We need to completely reframe how we think about vacation and time off requests.
I shouldn’t have to ask “permission” to take time off when I need it or want it. I am perfectly happy to notify my employer that I will be taking time off as a general courtesy to them, and work on a plan to ensure tasks and projects run smoothly in my absence. I am also happy to consider tweaking my plans if it puts significant strain on the team. But submitting a request to take off the time and await approval is patronizing and disrespectful to us as human beings. We’re not peasants working for the lord of the estate.
I work so that I’m able to do the things that are meaningful and enriching to me and my family, and to support the things I love. My life isn’t my job. My job is a means to live my life. I’m renting my time and skills to my employer. They do not own my time and decide how I spend it.
Also, you can take more than 2 or 3 weeks of vacation per year. Just because you’re employer only offers 2 or 3 weeks of paid vacation doesn’t mean you are limited to that time frame. That is insane. You can take more than that, it’s just unpaid. Employers need to stop thinking they own your time and have the right to dictate how and when you spend it.
Can we start calling these Time Off Notices? And can we start being more firm on telling our employers that we will be taking the time when we choose? And also give ourselves permission to take more than 2-3 weeks of vacation, even if it is unpaid?