Boss suddenly says can no longer take 2 weeks off!

[uop1497]

I am not sure if each company has their own policy regarding taking vacation. However, DH once told me that his boss does not like him to take a long 2-3 weeks vacation . I think the reason if an employee take off only 1 week, the week go by very fast and coverage is not an issue . If employee take off 2-3 weeks, things can get delay easily and work progress may not go smoothly as planned .

We plan to take 3 weeks off in December, I am not sure whether Dh's boss will approve or not. DH will submit his request and we will know in a few days.

In my opinion, even though there is a policy which clearly say how many PTO or vacation an employee can have per year, the manager ( or boss) has the power to approval the vacation before employee can take his or her time off . Employee can request for time off, but if the manager say No. Then employee can not take off .

 

[Talent312]

One day, our office manager decided he'd find out if the secretaries at a remote location were taking un-approved leave. He pulled door key-card records which showed they were not showing up as scheduled. At the confrontation, they explained to him that many times, employees did not use their keys becuz another one opened the door, and besides, there were three doors into the building and he'd only pulled the records for one.

He was later fired for fudging the records of an employee with whom he was having an affair. He was covering for her working a 2nd job during her normal work hours. This was discovered when a secretary saw her at a restaurant during lunch, only she was not dining, but rather working as the hostess.

I am not making this up.
.

 

[MuranoJo]

Based on what you've described, I wouldn't jump to the next level of management without going back to your direct manager and asking to discuss this again. Come right out and ask if this is because of the two closely-timed two-week absences, or try to drill down to what's triggering this. If the mgr. is vague, that's when I'd start to suspect age/time at job/other issues.

My experience with employers is vacation time always has to be approved based on company need, though I'm sure there may be exceptions out there.

 

[Sugarcubesea]

I had the same issue at my company, I basically had to beg to take 2 weeks off in a row. When I started at my company I told that that I will on occassion take 2 weeks back to back off and was told not a problem. I get 5 weeks of vacation a year.

Since I've been gone, I've handled 3 issues and my boss is freaking out and I'm sure he will tell me that I can no longer take 2 weeks off back to back again. This boss believes that you should not take any of your 5 weeks of vacation. Last year, he took 5 days of his 5 weeks and bitched non stop how he lost all of this vacation time..

Our big boss has no issue with me or my boss taking time off as long as everything is taken care of.

I work hard, I work 10 to 12 hour days on a daily basis, so if a company does not treat me well, they do not deserve my talents and I will move on.

Good Luck and you should be able to take your 2 weeks vacation...

LOL! No HR in our place! By the way, I have always been well- liked by my boss and the bigger boss and coworkers- I know- not that that means anything. My salary and many others' have been capped for years- so no raises or reviews even.

Many long time employees have quit in the past few years- several this year. I have been hanging on because this is a rural area and not many jobs and at my age I do not want to start over anywhere. I have always said this is going to be my last employer until I retire or they fire me or I quit.

 

[WinniWoman]

All very good input. Thanks.

I think in my mind that something triggered this and it has nothing to do with my job duties per se other than I have to pick up some papers in the morning and another woman had to be sent out to do that- but she did it on her way into work.

Believe me when I tell you I do not have a critical job-in fact it is pretty lame. I rarely get a phone call from a doctors office when away. I did this time and I answered my cell and it was no big deal- I took care of it. They had a simple question nothing urgent. During the summer most of the docs and some of their staff are also away on vacation. So no biggie.

Our numbers were down big time this July over last July- but me being away one week in July and the following week in August has nothing to do with it. Last year I was off the same two weeks. So that kind of rational wouldn't hold either. It is the healthcare market right now- pretty bad with insurances and high deductibles.

I also answered like the one or two emails I got- again- I get very few. When I say I do not have a real important job I am not kidding. It is an intangible type of work- I am like a public relations person and in person customer service rep. No one needs to fill in for me except to pick up those papers in the morning and there are various solutions to that- not a big deal that I can see. So the supervisor picks them up on her way to work- big deal!

So- maybe someone in a critical job- like a technician or front desk asked for two weeks off and he denied it and then that person referenced me possibly? I am on a mission to try to figure this out.

In my estimation, this is a non negotiable thing. No way will I exchange to go elsewhere. I acquired that second week last year for free for the specific reason to add it to our other week (which we have only exchanged once since 1999!) and spend more time unwinding and to see our son whom we rarely see and scout out places to retire to in NH and that is what we intend to do. We love going to our resorts and those areas and they are only two ours apart with the same check in and check out time.

As for taking the "two" two week vacations this past June- it is just the way it fell. Not something I have ever done or intend to do again- maybe. But so what if one year I decide to do that again? I trudge through the winter day in and day out without a day off for 5 months or more! The nice weather comes and I am going away! As long as mine and my husband's health holds out and I don't have to use my time for that! Even so, in that case I would still want to take my vacation! I probably would quit because they do not allow days off without pay. Next year we are hoping to go to Colorado in June for just one week. I guess I am just so done with being controlled.

These companies do things to themselves, They force you to take all your time in one year. They won't pay you for days you do not take. Then they complain when you take it. Everyone wants the nice weather season off-of course. Why should people have to take weeks they can't do anything with?They have eliminated separate sick time and personal days for emergencies. They cut your lunch to a half hour where you do not even have time to leave the building to get a lunch or take a walk.

One other thing I forgot to mention- the boss always says we accrue vacation time every year beginning in January- so we start every year with ZERO- so technically none of us have a lot of it the first 6 months or so. So again- what do they expect?

So, I am not going to bring it up to either boss. I am thinking maybe the bigger boss doesn't even know about it and if I say something to him the boss who spoke to me might get ticked off. Sometimes they have corporate meetings early on Thursday mornings before I come in so I wonder if something got brought up there. I think maybe I will fish around discreetly just because I have a need to know and just put in for my time next year like I always do and see what happens. Maybe he will forget about it or let it slide. If not- goodbye. (as long as my husband still has his job! LOL!).

 

[mpizza]

I would let it go for now, since we're talking next year. Sounds like the grouping of "back to back" PTO this summer highlighted how much you do and your presence was missed - take it as a compliment.

If you get push back next year, start the conversation with a comment like - "I know I am an ESSENTIAL member of the team and meeting our goals is important, so here's my plan to meet xyz target."

As an FYI, my company recently changed policy so new employees START with 3 weeks PTO, and 10 PD, to be competitive for talented 20-somethings!

Maria

 

[WinniWoman]

Just as an aside- to give you an idea of how things are run at my job- the front desk people are scheduled- most are part-time but are some full time as well- a month in advance. The supervisor sets it- doesn't ask the staff for their availability, though they can come to her to make requests. They have to be available days, evenings and weekends to work- no exceptions. There are some with seniority who have manged to get a cushy steady schedule- but rare and still subject to change.

Their schedule can be changed at the last minute- and often is-so they have to look at it every day for the following day! You can imagine how hard this can be for people who have children or even for themselves when they have plans to take care of their own lives. They are all woman by the way. They tried hiring males and the males never worked out.

They have cameras and audio on their backs at all times. They have supervisors hanging over them and watching them on camera. I will say we do have a good staff, but we have had major turnover over the years and has gotten worse and worse. We have major volume of patients coming in so a really busy place. They have to answer phones and serve patients who come in at the same time. The boss has finally added people just for phones to give them some relief. Used to be that way years ago, but then they eliminated it and things got crazy. Thankfully, now he has somewhat changed it back

The techs have been overworked with doubled up patients. They obviously have to get replacements for when they are off. They barely used to be able to eat lunch, but the boss finally is changing that because we have lost a number of long time experienced techs who had enough.

Meanwhile, I have a steady schedule. I am out most of the day in my car- thankfully away from all the BS- listening to my music and talk radio- and chatting it up with people in the doctors offices. I wouldn't have it any other way other than not working altogether. I need freedom when I work. I like my independence.(I used to be a healthcare manager for many, many years and had enough of that!) I am perceived as the lucky one in many cases- so there could be resentment or jealousy.

 

[WinniWoman]

I would let it go for now, since we're talking next year. Sounds like the grouping of "back to back" PTO this summer highlighted how much you do and your presence was missed - take it as a compliment.

If you get push back next year, start the conversation with a comment like - "I know I am an ESSENTIAL member of the team and meeting our goals is important, so here's my plan to meet xyz target."

As an FYI, my company recently changed policy so new employees START with 3 weeks PTO, and 10 PD, to be competitive for talented 20-somethings!

Maria

I like that! LOL!

Yes- next year if he says something I will ask why. It won't matter what his answer is because I will be out of there.

As for your company- you see?! I worked all my life and there in your company look how much time new young people are only just STARTING with!

I am making the same salary I made almost 20 years ago. I have less time off, less benefits, less everything. It is just what happened with the economy- layoffs and so on and I have been grateful to be able to work and make money and survive through it all.

But enough is enough with these companies taking advantage of their employees.

Oh and did I mention that ALSO this past June, after my two weeks vacation that month, I also took two days off because my husband won an award at his job - a trip to Boston along with other employees from across the country. (did I mention that we have to pay taxes on it?!! Being taken out of several paychecks. But- that is another story!). He was notified only a couple of months ahead and I immediately told my bosses about it.

Well, I didn't even want to go, but the BIGGER Boss though it was awesome and encouraged me to go. Every time I saw him he asked about it before and after the trip. Go figure.....

 

[vacationhopeful]

Mary Ann ...

The company employment model of my long dead parents (and yours) and from our youth, DIED years and years ago. Put the tomestone on it from Jan 1, 1983 by and thanks Congress (the one in Washington, DC).

Some companies took longer to modify pensions (to kill then off) that the generation(s) ahead of us got to keep and retired on. Stop looking at the past ... you can't change it. Look what you need to do today...to keep working and saving for your golden years.

Chill ... that high blood pressure and stress from work WILL take years off your years of retirement.

Go in to the office with a smile on your face, keep detail notes out in your car & at home, do your job like YOU LOVE IT & your customers. Bosses seem to be able to 'feel & read negative vibes' ... and that bad energy will KILL YOU.

Meanwhile, I have my shoes on to head out the door .. .work has already called me once. And with the sun up, it will just be another LONG DAY outside working in the HEAT and HUMIDITY. And it could be worse ... the a/c in the car/truck could not be working AND it could be Monday instead of FRIDAY.

WEEKEND IS HERE!

 

[Pardytime]

Sounds like a power play to me, too.

Why don't you try this:
1. Ask for two weeks in writing, briefly and politely explaining why you need it approved so far in advance, and give a date that you need the approval back by.
2. Ask for the response in writing, referring to the verbal discussions.
3. Ask that the response to include the reasoning for the restriction and if it is now policy or just applicable to you.

If you get a response (sometimes they don't), you will have something in writing to take to the next level up, should you desire to do so.
If it does end up becoming a new policy, there will be others affected and you won't be in this alone.
If the reasoning is explained, and it is just applicable to you, then you might be able determine from the wording if it is a)position related or b)personal.

I was in a similar situation two years ago. I wish I had pushed back harder instead of retiring, but I was already burnt out, and it was just one more thing to confront.

 

[WinniWoman]

Oh- and here's one more thing that happened to someone else on Monday

A lovely woman- a full time ultrasound tech who used to be per diem- gets to work- a 45 minute drive in. This week she was supposed to have Friday off as she was scheduled for 10 hour days.

The boss tells her that she should go home. They need her on Friday. here she had plans for Friday- appts. and such.. This is how they operate. Me- I would have quit right on the spot..

 

[WinniWoman]

Mary Ann ...

The company employment model of my long dead parents (and yours) and from our youth, DIED years and years ago. Put the tomestone on it from Jan 1, 1983 by and thanks Congress (the one in Washington, DC).

Some companies took longer to modify pensions (to kill then off) that the generation(s) ahead of us got to keep and retired on. Stop looking at the past ... you can't change it. Look what you need to do today...to keep working and saving for your golden years.

Chill ... that high blood pressure and stress from work WILL take years off your years of retirement.

Go in to the office with a smile on your face, keep detail notes out in your car & at home, do your job like YOU LOVE IT & your customers. Bosses seem to be able to 'feel & read negative vibes' ... and that bad energy will KILL YOU.

Meanwhile, I have my shoes on to head out the door .. .work has already called me once. And with the sun up, it will just be another LONG DAY outside working in the HEAT and HUMIDITY. And it could be worse ... the a/c in the car/truck could not be working AND it could be Monday instead of FRIDAY.

WEEKEND IS HERE!

Oh- I get that. But I don't have to like it. And- I always smile- it's my job to smile! I am the face of the company. No one would ever know what I feel inside.

The weekend? Now I get to work at home cleaning and chores, etc.!

Feel bad that you have to work in this heat. I am out- but just in between getting in and out of an air conditioned car- and it still gets to me!

I am not living in the past. Just being who I am. I have respect for myself and the truth. I can't change now. I bend and bend- but refuse to be broken.

 

[WinniWoman]

Sounds like a power play to me, too.

Why don't you try this:
1. Ask for two weeks in writing, briefly and politely explaining why you need it approved so far in advance, and give a date that you need the approval back by.
2. Ask for the response in writing, referring to the verbal discussions.
3. Ask that the response to include the reasoning for the restriction and if it is now policy or just applicable to you.

If you get a response (sometimes they don't), you will have something in writing to take to the next level up, should you desire to do so.
If it does end up becoming a new policy, there will be others affected and you won't be in this alone.
If the reasoning is explained, and it is just applicable to you, then you might be able determine from the wording if it is a)position related or b)personal.

I was in a similar situation two years ago. I wish I had pushed back harder instead of retiring, but I was already burnt out, and it was just one more thing to confront.

I always just submit the dates I will be off in Feb. of each year to both bosses. Period. Never been an issue in the 11 years I am there. In fact- never been an issue in my entire life on any job and the 17 years we have owned the timeshare in VT.

When I submit in Feb. if he says no- then I will ask why and listen to whatever reason he gives. I will address whatever it is he states. If he doesn't agree to allow me to take it, then I will resign the month before I am scheduled to go on my 2 week vacation.

 

[PGtime]

Sorry you are struggling with this. In July of 2007 I went on a missions trip to Chile and needed 2 weeks to do so. I had it planned from early fall of 2006 and let my boss know as soon as I had planned it.

When I got back, he told me I should have told him earlier and that it was disruptive for me to be gone for 2 weeks. As far as the disruption, fair enough. At that time I was responsible for all of the network growth in 2 states, 100m budget and I know it was additional work for my team and him to chase stuff down when I was gone. As far as the advance notice, when I reminded him of my telling him ~ 10 months before and the detailed plans I had developed to deal with my absence, he just changed the subject.

In hindsight, I think he was just reacting to the stress my absence caused him and couldn't wait to let me know. In any event, I have not needed 2 weeks (probably 10 days max recently) but also my current job does not have the same amount of exposure. My current boss does not have a problem with it, so long as I let him know in advance and plan for my absence.

I would definitely dig to determine what caused this; in my case, it was just a knee jerk reaction to stress. Perhaps he was just having a bad day and is reacting poorly?

 

[falmouth3]

Not sure of the law in NY, but it is my understanding that unused PTO is owed to you when you leave a company in MA. Check into it and don't burn it all if you plan to quit next July. You may want that chunk of cash to cushion you.

 

[geekette]

I always said [to myself] if I couldn't take my vacation when I wanted I'd quit. Luckily I never had to put that to the test. I hope you can work this out.

Yep, and I have.

The most memorable was a job I took as an "any port in the storm" and didn't plan to stay long. We discussed at interview the year+plan for a one-week vaca. Ok with them.

Shortly before the trip, I start hearing from others that people get fired for taking time off. Yeah, even if sick, they get hassled. I didn't care about the job and won't be intimidated. I went to Cabo for my bro's 50th; we were 14 people and I coordinated the trip. During that week I didn't actually care if I had a job when I returned and simply enjoyed myself.

When we touched down in Denver, the calls started. They apparently wanted to make VERY VERY SURE that I never came in their door again. Ok. The HR guy sounded ill at ease to fire someone for using time off but that's his problem to live with. I guess he expected that I would be upset, like probably other people he had fired for taking sick time or whatever.

Look, folks make their decisions about Work to Live or Live to Work. I'm pleased to have seen mention of quitting in July anyway, so, I support that.

I would push back and question this decision. Where is the policy, why me, why now, what's the real deal? Don't let them cow you out of this. Stand firm. My gut feel is that someone griped and said "it isn't fair" when of course if they had enough PTO they could probably take back to back weeks also. Likely he will try to cover them, if this is the case, but you can ask the direct question: did someone complain, and this is why? Watch him closely as his words may not match his eyes.

Live your life, let the job work around You. And, you know, could be you take 2 weeks and nothing is ever said. keep it on the calendar and say nothing about it. You might come back and not have a job. You would need to be ok with that and prepared for it.

You could have the discussion in advance. "I'm going to do what I plan to do and you will do whatever you have to do." frankly, you can't be intimidated unless you let yourself be.

 

[WinniWoman]

Not sure of the law in NY, but it is my understanding that unused PTO is owed to you when you leave a company in MA. Check into it and don't burn it all if you plan to quit next July. You may want that chunk of cash to cushion you.

Our policy book says only 50% of accumulated PTO will be paid out provided you give proper notice as specified. Here they do what they want anyway.

Also, nothing in policy book regarding taking two weeks in a row, but of course, states time off has to be approved by management.

 

[WinniWoman]

Well I spoke to someone else who is involved in management and he said there was no corporate meeting yesterday and no administrative decision about people taking 2 weeks off that he knows of, though he did have an issue when a person in his office took 2 weeks off, but she does not have a position like mine. I am the only one in the company with this type of job.

I am even thinking this has nothing to do with the BIGGER boss. That it was my immediate boss and possibly the supervisor- the one that had to pick up the papers each morning.

Interestingly- many years ago my immediate boss ended up firing a supervisor and it all started with her wanting to take her time off based on her seniority. The supervisor who was getting the papers for me in the morning while I was away was also involved in that situation. I remember this poor woman who got fired telling me she was convinced that my boss and this woman were out to get her for whatever reason. Of course, I could be wrong...

That is what has struck me today. Funny, because when I got back from vacation, this supervisor told me she loved my Facebook pictures of our vacation and wants to go to NH as well after seeing them. She told me it was no problem picking up the papers- she got them on her way to work first thing in the morning.

My boss is undergoing stress at home- his teenage daughter is very ill and he of course, has had to give up his golfing and his vacations to deal with this sad situation.

In fact, the day I got back from vacation he and I took a ride to see a doctor- I drove. He was in the car with me and never asked about my vacation or said he had any problem with it. Here we are two weeks after I come back and this comes up.

But- I still don't get it........

 

[WinniWoman]

Yep, and I have.

The most memorable was a job I took as an "any port in the storm" and didn't plan to stay long. We discussed at interview the year+plan for a one-week vaca. Ok with them.

Shortly before the trip, I start hearing from others that people get fired for taking time off. Yeah, even if sick, they get hassled. I didn't care about the job and won't be intimidated. I went to Cabo for my bro's 50th; we were 14 people and I coordinated the trip. During that week I didn't actually care if I had a job when I returned and simply enjoyed myself.

When we touched down in Denver, the calls started. They apparently wanted to make VERY VERY SURE that I never came in their door again. Ok. The HR guy sounded ill at ease to fire someone for using time off but that's his problem to live with. I guess he expected that I would be upset, like probably other people he had fired for taking sick time or whatever.

Look, folks make their decisions about Work to Live or Live to Work. I'm pleased to have seen mention of quitting in July anyway, so, I support that.

I would push back and question this decision. Where is the policy, why me, why now, what's the real deal? Don't let them cow you out of this. Stand firm. My gut feel is that someone griped and said "it isn't fair" when of course if they had enough PTO they could probably take back to back weeks also. Likely he will try to cover them, if this is the case, but you can ask the direct question: did someone complain, and this is why? Watch him closely as his words may not match his eyes.

Live your life, let the job work around You. And, you know, could be you take 2 weeks and nothing is ever said. keep it on the calendar and say nothing about it. You might come back and not have a job. You would need to be ok with that and prepared for it.

You could have the discussion in advance. "I'm going to do what I plan to do and you will do whatever you have to do." frankly, you can't be intimidated unless you let yourself be.

Wow! That's a story! These jobs are crazy! And yes- I am like you. I work to live. In fact, I always say I have no time to work and work gets in the way of my life! LOL!

Yes- I plan to live my life and I am taking those 2 weeks either while employed or not! LOL!

I just have an overactive mind and am very curious as to why he said this. I may find out next year or never hear another thing about it again. Meanwhile, I will be mentioning it casually to my coworkers when vacations are discussed around the lunch room to tell them I can't wait until my next 2 weeks vacation! Planting the seed.......:rofl:

 

[tashamen]

Many long time employees have quit in the past few years- several this year. I have been hanging on because this is a rural area and not many jobs and at my age I do not want to start over anywhere. I have always said this is going to be my last employer until I retire or they fire me or I quit.

That sounds just like me. Not many jobs in rural Vermont either, and 2 years ago my employer of 8 years (where I hoped to retire from) asked me to manage another area in addition to my own when other people quit, with less staff and no more money. But somehow I got another job with better benefits and a 25% salary increase in rural NH without having to move. I also was offered jobs that were completely online working from home, but DH does that and we'd drive each other crazy.

Oh, and I was also 60 at the time. So you may have more options than you think. No job is worth being unhappy much of the time!

 

[geekette]

... my employer of 8 years (where I hoped to retire from) asked me to manage another area in addition to my own when other people quit, with less staff and no more money. But somehow I got another job with better benefits and a 25% salary increase ...

yeah, I have had that situation, too. On that job, I had been waiting for An Out after 7 years, about 2 past when I was ready to leave, and that was my chance. I was presented with "my new job description" which was packed with training people on how to use computers and software, going to donors homes to help them (!), things I have no interest in doing, else I would be doing them. Software developers are rarely excited about teaching someone how to make something bold in Word. It is not my fault that the trainer they hired had no computer clue, I wasn't going to cover her butt, and certainly not for no extra pay. She is their problem, not mine.

After reading through and laughing at many of the entries on that new description, there was of course the last bullet point that essentially said "and everything you already do". I pushed the paper back across the desk and said, No Thank You. Stunned him. He was appalled that I would rather leave than do that new job, but, I was aiming for the Shut Up and Go Away Program, and I got him to say Job Elimination, which triggers Job Elimination Paperwork that amounts to a bucket of money to leave, more than 6 months' pay in my case. Shoot, I 'd go back to get canned that way again!

 

[WinniWoman]

Any job I ever got laid off from I didn't get one cent in severence and this one would be no different.

If I end up having to quit next year because of this stupid vacation thing I will work on starting my blog and maybe trying to get a part time work at home job. No more being a prostitute for a paycheck.

 

[geekette]

Any job I ever got laid off from I didn't get one cent in severence and this one would be no different.

If I end up having to quit next year because of this stupid vacation thing I will work on starting my blog and maybe trying to get a part time work at home job. No more being a prostitute for a paycheck.

! LOL

eons ago, I was a consultant and someone referred to us as prostitutes. Some places are more on the line of Body Shop than others.

Some months ago, someone emailed me about a research work from home type of job, very flexible. I didn't do anything with it since I don't need another job, but let me know if you might be interested and I'll look it up for you as I'm sure finding people is an ongoing endeavor. If you give it a shot long before you jet on the job, you'll know if you like it, etc., long before you are to decision point.

Keep your sanity, lose the job ...

 

[WinniWoman]

! LOL

eons ago, I was a consultant and someone referred to us as prostitutes. Some places are more on the line of Body Shop than others.

Some months ago, someone emailed me about a research work from home type of job, very flexible. I didn't do anything with it since I don't need another job, but let me know if you might be interested and I'll look it up for you as I'm sure finding people is an ongoing endeavor. If you give it a shot long before you jet on the job, you'll know if you like it, etc., long before you are to decision point.

Keep your sanity, lose the job ...

Absolutely! I am always interested in a possible job I can do from home! I would certainly check into it. Thanks in advance.

 

[VegasBella]

I wouldn't read too much into it. He might have just been busy or he might have been trying to pull some sort of power maneuver. Just wait a bit. Maybe bring him something he likes, brownies or something. Then wait a bit. Then ask again - very friendly and in a very clear manner - and see his response.