So how many days do you take a year? As the other comments also touch upon, it becomes an outperform thing with co- workers, to take the least amount to "perform better". Also how easy and often do managers then deny requests?

With a fixed set it has an actual value, at the company they can't deny PTO's as they are yours. Of course planning comes into play a little bit, but if you let the company know that 2 months from now you take 4 weeks off for a good long summer holiday, that is what you will be doing then in those 2 months.

ps. I have 25 personal paid days, a bunch of public holidays. Doctor's appointments are on the 'please try to schedule them outside working hours if possible, otherwise, well, that's life, you need to visit that doctor'. Full travel reimbursement (fixed amount per month, can spend however i want), A lot of secondary items in my contract as well dealing with having to take care of partner / children if they become sick (is paid time off), etc etc.

[–] Reverendender@sh.itjust.works 2 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

I do not take as much as I should. 5 weeks last year? For doctor’s appointments and stuff like that though, no one cares. You just let your boss and your team know. I am on salary, not contract.

[–] pupbiru@aussie.zone 5 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (2 children)

i think that’s really the point - unlimited isn’t actually unlimited. unlimited means unspoken, and often variable limits based on the mood of managers

5 weeks is… pretty minimal

[–] Asafum@feddit.nl 3 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

5 weeks is… pretty minimal

15 days is the limit at my job that you only get after 7 years working here. Seeing comments like this make me sad... Happy for you for sure, but sad for me cuz Murica'...

[–] pupbiru@aussie.zone 3 points 2 weeks ago

i guess the point is not to brag - it’s to rattle the cage and yell “THIS IS NOT NORMAL” and “IT DOESNT HAVE TO BE LIKE THIS”

… there are lots of americans that just consider what they experience as normal, and that’s absolutely not normal for similarly privileged countries

… then you unionise and this forms part of your demands ;)

[–] Reverendender@sh.itjust.works 1 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

I have never been turned down for PTO in 7 years at this company, for what it’s worth. I just don’t take enough vacation. It’s my own fault.

[–] pupbiru@aussie.zone 1 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

okay but that’s kinda the point… unlimited leave isn’t really that because nobody ever takes that leave… it’s not your fault: it’s literally designed to make you think it’s your fault… if you decided to take 2mo PTO i guarantee your “unlimited” PTO would suddenly not be unlimited