How long after starting a new job would you ask for vacation time??

[KarenAylwood]

So I start my new job on Monday (make that, first job!!). I'm very excited.

I get a good amount of vacation time and they've been upfront with that since my interview. However, they are staffed for the amount of work that needs to be done- aka, if you ask for time off, they have to schedule someone in your place to take on overtime hours.

When I met with the HR person yesterday I informed her I had a wedding to attend and would need to miss May 4th and 5th (thurs and fri) and she said that was fine- to tell my boss that I was hired under the stipulation that I'd get that off.

Now I want to plan a vacation to Disney with my mom for September. I picked Sept because I figured it would be a lull when many weren't asking for vacation time AND I'd have time to save for it, plus it's a cheap time to visit Disney.

I want to book within the next month though (or 3 weeks), do you think this is too early to start asking about time off???

 

[Minnie824]

For major vacations, they like us to ask off as soon as we have plans...I would ask as soon as possible to make sure you can get the time before you actually book. Especially if you need someone to fill in for you.

 

[mickeyboat]

I think September would probably be the earliest I would ask. But I do think it may be a good time because families with school-aged children would probably not want time off in September. Maybe you could approach it that way.

Denae

 

[Bob Slydell]

I wouldn't think they'd have a problem with someone new going on vacation in September, considering you're starting next week, assuming, of course, that you have the vacation time.

 

[golfgal]

Will you have the vacation time to use by then? Many companies have an accrual system where you "earn" so many hours of vacation time for every day/week whatever of time you work. Another thing to consider is when is your vacation time renewed? If you get more days at the 1st of the year vs the anniversary of your hire date, you might not have all of your vacation days to use by then.

Personally I wouldn't ask for a week off or what ever for a vacation after only working there for 5 months. You might want to wait until Jan/Feb to go (which is less expensive then Sept usually).

 

[SteeleTig]

I would think your employers would appreciate the advanced notice, and since the vacation isn't until September you will be working there 4-5 months by then so it's not like you are taking vacation right way. Go for it.

 

[CathrynRose]

I'd ask - worse they can say is "No"

And then if that is the answer - you schedule for Jan/Feb, another slow time.

 

[KarenAylwood]

Will you have the vacation time to use by then? Many companies have an accrual system where you "earn" so many hours of vacation time for every day/week whatever of time you work. Another thing to consider is when is your vacation time renewed? If you get more days at the 1st of the year vs the anniversary of your hire date, you might not have all of your vacation days to use by then.

Personally I wouldn't ask for a week off or what ever for a vacation after only working there for 5 months. You might want to wait until Jan/Feb to go (which is less expensive then Sept usually).

I'm pro-rated the vacation time. For the year of 2006 I get 80 hours, for all of 2007 I get 120 hours. I also have 72 floating holiday hours that I get to use towards vacation time (we only have two fixed holidays). It's kind of confusing because it's shift work. I work 3 days on, get 3 days off, then work 3 nights, 3 days off. So I'd be taking off 3 days = 36 hours. I'm using 16 hours for the two days in May (for the first 6 weeks I work days, 40 hour weeks because I'll be in training).

I'm not planning on taking any other time off, but need to save up 36 hours to use during Christmas time.

So between now and Dec 31st, 2006 I have 152 hrs vacation, or at least 12 days off. I only need to take off 3 days in a row to get 9 days off total (you know, 3 off, then take 3 vacay, then 3 off = 9). So it's like four solid blocks of 9 days off each.

I'm more worried about when to ask about it than taking it in September. I figure it's better than in July when many will be asking off...

I'm stressed about when to book because I wanted mid-september because it's not only value season but free dining as well. I need to book before June 4th but it could fill up faster than that... that's the only reason I'm worried.

You all are right though- it would be after I was working there for five months so I guess it's not that unreasonable, esp since I don't predict using all of the vacation time I'm given.

 

[salmoneous]

Bring it up with your boss on day 1. Point out that you have vacation days to take during the year and ask how far in advance you have to deal with it, etc. Point out that you were thinking of taking time in September, but only if it fits into the work schedule (assuming that you really are fexible.)

 

[Maleficent13]

Well, as I so often am, I will be the voice of dissent!

I would be very nonplussed if a new employee marched in and asked for vacation time right away. Quite frankly, I'd expect my employee to at least complete their probationary period before requesting vacation. All I'm saying is, you don't want their first impression of you to be someone who only thinks about time off.

JMHO, YMMV.

 

[ChibiJones]

Well, as I so often am, I will be the voice of dissent!

I would be very nonplussed if a new employee marched in and asked for vacation time right away. Quite frankly, I'd expect my employee to at least complete their probationary period before requesting vacation. All I'm saying is, you don't want their first impression of you to be someone who only thinks about time off.

JMHO, YMMV.

I totally agree with this & I'm looking for a post-graduation job. I have to take the bar exam in July & I have some bar review classes which would discolsed in the job interview. Other than that, I wouldn't ask for time off for at least a few months for anything other than a death in the family. Don't discount the value of a good first impression or the power of the gossip machine.

 

[MAKmom]

You should have brought this up at the interview. 1 year is traditional before taking a vacation at a new job.

 

[Ragnrok23]

Do your days carry over to the next year? If not then you have to take them at some point during the year, and your boss is going to know that and will most liekly want you to take it during a slow time or when you are going to be full staffed. You only have 8 months left this year to take it, and you asking five months in advance. I would ask sometime in the first couple of weeks when you see an opportunity to

 

[Ragnrok23]

You should have brought this up at the interview. 1 year is traditional before taking a vacation at a new job.

This doesn't really apply anymore. When I started working I got 3 weeks my first year, and they require you take a full week off during the year. They also sent a vacation calander around the office monthly to fill out

 

[KarenAylwood]

Well, as I so often am, I will be the voice of dissent!

I would be very nonplussed if a new employee marched in and asked for vacation time right away. Quite frankly, I'd expect my employee to at least complete their probationary period before requesting vacation. All I'm saying is, you don't want their first impression of you to be someone who only thinks about time off.

JMHO, YMMV.

All opinions welcome!!

I definitely know what you're saying. I was instructed my MANY not to bring up vacation time in the interview, and didn't bring up the wedding plans until the day I signed the job offer (as instructed by my recruiter- I was told NO vacation discussion until the job was offered).

I originally wasn't going to take any vacation this year because I didn't want to overstep my boundaries as a new employee but started to re-think things when the benefits were pretty much thrown at me. I'm entirely way over qualified for this job (some in my position are working on a BS, I have a Masters!) and I think they were trying to sell me on benefits and whatnot. I'm taking the job because it's an opportunity to get involved in a large, successful company and work my way up.

When I talked to the HR woman about the days off for the wedding, she said I could use my floating holiday hours towards those two days so I would still get paid, and to use the holiday hours first because if I left within a few months, I'd get paid for the 80 hours of vacation I had left for the year.

I figured that if I took off 16 for the wedding, then 36 for the vacation to Disney I wouldn't even be touching the rest of my 100 hours left for the rest of the year. AND I'm not sure if they carry over until the next year- that hasn't been discussed yet.

Also, the only set holidays are Thanksgiving and 4th of July, but if you're scheduled for them- you have to work. I just so happen to be scheduled on Thanksgiving and don't plan on asking off for it even though it will be my first Thanksgiving in 24 years that I won't be spending with my family

I think maybe I need to feel things out for a few days and figure out the sentiment about holiday/vacation before mentioning anything.

 

[DVC-Don]

Here, no paid vacation days until after your 1 year anniversary. You may apply for unpaid time off prior to that though. We do offer 2 personal days after 6 months.

 

[yeartolate]

Since you are new and already asking for time off for a wedding, I also would be nonplussed by a new employee asking for vacation time so early.

I wouldn't ask, but that is me. I am also overly sensitive because I work in a place that alot of the newer employees make demands - and when the demands are met, it is on the backs of the "old timers". But my situation is hopefully the exception rather than the rule.

Will you have actually accrued the time by then? If you will essentially be taking time off without pay, it is tough for a boss to justify the use of overtime to let someone off on an unpaid vacation.


You are the best judge of the atmosphere at your workplace.

 

[CarolA]

Well, as I so often am, I will be the voice of dissent!

I would be very nonplussed if a new employee marched in and asked for vacation time right away. Quite frankly, I'd expect my employee to at least complete their probationary period before requesting vacation. All I'm saying is, you don't want their first impression of you to be someone who only thinks about time off.

JMHO, YMMV.

I was sitting here thinking the same thing...... I would not bring this up in the first few weeks!

Also do not bring your vacation up in the interview. If you have things scheduled bring them up when the offer is presented as the OP did. If they say no, my theory is that's probably not someplace I want to work anyway.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

If I had something coming up soon I would ask for the time off...either with a change in starting date or outright within a day or two of starting the job. However...you've already done this. I wouldn't do it twice.

Here's an alternative... go ahead and book your time at Disney focusing towards the second half of September. Before the cancellation deadline ask for the time off. Guessing late July, early August. By that time you'll know:

1. If you'll be staying in this job.
2. If your boss is happy with the job you are doing.
3. Who you can ask to help you out with covering your time if that's required.

You may find the vacation schedule will be brought up anyway. Lots of people want summertime weeks and late December weeks. For a job that they have to finagle coverage you have an awful lot of time off.

 

[mickeyfan1]

You have the vacation time assigned to you. If they didn't want you to take it, they wouldn't give it to you. It seems that this companies policies are different than a lot of others. Ask for the time, if you get it, schedule the trip.