Another thing I’m not American enough to understand.

When I “request” time off, it’s not a request. It’s a notification. I will be gone. The work needed to be done is done or will be done by the deadlines. Any emergencies that arise in the meantime will be dealt with when I’m back. If my request is denied, that’s not my problem, I will still be gone.

How to use PTO:

1. Text boss I'm not coming in today.

2. Go back to bed.

I ALWAYS told any of my employees that if you got PTO denied outside of actual blackout times, it'd be ashame if you happened to be sick for those exact days you requested.

Once you learn that the United States is one massive scam, all of the pieces fit into place.

I used to love when my boss would deny PTO. I told him straight up after a while that my PTO request was a polite notification that I will not be there during that time, and whether he solved that problem now or when it rolled around was up to him.

Is 40 hours the entire entitlement for the year? I've heard that USians don't get much leave, but just a week seems ridiculous. Or is that what they're booking this time, that seems more reasonable. Still shouldn't be an issue just to book a week off. I'd get it if they were trying to do a three week block or something.

How to use PTO:

here’s what i have always done:

if the dates are > 3 weeks out, i am informing. i wont be in. i inform. then i don’t show.

if the dates are < 3 weeks snd only say a long weekend: again, i inform.

if the dates are “tomorrow”: i inform.

that’s all there is to it. if your “policy” is “find coverage” never do that part. managers can manage.

Unrelated, but I'm going be sick those days. Strange coincidence.