I work at a company with FTO (unlimited time off). I took a long weekend trip earlier this year and am taking a two week trip to Europe soon. It's my last vacation before the year ends. My manager sounded shocked about it. I've noticed I work in one of those "guilt you for taking vacation" cultures where people rarely take time off and if they do, they act like it's a curse to be away from work.

What is your/your jobs approach to time off if you also work in a place with FTO?

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When I started at my company with an FTO approach I told them that my minimum expectation for vacation was 4 weeks since that’s what I had at my old job. I think I’ve taken a bit more than that this year as I took three weeks off for my wedding and honeymoon, plus other little vacations throughout the year. I think it’s best to have an honest convo with your manager on what they think an appropriate amount of FTO is to take a year and have a discussion if your expectations don’t along with theirs.

likesmart

Unlimited PTO is a calculation many companies make to favor themselves while appearing to favor employees.

PTO is one of the rare instances where you are the boss, not your company. PTO is compensation. It’s not a favor they’re doing you. So you have to set boundaries and assert yourself.

A two week stretch is on the longer side but not unheard of. If you give them ample noticed and provide a contingency plan, it shouldn’t be an issue. If it is an issue, it’s on them to articulate why - not you.

Lastly, the “vibe” of will I get fired for taking PTO is something only you can feel out. If you feel like they would do so… I think there’s bigger problems with your situation that PTO.

Always remember they’d lay you off in a heartbeat if it would save them 2 pennies.

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We live in hell if a two week stretch is on the longer side for a vacation

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Last year I took a week off in Jan, a week off in Sept and 2 weeks off in Nov and then was told in my performance review that I received a lower score because I had to hand off too many projects due to my vacation time.

likesmart

Yes I’m still there unfortunately. I haven’t had luck finding other opportunities.

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The biggest reason for friction for PTO is the lack of communication. How much of a heads up did you give? For 2 weeks off, I prefer that my team gets the time approved 2-3 months in advance. However, to your point, there may be no amount of advance notice that keeps them from trying to guilt you. You can’t worry about their guilt trip. What you can do is focus on is having proper coverage.

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A week is normal wth🤣

Is this NYC? This sort of guilt culture for taking time off is extremely normal here unfortunately.

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That totally checks out 🥲

I’m in NYC at a major holding company with unlimited time off. I really think it’s dependent on your manager/team. When I started I also did what the poster above did—stated that I expected to use at least 4 weeks off bc that what I had had in my last role. By the end of this year I’ll actually have taken off closer to 7 weeks and it hasn’t caused any issues. As long as there aren’t too many other people out for the same time I want to take off, then it’s allowed. My team is big on supporting each other with coverage, because we all take advantage of

uplifting

My company has FTO and they require everyone take a minimum of two weeks off each year, with most people taking 3-5 weeks.

While 2 weeks off in one stretch is on the longer side, it shouldn't be an issue as long as you've planned ahead and worked with the team to make sure there is adequate coverage while you're out.

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