Taking time (weeks/months) off

7 Comments

1. AnonymousSeptember 11,2022 at 6:08PM UTC

   Be very careful about this. Don't say anything about mental health. Maybe, ask for two weeks off? State you are planning a long trip, and need two weeks for the trip.

   When I did unemployment, the commonality in most people who file for UI, is FMLA in their base period, and later termination for not completing the Performance Improvement Plan.

   It is illegal to fire anyone who takes FMLA, but a "performance plan" legally is not retaliation.

   So, if you want time off, just be cognizant of the possible ramifications. Employers are not friends.

2. SLTSeptember 11,2022 at 6:38PM UTC

   I'd be careful.

   We ALL need time off. We ALL have lives/issues/plans outside of work. I don't mean to sound harsh, but you could talk yourself right out of a job and have a LONG (unintentional) break.

   When Covid first hit in 2020, I worked in the entertainment industry at the corporate level. We were amongst the first to be furloughed. At first it was great!!!! Eventually, I went back to work elsewhere as my role was eliminated being deemed "nonessential" AFTER I spent my time enhancing my career via professional certifications. All in all, between not looking ($600 weekly UE bonus!!), studying for and passing 7 cert exams, looking, temp work and asinine recruiters, I found FT work 15 months after being sent home March, 2020. One recruiter accused me of the furlough, citing Covid was a lie I made up.
   --
   Be careful what you wish for. Then start planning long weekends or time off around major holidays.

   My job is INSANE. Some days I think: my God, why I did I accept this crap?!?? Lol!!

   But I remind myself of a worse situation: interviews, ghosting by recruiters, under-worthy roles, etc. And I plan a cruise, save money, look forward to it while I eat leftovers for lunch.

3. AnonymousSeptember 11,2022 at 6:45PM UTC

   1) Have you already accrued the time to take the leave?

   2) It depends on the type of job: If your duties are repetitive where someone can backfill for you why you are on leave is a good sign.

   3) Giving your boss plenty of notice to coordinate the leave when there is down time: There are workers who sometimes take 2-3 weeks leave to travel, but they normally coordinate it out 4+months in advance to give the boss enough time to consider and plan around that schedule

   4) Depends on your longevity: If you already have a rapport with your boss and longevity with the company, the more likely it could be approved.

   5) I would not categorize that it is for mental health. If people ask, just say its for travel.

4. AnonymousSeptember 11,2022 at 9:29PM UTC

   Does your company offer FAMIKY LEAVE?

5. AnonymousSeptember 12,2022 at 1:19PM UTC

   Ask for the time off though don't give a specific reason for it. If not approved - then you could look into the company policies on FMLA or personal leaves of absence.

6. Nicole DupuisSeptember 12,2022 at 4:06PM UTC

   Hi There! I would first check your employee manual or HR manual to see if there is a limit of how much time you can take at one time, etc. It is good to collect the facts first.

   I would then approach your supervisor with the facts: a) that you would like to take x amount of time off and b) you want it to be as seamless of a transition for the time away as possible. I would strategize what would need to be delegated, if you would be checking in at all or not during your time off, and what work would need to be done in advance.

7. AnonymousSeptember 26,2022 at 12:31PM UTC

   Get short term disability paperwork from HR for your doctor to fill out, no explanation needed. Doc will determine how much time you need off with you. Tell your boss you have to take medical leave. Don’t need to say why. Despite what other posters are saying. Your health is not worth it.