I’m resigning from my role soon and I have 6 unused PTO days (our calendar year ends in December).

I’m resigning from my role soon and I have 6 unused PTO days (our calendar year ends in December).

Do I negotiate that in my resignation letter?

Even if I stayed with the company (although I’m not staying), it would be unlikely I would use those days before the end of the year due to workload.

So, what’s the best way to get compensated? Our company said it’s on a “rolling” basis. I’ll essentially be leaving with one calendar month left.

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19 Comments

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  1. Anonymous

    So what does the handbook say? The policy is what will determine the payout. If it's accrued or prorated or whatever. Regardless. Your resignation letter should be simply stating your intent to resign and when.

  2. Anonymous

    No, you check your employee manual to see what the company policy is on it.

  3. Anonymous

    Unless you are accruing those days and it shows on your paycheck you cannot get remuneration for them. Take the days. Even if you do one day per week till the end.

  4. Anonymous

    It always depends on the type of PTO and company policy. The last job I left, I got paid for accrued vacation and sick days, but not personal days. Others paid accrued vacation, and personal, but not sick, so the one that stated look at your employee handbook was spot-on. I'm unsure if state law has anything to do with it, but it might. The best way to get compensated depends on your needs. Take time if you need a break between ending this job and starting a new one. If you need a boost for holiday spending, take cash. Either way, your mental health and a few days' worth of taxes will be the biggest difference.

  5. Anonymous

    You need to refer to your hiring letter or company policy handbook on their policy for paying out unused PTO. It is likely you will "use it or lose it".

  6. Anonymous

    You are leaving this company. Unless you get paid out for unused days, you should take them and not worry about workload.

  7. Anonymous

    Unfortunately, with the holiday and work load, there’s no way I can take 6 PTO days in two weeks.

  8. Anonymous

    If you’re in the US, this depends on your state/local laws and what’s in your company handbook. Research them both and you should be able to find the answer.

  9. Anonymous

    Yep! I do!

  10. Cindy Glover

    Charge the state laws too….

  11. Maggie Stone

    In my experience, unused vacation days are paid out in the final paycheck.
    But do check your employer’s policies and your employment agreement. But if it’s a use it or lose it situation, you can arrange for a vacation or use them as a break before your next job.

  12. Anonymous

    Check your company policy to see if unpaid PTO is paid out on termination or not. Legally this is only required in a few states (like California), but some companies still provide this benefit. Others do not. Some don't pay out the time and don't allow you to take PTO after you turn in your notice. If this is the case, just take your PTO before you resign regardless of workload.

  13. Anonymous

    agree. this shouldn't be something you have to negotiate; in fact, when you give your notice, they won't be "bargaining" with you for anything. You will get what is DUE, per the Employee Handbook/policy. So get a copy of it now, and you'll understand the process. Good luck!

  14. Anonymous

    My company pays out all PTO. We do not pay out sick days or floating holidays.

    I would just ask HR. If you lose them, I would take your days regardless. You earned them.

  15. Anonymous

    That kind of thing is all individual.

  16. Cindy Glover

    Check your employee handbook and state laws

  17. maria rose

    As advised by others, PTO which also includes the sick, and vacation time payouts should be included in your employment handbook and have referrals on how you can either utilize them or have that time included in your final paychecks , depending on the number. Realize this, PTO time is paid under a different tax liability, which if you have used them before would notice when reviewing your paycheck. It will be your choice to take the PTO as time off or as an option day added to your paycheck or have them issue you a check for all of those days as part of your last paycheck provided you get them before the end of the fiscal year which you have stated is your last day with the company. Many people have given notice in many companies and taken all their PTO days as their final work days to avoid being at work through the end of their time. You are only feeling a bit guilty because you timed your end date to this time of the year when it’s busier than normal. Remember this while making your decision, you are merely a cost number for your company and taking the time owed you ( your accumulated PTO) doesn’t affect them because they label the cost of the PTO in a way that benefits them and effects you taxwise.

  18. Anonymous

    Don't sweat the small stuff, you are making more at the new job. Find out from HR or employee handbook if you can cash it out or do you lose it

  19. Apryl Kioko

    Hi. Take the time off to prepare mentally for your transition into your next role. Nothing is free and nothing is given in corporate America. They really expect you to use this time.

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