Contemplating giving my notice but I have an upcoming vacation I booked before the pandemic.

Anonymous

March 19,2022 at 7:46PM UTC

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Contemplating giving my notice but I have an upcoming vacation I booked before the pandemic.

While right now, I've had it and I'm ready to resign, I wondering if the time away and being able to relax would affect my decision. I don't want to quit without a back-up plan but it's getting to the point that the stress is affecting my health. That being said, I don't know if it's worth waiting until May when the current job market is providing a lot of options.

If I didn't book and pay for it before the pandemic, the way I'm feeling now, I would cancel my vacation and tender my resignation. I checked into postponing my trip but I would lose out in $4K.

I'm confused and not sure what to do? In some ways, I'd want my current company to pay for my vacation but in others, I just want to be done. Does anyone have any advice or been in this situation?

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AnonymousMarch 19,2022 at 10:25PM UTC
Yes. So many times I wanted to just outright quit my last job. I was at a similar crossroads and decided to go on vacation, and it was amazing how nourishing it was for my soul. My trip was simple and filled with laughter and good friend and family time, but it was amazing how taking that break recharged me and gave me distance from the toxic environment I was in. After I returned I put in the work into a job search but I was glad I waited. I hope you can go, relax, find yourself a good reprieve as well.
Crystal HowellMarch 19,2022 at 11:01PM UTC
Things happen for a reason; your vacation is just in time! If you resign, you are entitled to all pay, retirement if you have any, etc. Before you leave, consolidate your debt with a high balance card or personal loan, reduce your monthly obligations, and payments aren't due until 45 days out. This way, you can use the time on your job as stability payoff debt while on vacay!!! Enjoy, get a recruiter for your next chapter, all while sipping on that mai tai! It's about planning!!
Huong Nguyen-ValleMarch 19,2022 at 11:29PM UTC
I was in your shoes many months ago and quitting was the best thing I did. My mental health was a lot better and I wasn't complaining anymore about what was going on because I let it go.
MaryamMarch 20,2022 at 12:34PM UTC
Would mini-vacations, like a long weekend, help you de-stress until you get to May, find a backup plan and take your full scheduled vacation? It’s easier to find a job while you’re employed. Despite of all the talk about labour market shortages, people getting matched with the right position still seems to take time. There’s a lot of people frustrated about not finding employment. This of course depends on your industry and specific situation. Other ways to destress while you ride it out: meditating, walking in nature, taking frequent stretch breaks, drinking herbal tea, listening to interesting podcasts, …
AnonymousMarch 20,2022 at 3:21PM UTC
Take your vacation and return refreshed and ready to start your search. A few months will fly by.
This strategy will save you the stress of unemployment, paying your bills and possibly taking a job that's not ideal just because you need the money to pay your bills.
Why do that to yourself? Embrace being in control of your destiny not a victim to it because of bad choices.
Sophie JoernMarch 20,2022 at 3:39PM UTC
There are a few different ways you could approach this. First, if you are unsure that you actually want to leave your job, opening up dialog with your supervisor to discuss your current role and the stressors could make a very positive impact on your work life. Managers can only help if they know there is a problem to begin with. It can be a little intimidating being vulnerable with an employer, but a great leader will be an advocate for you and work with you on a solution. Second, do some deep self reflection. Have you already decided this isn't the job for you? If so, feel free to start looking for a new opportunity now! You never know what you might find out there if you remain open minded and start the search process. If you are offered a new role, ask as part of the offer negotiation process to have your vacation pre-approved and the time off for it (p.s. I have witnessed this done several time no issues). Sometimes you can even negotiate an advance on your PTO so you can have it paid for. If this is the route you end up taking, most employers will also pay out any accrued PTO after leaving, so you could always save up that pay out to cover you if your new job isn't able to advance your vacation benefits. ?
TMarch 20,2022 at 8:24PM UTC
I'm in the same situation. I am 7 months away from a 30 year pension and I am just counting down the days. I have to do a lot of self care ❤. I take bubble baths, meditate , keep a journal on day and I rant and reve about the day on paper and it helps just to get it out. I got a bracelet that says in Latin on the back side " DON'T LET THE BASTARDS GRIND YOU DOWN" Handmaid's Tale. Try to hang in there until you take your Vacation . You deserve it and if you go somewhere else who knows how it will be? It seems that women bosses are the worst to deal with (they don't want you to be better them liked more. Have a cuter outfit etc...)and want to keep you down?) And if she isn't then there a few sycophantic people plotting to get you out so they can take your job
That happen to me and the way they can manipulate the men in charge is frightening . Try to stay and take your Vacation then if you want to leave you had a wonderful time off!
Julie Chatman, MBA, CISMMarch 23,2022 at 1:42PM UTC
It sounds like you are ready to move on. It also sounds like you need time away to recharge.
I'm not sure how the vacation impacts your resignation. Why can't you do both - resign & take your time away.