The owner of the company I am subcontracted to gave everyone, including subs, two weeks of pto. He told me himself that it's our choice how to use it, whether its sick days or vacation or whatever, its up to us. This calendar year I've taken a week off already for covid, back in January. So I have one week remaining.
My friends want to take me on vacation for my birthday in May. The lodging has already been reserved, all of them and my husband have been granted vacation time for that week. It's six weeks away. I brought it up to my boss today and he said maybe we could arrange a few days but not an entire week. We have too much coming up and the office is dependent on one person when I'm gone. I am a sub, I was under the impression he can't dictate my schedule. But if I say that, he'll get spiteful about it and make absolutely sure I can't go. What's the most tactful, respectful way to say, “I'm not gonna be here that week, make it work.”?
I work in an office, as an estimator doing plans and bids. I've been here 7 years and have taken two vacations the entire time because of short staffing issues. Now there's someone to handle billing and everything without me, so there's no reason I can't be out for a week. I can't quit because I need the income. I just need to get this vacation approved.