I live in South Texas and I swear here it's another level (and we're 95% Hispanic, not sure if the culture might be at fault too). First they only give you 5 PTO and they don't give you backups so you're forced to stay because no one else can cover you. Most people never take the 5 days in a row, except a few. Some people don't even take or cash out their vacays. Some even come in Saturdays even though they're salaried.
One time I got COVID and had to be home for a week, and my boss told one person to cover me for 1 measly half day (super easy stuff). Apparently she started crying, getting into fights, and even HR told me “Glad youre back, X was going crazy!”
I always find a way or excuse to take 20 days unpaid/paid throughout the year and I NEVER say I'm going on vacation. Yet when I come back it's almost like the company had its downfall and there's drama and crying. I'm not even that important.
In another company here I got snarky remarks for asking about my vacation benefits. “How long have you been here? 3 months? and you're already asking about vacation?” like srsly people can ask about their health insurances and other benefits but vacations is taboo why??
Also hear this out, my aunt worked for this company where they offered 3 weeks PTO. AFTER SHE WENT ON VACATION TO A CRUISE and shared it on social media with her coworkers. They lowered PTO to 2 weeks. And nobody in the office complained. Don't people want more vacation!? WHAT. THE. FUUUUU
iI'm not sure if it's jealousy or what that other people go on vacations (makes no sense bc we all get the same benefits and pay) but it's absolutely normal and you're even considered cool when you get a new $50k pickup. MAKE IT MAKE SENSE