Only 8 days to the end of this year, and you’re looking at your vacation calendar, wondering if you should request those meager 2 days you have left, or if you should just forget about it all and push through those last year-end reports.

Would taking your remaining vacation time during the holidays make you look bad, or should you do yourself a favor and actually use your days off?

My $0.05: I’ve learnt that your time off is just that, your time off. Despite all the work pressure, the unfinished year-end projects and the oppressive deadlines, not taking some time to enjoy the holidays is a disservice to yourself and your team/company.

The best way to go about it is to discuss with your manager your plans for taking time off. If need be, you could put in a few hours from home, of carry over some time until the next year. However, whatever the case is, taking at least some time off for the holidays should be a non-negotiable.

While you may be at liberty to take some time off around the holidays, some companies actually require their employees to do so. In this case, you will only get paid if you are an exempt employee. Some organizations even require their employees to work on holidays, in which case you may ask to use a different day as holiday. In any case, your best bet is always to approach your manager or Human Resources with any question you may have…

Besides, who wants to start the New Year frazzled, exhausted and frankly mad at he very concept of work?

What do you think? Did you take all your vacation time this year? Are taking some time away from work for the holidays?

Chime in the comments.

With Love,

The Corporate Sis.