Strategic Planning Leader | Revenue Enablement | VP Operations | Customer Success | Medical Device | Healthcare | Operations | Supporter of Good Humans | Career and Life Coach |
I was offered a VP job with 10 days of PTO. TEN DAYS. That includes sick AND vacation time. When I tried to negotiate, I was told they are a public company so they couldn't offer different PTO options (umm.. I've worked for 3 public companies; PTO is negotiable). When I asked if I could get in writing that I could take 1-2 more weeks of unpaid time, I was told no. They can’t accommodate not paying me. The CEO also told me that she wished they had better work/life balance, and she knows it's hard especially working working parents. I should have stopped right there, but I was in a job at the time I was ready to leave and I secretly hoped they would be open to accommodating (they weren’t) The hiring manager assured me she is flexible with time, but I learned long ago if it's not in writing, it's not real. The best part? The agency recruiter who I was working with told me she needed an answer the same day the offer was made. I told her I wanted to negotiate the PTO. She told me they wouldn’t. I declined the opportunity, stayed at my job for a while longer and they lost a potential employee that would work as hard as anyone they’ve hired. As Summer is upon us and I work hard to find harmony with my kid’s schedules and work I’m reminded of how important flexibility is. I’m reminded of how important negotiations are. I’m reminded of how important advocating for yourself is and knowing what you’re willing to accept and not is. Sadly, for those who are laid off, you don’t feel you have that power as much because you NEED a job. Sometimes that’s the hardest part of all. I was fortunate to be working and able to make that decision to stay no. But I’ve been laid off where I can’t. Even in a rough job market, know your non-negotiables and employers treat your people well! Being decent isn’t hard. Be a good human #negotiations #workingmom #PTO #worklifeharmony
Viral posts don't make me money and don't help me sleep at night.. but knowing, in spite of plenty of nasty comments and hate on this post, how many can relate and how many common threads there are is impactful. This post sits at 16,453,179 impressions for a reason -- and it wasn't some amazingly well-written post. It's a human understanding of needs, priorities, human-centered work and advocating for yourself. To those who are looking for work, or looking to change jobs, you may not always get the ideals you are hoping for or deserve, but remember always know your worth and know it can be temporary bridge job if need be.
My mom always taught me if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all.. In her memory I'll do my best to carry that on and hopefully the keyboard warriors will do the same
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Vacation days and personal time off should not be something left up to employers to decide in the first place. A minimum should be guaranteed by law, and then companies can offer more generous PTO at their own discretion. When I read comments here from Americans about how it is supposedly "entitled" to demand some paid time off and vacation days from your employer and that one should be "grateful" for the job, I shudder. An employer employee relationship is always a two-way negotiation. The employee offer their knowledge, time, and work in return for compensation. Demanding fair compensation for offered time and skills is only fair. And no matter what kind of work you do you should at least have some time off to live a human life. Not everyone is in a position to make demands of their employers, thus government mandated minimums. Spending time with family and friends, and doing things that fulfil you outside work is important to not get burned out. If you truly wish to charge your batteries you need at least three weeks of continuous vacation time. A week to destress and forget about work duties. A week to enjoy yourself fully. And finally a week to slowly ease back into the work mind again.
It's unfortunate this post has to be made. I agree with you. 10 days of PTO is an absolute joke in my opinion. If we are working 8+ hours a day, 5 days a week, for 50 weeks of the year - that is absolutely exhausting. Then, we must strategically figure out how to optimize the 10 PTO days (hopefully we don't fall sick!) and make sure we enjoy every bit of the PTO. Most Americans are not healthy anyway, so PTO may go toward recovering from a chronic illness or catching up on sleep. When we don't enjoy the PTO, we beat ourselves up and wonder what's wrong with us when we should be happy and enjoy our PTO. When we are stretched thin in our personal and professional life, it's hard to shift from a chronic stressed out state to a relaxed state. US companies should learn from European countries such as Finland, Sweden and Norway. Generally life satisfaction is higher for the average person there, and they can get 4-6 weeks of PTO easily. I hope one day it will be normal for companies to offer at least 20 days of PTO, ideally 30. Employees will be healthier, happier, and turnover may also decrease.
10 days? That’s terrible. I dislike how companies combine sick and vacation time. Ooh we give you 15 days. Then you get Covid or have to have surgery and it’s used up. Oh sorry, no vacation for you this year. Companies shouldn’t say they have a good work life balance if they combine sick and vacation time.
Ten days of total PTO for a full time position at any vocation is ridiculous. At our small bank we offer 3 personal days, 10 sick days and two weeks vacations tasting out, not to mention the 10 federal holidays that the government gives us. And those still do not seem like enough during some of the stressful days we go through. So yes, the personal time to be with your family is precious and much needed.
My company gives 10 PTO days, all major holidays and we shut down for the last week of the year.. Here is the thing though, I don’t understand the “blast” of a company for how they choose to operate. No one is forced to work there and I know companies that gives 45 days off and is a horrible place to work at. Companies aren’t bad for giving 10PTO days, they also aren’t bad if they give 30. Culture and what the company sees as best for them is their choice. You might have been too focused on the tree and missed the Forrest..
Being decent and empathetic as an employer isn't just about kindness; it's a smart business strategy. When companies prioritize their employees' well-being, they create a more loyal and motivated workforce. Any employer should strive to offer flexible working conditions, respect individual boundaries, and support their employees' efforts to maintain a balanced life.
Strategic Planning Leader | Revenue Enablement | VP Operations | Customer Success | Medical Device | Healthcare | Operations | Supporter of Good Humans | Career and Life Coach |
1moAnyone telling others to shut up and accept things, don't negotiate, don't advocate and don't stand up for yourself are setting horrible examples for future generations we should be empowering. Yes, if you're unemployed and laid off you *may* need to accept a less desiirable job with less money or benefits. I had to. But it can be temporary and you should always advocate for yourself, negotiate if you can and believe in yourself.. no matter what your job is, salary is, or job status is