The next year he took a nice long vacation of more than 2 weeks. It was a transformative trip.

I always asked what they would have to do if I got hit by a bus. Vacations are necessary for mental health. I stand behind your plans. Employers have to expect 1-2 week vacations. Maybe they are just grumbling because you are single and they think the time should be available for people with kids? Otherwise, if you earn the time and give the appropriate notice, you should take your time off.

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Originally Posted by sweetana3

Tradd, I had a boss one time who grumbled about a 4 week trip I wanted to take to India. Got free airline tickets and wanted to make the most of the time. Well, I felt good enough to tell him it was now or later. He did not believe anyone needed more than a 2 week vacation. I had the time off saved up and used it in one chunk. The next year he took a nice long vacation of more than 2 weeks. It was a transformative trip.

I always asked what they would have to do if I got hit by a bus. Vacations are necessary for mental health. I stand behind your plans. Employers have to expect 1-2 week vacations. Maybe they are just grumbling because you are single and they think the time should be available for people with kids? Otherwise, if you earn the time and give the appropriate notice, you should take your time off.

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The coworker I share the customs workload with is married with NO kids. I talked to him before I submitted my request. He often travels at the holidays, but his wife has a new job and won't have the time off. He was off for 6 days a couple of weeks ago, plus he also had long weekends around Memorial Day and the 4th. Any time I've needed off for a doctor appt or something like that, I've made the time up that week. I've been saving my time off for this trip. I gave about 4.5 months notice. The only person directly affected by me being off would be the customs coworker.

Im cooling off for several days before I address this. I was already pretty raw from the thing with my class, so I would have probably said something not nice if I hadn't bit my tongue.

Good idea to cool down before discussing with your boss. Don’t you dare give up something you are good at and love!! Life has to have something to look forward to. Really hoping it works out for you.

Talked to boss today. She is Indian and a friend who is half Indian told me they love to negotiate. I told boss I've been taking on additional work when asked, always willing to help, etc. I told her I wanted to take my days the dates I had indicated. She seemed more positive. We'll see.

Nice approach, Tradd. Good luck!!!

Vacation was approved.

Awesome!!

Glad to hear it all worked out for the vacation.

Any Indian who goes back to the mother country for family events, like weddings, does not stay only one week.

Congrats!!! Glad it worked out.