Boss suddenly says can no longer take 2 weeks off!

[WinniWoman]

You've been given some good advice already but I thought I'd add my opinion too. As long as there is no written policy that says two consecutive week vacations are not allowed, it's up to the discretion of your management, which in my opinion includes your boss and your boss's boss.

I would not do anything now, just wait until February when you normally submit your request. I would email the request to my boss and I would CC his manager on that email. This way, if it's your boss who's having an issue but his boss isn't, then you may have a little more negotiation power.

If your boss was just having a bad day, then it will not be an issue anyway. If there is serious pushback however, that's the time to open up the dialogue about why and, if others are being allowed to take two weeks back to back vacations, I would state that its discriminatory against you. If they're not letting anyone do it, then some other Tuugers have given you good advice on how to handle the situation.

It's funny how when you use the word harassment or discrimination in a sentence how people back down very quickly. I've seen this used very successfully by other people in my many years of work. It can be a bit adversarial, so be aware of this.

Good luck.

Yes. Agree.

This is what I do all the time-In Feb/March-I send an email telling Both of them when I will be away. I never ask- I just tell. Never been any issues all the years I have been there.

If any push back maybe I should say something like" Gee- I guess I am very valuable if you can't do without me for 2 weeks. I must be grossly underpaid!!" LOL!:hysterical:

 

[WinniWoman]

Lets not throw around using harassment or discrimination with everything. It could just be that two weeks in a row is too hard for the company.

It seems if the op bosses saw these threads and others she would be let go. She may be great at what she does but it seems there is an attitude problem and maybe that is cause for some of this. I am sure a lot of others would be very happy to have this job at the same pay or less.

The best advice would be to find another place of employment. Seems like everyone would win with that.

You don't like me very much, do you?

 

[Kal]

Lets not throw around using harassment or discrimination with everything. It could just be that two weeks in a row is too hard for the company.

It seems if the op bosses saw these threads and others she would be let go. She may be great at what she does but it seems there is an attitude problem and maybe that is cause for some of this. I am sure a lot of others would be very happy to have this job at the same pay or less.

The best advice would be to find another place of employment. Seems like everyone would win with that.

For me, use of the words "harassment or discrimination" tends to label the person as maybe "not a company person", or "troublemaker". As an employee, sometimes it's difficult to place the company's interests as first priority.

 

[dioxide45]

With most employers, vacation is scheduled at management discretion. So if they say no two week vacations, then so be it. It is up to the employee to take it or move on. If others performing the same duties are allowed to take two week vacations but others aren't, then there is perhaps a question of fairness.

 

[am1]

You don't like me very much, do you?

That is not it at all. I am sure you are a great person. But I would not want you working for me. You seem very unhappy with your job. You may not think it shows but it very well could.

I wish you the best in this situation as well as in any others.

 

[sue1947]

My boss is the type of person that, although I get along ok with him, you can't question him- he goes into attack mode.

On top of everything else he is a bit on edge because his young daughter is battling cancer.
And- I know I wouldn't win anyway- his ego is too big- way big. He has to always be right. He is a pretty insecure person deep down I think and he is also very secretive.

At this point I really do not want to raise this issue up with him again. This will put him on the defensive- a place he doesn't like to be and it won't be good. I had my chance when I was on the defensive and I blew it. I will have to wait for next time- if there even is a next time.

Given your description of your boss, I think you are correct to let this go until next Feb. I'm usually a big advocate of having a conversation to sort things out. However, with his daughter battling cancer, you are in a no win situation. Cut him some slack for irrational behavior while this is going on. He has no control over the situation at home so he is exercising more control at work. If you push it, he is likely to take some of the huge stress he is under out on you. Let it slide until next winter when, hopefully, his daughter will be recovering and this may be a non-issue.
In the meantime, you might look for an opportunity to help out in some way. Perhaps cover for him while he is at the hospital or just ask him how she is doing.

Sue

 

[WinniWoman]

That is not it at all. I am sure you are a great person. But I would not want you working for me. You seem very unhappy with your job. You may not think it shows but it very well could.

I wish you the best in this situation as well as in any others.

Well, I would not want to work for you either.

That said- at work I am always pleasant to everyone- because it is my nature! I take all my interactions with people personally. I have integrity and ethics. I genuinely like people. I actually WANT to be helpful. It comes natural to me. Again- my personality.What you see is what you get when you interact with me in person. When I say I am going to do something I do it. When the boss asks me to do something I do it. No grief given. I am disciplined. And- despite how I come across I stay loyal until I leave a job.

That said-- a good part of the time I struggle through the day because the schedule of working gets to me- the day in and day out. I am strong and persevere. But- yeah- I get tired and bored with the work. I can't help wishing I was home or doing something else. I don't think I am unusual. I just admit it and most people don't. And then, of course, there are people that love their jobs and going in every day. But I don't know that many of them. In any case- I do as good a job as I can each day.

Would I like to be retired- certainly. Do I wish I didn't have to work- sure. So what? So do millions of other people. Do I want to be treated fairly and with respect at work- absolutely. Do I need some freedom and autonomy on a job- yes. Do I want a 2 week back to back vacation every year- you betcha I do and I deserve it! I am not a work martyr!

 

[WinniWoman]

For me, use of the words "harassment or discrimination" tends to label the person as maybe "not a company person", or "troublemaker". As an employee, sometimes it's difficult to place the company's interests as first priority.

I agree. I would not be the type to use that kind of language unless it was blatantly obvious it was happening in my situation. Even then, I might not say anything.

I have no qualms with recognizing companies have to do what is best for them. That is their responsibility- to make sure the company stays viable. I get it. Not to make employees happy. Though it doesn't hurt for employers to try to make a work environment pleasant and thereby helping to keep the employees energized and incentivized as they work towards achieving the company goals.

 

[WinniWoman]

Given your description of your boss, I think you are correct to let this go until next Feb. I'm usually a big advocate of having a conversation to sort things out. However, with his daughter battling cancer, you are in a no win situation. Cut him some slack for irrational behavior while this is going on. He has no control over the situation at home so he is exercising more control at work. If you push it, he is likely to take some of the huge stress he is under out on you. Let it slide until next winter when, hopefully, his daughter will be recovering and this may be a non-issue.
In the meantime, you might look for an opportunity to help out in some way. Perhaps cover for him while he is at the hospital or just ask him how she is doing.

Sue

Exactly. That is how I feel.

Believe me I am always helpful. I run all the errands for the company. Need me to go to Home Depot for light bulbs? No problem. Need me to order food for a meeting. No problem. Need to to send flowers to someone. Will do. Need me to bring a CD to a doctor. I'm on it. "Yes" is the word.

Both my bosses have been here as long as me and I of course always ask about my boss's daughter and how she is coming along and all his kids and his golf game and HIS vacations. I am a personable individual! That is why I am in a job like the one I am in. I'm a talker! Can you tell? LOL! This particular boss helped me when I hurt myself at work back in Feb. He came to my moms wake. We chat it up here or there. Heck- it's been 11 years.....

 

[ronparise]

Exactly. That is how I feel.

Believe me I am always helpful. I run all the errands for the company. Need me to go to Home Depot for light bulbs? No problem. Need me to order food for a meeting. No problem. Need to to send flowers to someone. Will do. Need me to bring a CD to a doctor. I'm on it. "Yes" is the word.

Both my bosses have been here as long as me and I of course always ask about my boss's daughter and how she is coming along and all his kids and his golf game and HIS vacations. I am a personable individual! That is why I am in a job like the one I am in. I'm a talker! Can you tell? LOL! This particular boss helped me when I hurt myself at work back in Feb. He came to my moms wake. We chat it up here or there. Heck- it's been 11 years.....

Please understand this has nothing to do with liking you or not liking you. You have to decide what you want and then do a risk assessment and then decide what to do

The way I see is that you have to consider the possible reactions if you demand the 2 weeks and then decide if you can live with the worst case scenario. And then decide what to do

Me? I work for the worst boss in the world. I wouldn't take a vacation at all.

 

[VacationForever]

Mary Ann, Have you ever asked your manager in a 1:1 as to why you have not gotten a pay raise in years and what do you need to do to get a pay increase? We own our own employment and employability. To move to the next level or get a pay increase will most likely involve putting together a development plan with your manager. Wondering why you have not gotten a pay increase and doing the minimum because of that makes it a self fulfilling prophecy.

 

[MuranoJo]

Mary Ann, Have you ever asked your manager in a 1:1 as to why you have not gotten a pay raise in years and what do you need to do to get a pay increase? We own our own employment and employability. To move to the next level or get a pay increase will most likely involve putting together a development plan with your manager. Wondering why you have not gotten a pay increase and doing the minimum because of that makes it a self fulfilling prophecy.

Agree. I'm normally one of those "get it out in the open" kind of people. You really do need to address what appears to be several issues, if only to get peace of mind, eventually. Chances are you'll both come to terms and things will improve (pay & vacation time). If not, well, then you'll know. As others, though, I wonder about the timing with his ill child. Maybe ask for some dedicated coffee time, just the two of you?

 

[WinniWoman]

Well, here is my follow up to this story...

Over the past weekend I sent my usual email to both bosses with the PTO days I have planned for the year, including my two week timeshare ownership. The bigger boss said it was great but to put the "request" into the new online system the other boss now has set up for the employees to use. ( I never request- I have always just "told" all my 11 years there). So I did so.

Meanwhile, the winter storm came upon us this past Thursday and on Friday he sent out an email to reinforce the policy that since the office was closed we all have to either use a PTO day or not get paid. I chose to not get paid. (this not really relevant, but this is how the company rolls. I wanted to make sure I have enough PTO days for the year as most are accounted for. I can afford a day with no pay and this is a rare situation in which they allow a day without pay).

I then also see I have received emails from the computer system stating that all my requests have been approved. He asks me to come into his office for a moment- no biggie he says- and tells me he approved all my PTO time but to keep in mind that the "company" is discouraging back to back vacations, but I am good for this year. I again explain this is how my timeshare ownership works. He asks if I stay at the same place for the whole two weeks (why- I don't know), but I told him we have one week in VT and one week in NH for the past two years. That, although we have been going to Vermont the same week every year since 1999, we acquired the other week in NH so we could see our son and for the convenience since we are already up that way. He again stressed to keep it in mind that the company is discouraging 2 weeks in a row vacations.

Yeah- right ok. I will keep it in mind as I am getting older - into my 60's. Yeah- ok. I am not going to be able to go away for more than a week at a time? I don't think so. But, sure, I will keep it in mind.

Wait until I ask for a 3 week in a row vacation for Italy one of these years! LOL!

All a relief, though, as I was dreading having to have a talk if the time off wasn't approved and also having to deal with possibly resigning. Plus, I had just booked flights for our other (June) vacation prior to submitting the time off since I have never had to really get approval for time off, as I have a non critical job and no one has to fill in for me.

So-all is good. Now I need some more time off to attend a nieces' graduation and I only have 2 extra PTO days available/left for the whole year! Uh, oh........

 

[DaveNV]

Glad you got your time off, but it sounds as if they're laying groundwork for saying No next time.

Dave

 

[dioxide45]

It is always possible that by next year you will have a different boss that won't care.

 

[elaine]

I agree, who knows what it'll be in summer 2018. OTOH, not being able to take 2 weeks off in the summer, but having a secure job (even one you don't like) might be an ok trade off. At least you have another year before you might have to choose.

 

[VacationForever]

Congrats on getting your time off approved.

 

[WinniWoman]

It is always possible that by next year you will have a different boss that won't care.

Anything is possible. However, the immediate boss has been there as long as i have. The CEO started the company. But- yes- it is possible they could move on. Then again, I could end up with a really bad new boss!

 

[WinniWoman]

I agree, who knows what it'll be in summer 2018. OTOH, not being able to take 2 weeks off in the summer, but having a secure job (even one you don't like) might be an ok trade off. At least you have another year before you might have to choose.

Uh-actually, no. I was going to resign if it wasn't approved. There is no good reason why it should not be for the job/responsibilities I have. But, of course, the company has the right to do what it wants. And I also have a choice, though not a good one if it came down to it. At my age I am past all this crap. I am not waiting until I am using a walker to take a 2 week in a row vacation. I so look forward to it every year. That's my stance and I am sticking to it! LOL!

(BTW- no job is secure.)

 

[VacationForever]

Aren't you 2 years away from retiring? 2 more years to go then!

 

[WinniWoman]

Aren't you 2 years away from retiring? 2 more years to go then!

I wish! I am 60. Will be 61 in June. Hubby is going to be 63 in April. I have to work until age 65 at least for health insurance because my husband will be retiring at 66 and I will at that point only be 64.

 

[VacationForever]

I wish! I am 60. Will be 61 in June. Hubby is going to be 63 in April. I have to work until age 65 at least for health insurance because my husband will be retiring at 66 and I will at that point only be 64.

Oh well. May good health and timesharing prevail!

 

[turkel]

MaryAnn I am with you. 2 weeks in a row is not excessive. Having vacation plans makes you more productive and healthier. There are multiple studies on this.
I asking for 4 weeks in a row including 1 unpaid. I am sure eyes will bulge but the rules are in place for me to ask,but no guarantee. I just hope the office will "suck it up"and not cause too much of a fuss since this is for my wedding and honeymoon.

 

[vacationhopeful]

Mary Ann ... I have had several 'courses' in corporate speak. My feelings is your boss drew a "line in the sand" with the "no 2 weeks off" policy change several months ago. His "approval" was basicly restating the company policy ... no "back to back" vacation weeks. And he was not saying NEXT YEAR ... he was say, "this year". I don't believe he really APPROVED your 2 week vacation ... and it is NOT in writing, is it?

You might not have WANTED to hear what he was saying ... and he was not directly threatening you with ... take 2 weeks off and the job is gone .. as then he would have a 'bad seed' sitting in the office for the next 5-7 months. But how would you feel, if you came home to a letter, stating "Due to your failure to appear at work after your 1 week of vacation per corporate policy, your employment has been terminated."?.

This is most likely NOT about you. In a small office ... like any under staff work site ... stuff can't be ignored for 1/2 the month.

JMHO,

 

[WinniWoman]

Gee- for your wedding and honeymoon I cannot imagine an employer not giving an ok, but who knows these days? I cannot even imagine how great having 4 weeks off will feel! Where are you going? Very exciting!

Our company does not allow any non paid days off except when they close the office in an emergency.

It makes it a challenge for someone like me who has 3 weeks of timeshares, plus likes to take the day after Thanksgiving off as our son visits (his only trip home each year)and has to go up to New Hampshire from NY for XMAS and also likes to take a non timeshare week in May/June- the first of any time off from January 2nd until Memorial Day. We do not have separate sick time so PTO's count for any time off. And we lose it if we don't take it by the end of the year. Heaven forbid something comes up or I get sick- would be a BIG problem with our company's policies.

But anyway, I am routing for you! Good luck!