Have you ever negotiated more vacation time in the job offer process?

[nkereina]

It definitely depends on the company. I work for a large one and it's typically non-negotiable. It's determined by job grade. However, for anyone hired after August 31st, they aren't entitled to vacation time until January 1st. Those hired prior to August 31st receive a prorated amount. My boss was hired in September and negotiated for a week's vacation through the end of last year, since he wouldn't have any otherwise. They were agreeable to that.

 

[sharonmickey]

I work in a school so can't negotiate pay or vacation. DD however can. She is only 26 but for her current position was able to not only negotiate more vacation but also working from home a few days a month. She has been able to negotiate salary at previous positions. She stated what she wanted in her job interview. When the company offered her a position a month later she talked to the company and was able to move her start date back a week so she and her husband could fly to Germany for a few days vacation. Her new company also gave her a check to cover moving expenses since she moved from South Carolina to Ohio.

 

[alliecats]

Thank you to everyone for your replies! It sounds like I will have the best luck with jobs that are *not* with huge companies, and with jobs where my skill set is very specific to their needs. I am the point in my life where time off is as important as salary, and I'm more likely to take a little less $ than less time off. Please wish me luck!

 

[verleniahall]

nope - not at all - why try to get more out of a company who is already giving you a job?

 

[tvguy]

Had a friend here this weekend who reminded me that her employer gives NO paid vacation or sick time.
You can take as many vacation or sick days you want without pay.
In lieu of pay time off, every employee gets a check on December 15th for 5 weeks pay. Small business with just 12 employees, owner doesn't want to be bothered with keeping track of sick and vacation time.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Yes, I started with 2 weeks vacation rather than 0 when I started my current job.

 

[tvguy]

Yes, I started with 2 weeks vacation rather than 0 when I started my current job.

Yup. My current place:
0-5 years 2 weeks.
5-10 years. 3 weeks.
10-30 years 4 weeks
30+ years 5 weeks.

I don't think I'll make it to 5 weeks, been there 10 years and I'll be 79 when I hit 30 years.

 

[wvjules]

nope - not at all - why try to get more out of a company who is already giving you a job?

Are you being serious?

 

[GAN]

Had a friend here this weekend who reminded me that her employer gives NO paid vacation or sick time.
You can take as many vacation or sick days you want without pay.
In lieu of pay time off, every employee gets a check on December 15th for 5 weeks pay. Small business with just 12 employees, owner doesn't want to be bothered with keeping track of sick and vacation time.

Wow ...pretty good deal if you ask me.

Yup. My current place:
0-5 years 2 weeks.
5-10 years. 3 weeks.
10-30 years 4 weeks
30+ years 5 weeks.

I don't think I'll make it to 5 weeks, been there 10 years and I'll be 79 when I hit 30 years.

That seems pretty standard, although 4-weeks for 10-years is a nice incentive. I've got to say, I've had 4-weeks in the past and I find it hard to take all those days ...5-weeks would be a lot in my book. Not that I wouldn't want them, probably more to do with my work(and myself).

I just interviewed someone last week and they're looking for 5-weeks -I was somewhat surprised by the request. We'll probably work it out, but there are some HR entanglements we need to work around. Honestly, I don't micro-manage vacation time ...if someone needs time off, take it. As long as the person gives 100% during the year and the business can still operate successfully -I feel most people won't abuse it. I know of a few Companies that offer the same deal ...no set vacation time, just take it when you need it.

 

[tvguy]

Wow ...pretty good deal if you ask me.



That seems pretty standard, although 4-weeks for 10-years is a nice incentive. I've got to say, I've had 4-weeks in the past and I find it hard to take all those days ...5-weeks would be a lot in my book. Not that I wouldn't want them, probably more to do with my work(and myself).

I just interviewed someone last week and they're looking for 5-weeks -I was somewhat surprised by the request. We'll probably work it out, but there are some HR entanglements we need to work around. Honestly, I don't micro-manage vacation time ...if someone needs time off, take it. As long as the person gives 100% during the year and the business can still operate successfully -I feel most people won't abuse it. I know of a few Companies that offer the same deal ...no set vacation time, just take it when you need it.

The industry my wife and I work in is one in which holidays are not days off. So some companies start employees at 3 weeks vacation as compensation for that (and double time for the holidays worked). Then move you to 4 weeks after 5 years. My wife's place sold several years ago and they give 5 weeks after 20 years. We also are not allowed time off in February, May, July or November.