I'm debating an offer I received that's slightly lower than my current pay, but they're pushing unlimited vacation as a perk. From what I keep hearing, unlimited PTO usually means taking less time off since there's no clear guideline. Is unlimited PTO legit or just a way to pay less?

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I would just be concerned about the lower offer. Unlimited obviously doesn’t mean unlimited but take off enough that allows you to get your work done. This will def be culture dependent which you won’t actually know till you get there.

If you really want to work there, see if they’ll match your current salary. Remember it’s a negotiation.

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Every place that has “unlimited vacation” that I’ve worked at is such a sweat shop and you can never actually take that time because there’s no one to cover when you’re OOTO. Especially if they keep “pushing” their unlimited vacation, it’s super suspect.

I have never had unlimited PTO but I have always heard that it is a scam. I feel like lots of people who have unlimited PTO say that it is actually really hard to get time off. I would just be careful with that.

There has to be more to it than unlimited PTO to make up for a lower salary. Unless I was desperate to get out of where I am now, it doesn’t make much sense.

My last two companies have offered unlimited PTO. My recommendation is to look up how to maximize your PTO in 2026- there is an article out there on it- and couple your PTO request with those holidays. That way, you get the maximum mental reset without stressing your coworkers. The average PTO taken in this environment is 4 weeks. I'd recommend you plan it out, then take it. It's legit in EdTech.

I’ve never heard of unlimited PTO being used as a substitute for salary. Normally its benefit to the company is because it’s not tracked it doesn’t have to be paid out when you leave. How much lower of a salary are you talking about?

That’s a huge perk at some companies! But at others it’s definitely a reason why people take less PTO. Do you know anyone who works there who could give you the inside scoop as to which one it is maybe?

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