How SOON till I can go back to Europe
May 6th, 2004, 01:23 PM
#21
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Hey, Craisin, have you started your new job yet? If so, I hope it's going well. So, what's the company policy on vacation time? I would certainly hate to see a Fodorite being forced to wait a year before returning to Europe. I know I couldn't take the withdrawls.... 
May 6th, 2004, 02:17 PM
#22
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P_M:
The new job's going well. There IS a 6-month probationary period, though, at which time they reevaluate my salary. So, I must suffer for 6 months!!! Sounds like I'm over-reacting? Well, let's see...I don't know if the pictures I have on my screensaver from webshots keeps me sane or insane...but it's my quick fix! Pathetic, huh?
Good news is, I am now on the lookout for flights in December for a possible New Year's celebration somewhere in Italy or France. So, I get to go this year and next year all in one trip!!! But, I still want to see Paris in the springtime too...how does the song go again? Darn it, now the song's stuck in my head!
The new job's going well. There IS a 6-month probationary period, though, at which time they reevaluate my salary. So, I must suffer for 6 months!!! Sounds like I'm over-reacting? Well, let's see...I don't know if the pictures I have on my screensaver from webshots keeps me sane or insane...but it's my quick fix! Pathetic, huh?
Good news is, I am now on the lookout for flights in December for a possible New Year's celebration somewhere in Italy or France. So, I get to go this year and next year all in one trip!!! But, I still want to see Paris in the springtime too...how does the song go again? Darn it, now the song's stuck in my head!
May 6th, 2004, 02:19 PM
#23
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"I tell my new employer immediately upon hiring that I have made plans for a very special family vacation, and bought tickets a long time ago. So far it has been fine. I think employers appreciate honesty,..."
I agree, so why aren't you (honest)?
I agree, so why aren't you (honest)?
May 6th, 2004, 07:00 PM
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Craisin:
I am so glad that your new job is a good one.
I lurked back when you posted but will now say what my experience was with your situation.
I landed a GREAT job and signed all of the documents etc. I then called my new boss and said how happy I was and blah-blah. I told him that I did have some travel plans for Sept. of that year that I had hoped to change but was having a more difficult time with making those changes...
He said that he was sure that we could work something out and then I was happy and said great.
We were still "honeymooning" so he asked well what is the trip? I said well I have tickets to the Olympics in Australia...
He chocked and I got scared cause he was really "taken-aback". He recovered with his "honeymoon-over" personality and asked how long etc.
I was suppose to be gone for a month and I told him that(stupid me). He then asked if I had completed the signing of the contract offer...I had done so hours ago(smart me).
We then stared at one another for what seemed like eternity...I offered to cut the trip to three weeks which cut out my Great Barrier Reef part and allll my money spent on that(ouch!).
He was stilled pissed and hence, that is how my GREAT job began. My proposed absence became a BIG issue around projects, budgets and deadlines and the "team". I was asked my boss and his bosses to try and cut the trip back...my team members were simply jealous and made life awful for me.
I also had NO idea that my boss and the team worked EVERY DAY until 10:00pm and sometimes 1:00am to get things done!
I was a wreck. He insisted that I carry my laptop, company cell phone and that I check in everyday as well as produce a series of reports.
A week before I left I told him no...When I got back NO ONE would speak to me or look at me...I got cut out or everything and so it went.
By end of January I resigned...
I regret that I did not see the Great Barrier Reef...The Olympics, my third one, was awesome. I had tickets to EVERYTHING as me and my friend ordered everything one night...just so that we would get at least one event... after drinking three bottles of wine. I had gone to the Olympics before when held in LA and when held in Atlanta.
Yes, I only regret not going to The Great Barrier Reef...
Continued good luck to you on your job.
You did the right thing.
Oaktown Traveler
I am so glad that your new job is a good one.
I lurked back when you posted but will now say what my experience was with your situation.
I landed a GREAT job and signed all of the documents etc. I then called my new boss and said how happy I was and blah-blah. I told him that I did have some travel plans for Sept. of that year that I had hoped to change but was having a more difficult time with making those changes...
He said that he was sure that we could work something out and then I was happy and said great.
We were still "honeymooning" so he asked well what is the trip? I said well I have tickets to the Olympics in Australia...
He chocked and I got scared cause he was really "taken-aback". He recovered with his "honeymoon-over" personality and asked how long etc.
I was suppose to be gone for a month and I told him that(stupid me). He then asked if I had completed the signing of the contract offer...I had done so hours ago(smart me).
We then stared at one another for what seemed like eternity...I offered to cut the trip to three weeks which cut out my Great Barrier Reef part and allll my money spent on that(ouch!).
He was stilled pissed and hence, that is how my GREAT job began. My proposed absence became a BIG issue around projects, budgets and deadlines and the "team". I was asked my boss and his bosses to try and cut the trip back...my team members were simply jealous and made life awful for me.
I also had NO idea that my boss and the team worked EVERY DAY until 10:00pm and sometimes 1:00am to get things done!
I was a wreck. He insisted that I carry my laptop, company cell phone and that I check in everyday as well as produce a series of reports.
A week before I left I told him no...When I got back NO ONE would speak to me or look at me...I got cut out or everything and so it went.
By end of January I resigned...
I regret that I did not see the Great Barrier Reef...The Olympics, my third one, was awesome. I had tickets to EVERYTHING as me and my friend ordered everything one night...just so that we would get at least one event... after drinking three bottles of wine. I had gone to the Olympics before when held in LA and when held in Atlanta.
Yes, I only regret not going to The Great Barrier Reef...
Continued good luck to you on your job.
You did the right thing.
Oaktown Traveler
May 6th, 2004, 09:04 PM
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What interesting little snippets have surfaced in this thread! Some people have so many jobs that they get regular holidays by telling employers at job interview that they've prebooked and are committed? Wow! There are people in some parts of the (I presume Western) world who do NOT get a minimum paid leave entitlement of 4 weeks a year? Again, wow! However most employers do - reasonably I believe - require that you accrue the leave before you take it.
I know what you mean by snide remarks from people who think you must be rich to travel. Lifetravel is right: it's a matter of priorities. Some people spend a fortune on gizmos and renovations to pretty up their houses; some people drive the latest cars. I travel. AND... I do it on a budget, preferring B&Bs to hotels etc. (Much friendlier)
I know what you mean by snide remarks from people who think you must be rich to travel. Lifetravel is right: it's a matter of priorities. Some people spend a fortune on gizmos and renovations to pretty up their houses; some people drive the latest cars. I travel. AND... I do it on a budget, preferring B&Bs to hotels etc. (Much friendlier)
May 7th, 2004, 01:37 AM
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Craisin, is there any way you can make part of your trip work related (but in a fun way)? Maybe put in a day at a job-related international conference going on at the same time? Visit an overseas customer? Check out what the competition is doing overseas?
Everyone here is right, a trip to Europe (or Australia, etc.) somehow draws a more emotional reaction than going to California or Florida for a week. Even if you're spend the same (or less) money.
When I started work with the American College of Physicians (many years ago), I had a 15-day trip to Europe already lined up, scheduled for about two months after I started work. I was up front about it during the interview process. It was an unpaid trip, but I managed to get over the raised eyebrows by visiting the Royal College of Physicians in London for a day and doing a story about the society, its history, etc., for one of the ACP's publications. It turned out to be one of the most interesting days of my trip, meeting with the head of the society and getting a VIP tour, including going into their treasure vault to see the original charter signed by Henry VIII and other things I would never have seen otherwise. Building a work-related day or two into your trip might be more fun than you'd think and help break down any resistance.
Everyone here is right, a trip to Europe (or Australia, etc.) somehow draws a more emotional reaction than going to California or Florida for a week. Even if you're spend the same (or less) money.
When I started work with the American College of Physicians (many years ago), I had a 15-day trip to Europe already lined up, scheduled for about two months after I started work. I was up front about it during the interview process. It was an unpaid trip, but I managed to get over the raised eyebrows by visiting the Royal College of Physicians in London for a day and doing a story about the society, its history, etc., for one of the ACP's publications. It turned out to be one of the most interesting days of my trip, meeting with the head of the society and getting a VIP tour, including going into their treasure vault to see the original charter signed by Henry VIII and other things I would never have seen otherwise. Building a work-related day or two into your trip might be more fun than you'd think and help break down any resistance.
May 7th, 2004, 02:17 AM
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Craisin, I meant to add, you MUST volunteer to do anything work related at your expense and on your time. It will backfire in a big way if you ask for *any* kind of reimbursement or extra days. Instead of being seen and someone who is willing to give up a part of their vacation for the company's benefit, you'll be viewed as a greedy freeloader who wants the company to underwrite their trips abroad.
May 7th, 2004, 04:40 AM
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Well Craisin, it'll be a long 6 months, but you'll get through it. My current job had the same requirement, but in month 7 I was winging it to Ireland!! And look at the bright side, some companies (like my former employer) require that you wait a year. Now that's cruel and unusual punishment!!
My current job had the same requirement, but in month 7 I was winging it to Ireland!! And look at the bright side, some companies (like my former employer) require that you wait a year. Now that's cruel and unusual punishment!!
May 7th, 2004, 12:47 PM
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I had a vacation planned when I started my current job. I let them know very early on in the process.
As a person who has hired a lot of staff I can understand why Oaktown Traveler's boss was a little miffed. It is one thing to ask for a vacation, but a month is pushing it. Also, this really should come up prior to the "signing of the contract" otherwise it does feel deceitful to the employer.
I have hired a lot of new college graduates who have weddings/honeymoons planned for example. As long as I knew about it, it was never a problem.
If you are in this position, I recommend being up front EARLY.
As a person who has hired a lot of staff I can understand why Oaktown Traveler's boss was a little miffed. It is one thing to ask for a vacation, but a month is pushing it. Also, this really should come up prior to the "signing of the contract" otherwise it does feel deceitful to the employer.
I have hired a lot of new college graduates who have weddings/honeymoons planned for example. As long as I knew about it, it was never a problem.
If you are in this position, I recommend being up front EARLY.
May 13th, 2004, 10:10 AM
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depends on the boss. I've had jobs where my boss didn't mind if I took off every few months, others where it was pulling teeth to get more than a week at a time off.
my current job I started I had started in June and took 2 weeks in September - no sweat. then again I was sure to bring it up before I accepted, and additionally asked for more vacation time as well - despite policy, if they want you, they'll work with you.
my current job I started I had started in June and took 2 weeks in September - no sweat. then again I was sure to bring it up before I accepted, and additionally asked for more vacation time as well - despite policy, if they want you, they'll work with you.
May 13th, 2004, 10:28 AM
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As a professional in the human resources field, I would definitely mention your vacation plans in the interview process. Make sure your comments reflect that the vacation has been pre-paid (Even though you may be in the pre-planning phase). When to mention it depends on the amount of interest shown by either party.
If the company wants you bad enough they will work around your vacation plans.
Gail
If the company wants you bad enough they will work around your vacation plans.
Gail
May 13th, 2004, 10:44 AM
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I agree with most of what has been said. Just to give you an idea of my own experiences: I accepted a new position about a year-and-a-half ago. Before accepting the position, I asked my new boss if I could start in three weeks instead of the following week, as they had asked, because I wanted to go on vacation (I didn't have tickets yet). My boss said she needed me to start in a week, and since the job market wasn't great, I took the job. But I did end up going on vacation three months later. Since my boss knew I had taken the job instead of going away, and she was happy to have me on board, she was fine with me taking a week off even during a busy time.
As far as finding time, I like to plan my vacations around holidays. Last year I planned four short vacations (each was between 3 days and one week) all scheduled around weekends and holidays (Presidents? Day, Fourth of July, etc.) to minimize the days I had to take off. Sometimes, even on a holiday weekend, it?s possible to find a not-too-crowded vacation spot.
As far as finding time, I like to plan my vacations around holidays. Last year I planned four short vacations (each was between 3 days and one week) all scheduled around weekends and holidays (Presidents? Day, Fourth of July, etc.) to minimize the days I had to take off. Sometimes, even on a holiday weekend, it?s possible to find a not-too-crowded vacation spot.
Sep 3rd, 2004, 09:40 AM
#33
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Just an update. I read a post recently where a poster noted that updates are appreciated since most of the time people post their questions, get answers, and never post back with an update. So, I remembered this post and felt a little guilty. I was a little hesitant reporting back because I didn't know if people 'cared' (can't think of the appropriate word) but really, someone might find this useful when they're faced with the same dilemma so here goes...
I'm going to Paris late September...I'm so happy! It turns out, honesty is the best policy. I spoke with my supervisor sometime in June after getting a feel for the place. I told her that I am planning to take a week off (really just 5 days M-F) and that I understand that there is a 6-month probationary period and I haven't bought tickets yet, so if it is not okay, then I can postpone my plans for later. Luckily, she said yes.
Oh yeah, I didn't tell her where I was going but she asked so I answered. no funny looks, no raised eyebrows, she just said, "oh, okay." So I guess I'm lucky to have this job (not just because they let me go but because the people have been wonderful and the job shows opportunity for growth).
I'm going to Paris late September...I'm so happy! It turns out, honesty is the best policy. I spoke with my supervisor sometime in June after getting a feel for the place. I told her that I am planning to take a week off (really just 5 days M-F) and that I understand that there is a 6-month probationary period and I haven't bought tickets yet, so if it is not okay, then I can postpone my plans for later. Luckily, she said yes.
Oh yeah, I didn't tell her where I was going but she asked so I answered. no funny looks, no raised eyebrows, she just said, "oh, okay." So I guess I'm lucky to have this job (not just because they let me go but because the people have been wonderful and the job shows opportunity for growth).
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