Can this get me fired?

Question

How much is too much when you have an unlimited vacation schedule? When I take time off, I try to be cognisant that this OOO request could interfere with work getting done—both my own work and the work of others on my team. But how much is too much time? I know it kind of depends but I was thinking about taking 3+ weeks... Would love to hear everyone’s opinion!

Gail Renfrow, PMP · Answer

We have several people in my department who were born and have parents in other nations and have earned the ability to take off a month to go back to their homeland.  It is not uncommon for this to happen at all.

The key to ensuring that this works is (1) Communication, (2) Communication, and (3) Communication.  Talk it through with your supervisor to see how they feel (and maybe give them time to talk to their manager).  Talk to your team, if it is approved, to really take the time to cross-train and delegate your tasks.  Talk to them about what you are doing while you are away (be a human) and why.  And most important, talk about what you will work on when you get back (expected projects, annual/monthly tasks) so that everyone knows you're serious about being there for the company.

Most important (and I don't think I need to say this, but I will), make sure you are not taking off a period when your team has the most work.  Like I said, we've had several people take months off, but the one time it was ever a problem was when  a co-worker switched her annual month-long vacation from July to August - when she was in charge of closing our fiscal year in August.  Honestly, I blamed my manager more for approving that than I blamed her, but there was a lot that got messed up and took three times longer for everyone because she was not around.  That does not foster a positive relationship surrounding your vacation.

Don't go to your boss demanding this, but do press that this is a perk they offer and one you have earned and you want to make sure you provide what you can for the team.  Talking about this seriously and addressing concerns (be ready for any) can help make this happen.

Good luck!

Anonymous · Answer

I wouldn’t worry about taking 3 weeks annually even if all at the same time. I think up to 4 weeks annually would be fine for unlimited vacation policy.

Corrinne Connolly · Answer

If you’re asking about taking 3+ weeks across the year, that’s normally reasonable within an unlimited policy. If you’re asking about 3+ weeks at one time, that feels like an extended leave and not really a vacation. I’d say most companies offering unlimited vacation anticipate employees will use 3-4 weeks a year and you should. That’s the point of having that “perk” that isn’t paid out of you leave the company.

Stephanie F · Answer

It depends on your employer. For me, I can only take 1-2 weeks because our work happens based on biweekly deadlines.
I am not quite sure that you can get fired for taking too much, but am sure that they don't want anyone to abuse 'unlimited' PTO. They should still provide you with guidelines, just as our company does based on the needs of the job.

Julie Marie · Answer

This is really a question about culture at your company.  Typically, if a company is offering unlimited PTO, they will allow some flexibility for longer vacations, especially if you are a reliable employee who doesn't otherwise abuse the policy.  Also, what do other people in the company do?  What is normal?  You can always ask your manager if it is a possibility (I'm sure your manager has the ability to say 'no' to your request) what they think, and if there is a way to make it happen that doesn't inconvenience anyone.  I would absolutely talk to someone first (HR or your manager) before sending that request - it shouldn't be a surprise.

Anonymous · Answer

If your manager is okay with it go on vacation. If I could take 3 weeks now I would

Rebecca Lee V · Answer

This is a conversation you will need to have with your manager and HR department.

Anonymous · Answer

With the exception of a personal/family/medical issue that needs  attending to, I would suggest that taking 3 weeks at one time is excessive for a typical vacation.  In companies that I have personally worked with, who have this policy, I usually witness employees taking 3-4 weeks per year, spread out (usually quarterly).  This avoids burnout and gives something to look forward to throughout the year. If you are intending to take the 3 weeks at once, purely for 'vacation' purposes, maybe speak briefly with your manager about workload during that time and how you can best prepare.

Can this get me fired?

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