Tips for taking extended time off
February 5, 2019By Brian Maynor
Vacation days are one of the perks of working, but how often do we lose them at the end of year?
Believe it or not, some people are constantly carrying over vacation days or worse lose more of them than they use. That’s sad on so many levels, but from a purely objective viewpoint that’s the same as not taking your full salary.
Vacation days are benefits that we all should utilize, and most people realize that fact. The issue often tends to be asking for the time off. It doesn’t matter if it’s for a vacation, a long weekend, or just a personal day every couple of weeks. There seems to be a stigma surrounding asking for time off. And that is especially true when it comes to asking for extended time off.
It doesn’t matter if the extended time off is to spend time with family, continue our education or take a sabbatical, the fear is the same.
Like all fears, it is easy to dispel them when we have facts and tips to back us up and bolster our request. Here are a few that can help the next time we want to take some extended time off and need some extra support:
1. Understand the timing. Timing is always a crucial factor in taking time off, and while there may never be a perfect time there are certainly better times than others. Understanding that means tracking our work and planning ahead to make sure nothing gets lost or dropped in our absence.
2. Look for precedent. While it may not be possible to get specifics, a conversation with HR could shed light on the availability and history of extended time off with other employees. This will help us frame our request and set the expectations within an established norm.
3. Recognize our value and the risks. It is doubtful we would have a job if we didn’t bring value to the organization, and it’s important to remember that when planning to take time off. We may need to remind others of that value in order to garner their support for the request. It is important to also understand the risks involved in taking the time off. While away, we may miss out on opportunities, delay a promotion or other form of advancement.
4. Layout clear objectives. Just like with any proposal, when we are clear about what we hope to accomplish, it is a lot easier to get others to buy into the object as well, and the same is true with asking for extended time off. When we approach and present the time off as developmental we are more likely to gain other’s support, because we are laying out how it will benefit ourselves and also the company.
5. Be prepared for the answer. Asking for extended time off is not the same as asking for a regular vacation, which means we’re not in the same headspace and we need to be ready for the answer to our request. While it may be ‘yes’ take the time off with the company’s blessing, it could also be ‘no’ and we need to know what our next step is going to be. Do we accept the answer, do we continue negotiating or do we walk away from the job? Those are very important questions that we need to have answers to before we start the conversation.
Asking for time off is often stressful, but when we are asking for an extended time off that stress seems to get compounded. Hopefully these tips will help us regain a sense of control and perspective during the process.
I’m always excited to hear from you, so please email your questions, quandaries and conundrums to [email protected].
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.