Am i the only one that is extremely jealous of many Europeans' 4 week mandatory vacation time. In many of these countries whether you're a company executive or a dishwasher, you will be enjoying at least 4 weeks PAID vacation time, as mandated by law.
Yeah, so the US leads the world in productivity... we also lead the world in heart disease and other stress related illnesses. Sure, diet is a major contributor, but just the same--all work and no play makes one STRESSED TO THE MAX!!!!
(can you tell i need a vacation?)
Personally, i feel that a similar law ever being passed in the US has no chance. What do you think?

Dave for President. Run Dave Run.

I second Dave for president on the Vacation Platform! He sure beats the current crop running!

Absolutely. And a 36-hour work week like they do in France. They've got their priorities straight!
Aloha,
k

I moved here from England 2 years ago, everything here is way in front of European standards, except for vacation time, the minimum in England is 4 weeks per year plus the holidays ( what we call bank holidays ie Easter, Christmas etc,)and executive level and long term service are rewarded with 5 weeks plus per year.
The standard of living here is MUCH higher, but sometimes I think it's paid for in lack of benefits.
Hope this doesn't upset any body, it's much better here, really.

A B S O L U T E L Y!!!!!!!
I go for Dave's 4 wk vacation and Kalena 36 work week.........with 40hr pay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Linz, You're absolutely right. Americans pay dearly for their high standard of living. It's a wonderful country that we have, but we definitely need more vacation. I really think it would make us a better-mannered society!

I live in Scotland and work a 35 hour week and get (including public holidays) over 40 days paid vacation per year. However, I earn about half of what a similar job in the USA would pay. Oh and Dave, Scotland has the highest rate of heart disease per capita in the entire world.

Yeah, but Tony -- that's not from stress! It's all that haggis-in-the-youknow!

Interesting thread. I agree that most people need more vacation time. Arthur Frommer has some columns about this at frommers.com.

I also agree that Dave, or almost anyone for that matter, would likely make a better president than the current choices we have.

I agree that we need more days off for various reasons. One major reason is child care!! If both parents work, what happens when one of the children gets sick. We live so spread out and isolated from other family members that helping out in time of crisis or illness is virtually impossible. For example, my son needs to have someone to look after our grandson. He is out of vacation time, and hiring someone is very expensive. So Grandmother is planning to spend a few days helping out, but she has to leave her home to do it. She enjoys being with our grandson, but not everyone is that fortunate that a grandmother, who is retired but still very able to most anything you need done, is willing to make the committment.

For Tony: What are the reasons for the high rate of heart disease in Scotland?
Is it diet? Lack of exercise by the male population over 40? Heredity? Certainly it is not poor medical care!!

Just to let you know, the above posting attributed to me is another forgery.

I seriously can't believe Americans only get two weeks off for good behavior! I think a week for every 6 weeks worked would do wonders for morale...we all think we are so progressive until we stop to think just how much we really do work!

I disagree about the "lower" standard of living in Europe. I live in Switzerland where the standard of living is very high, the taxes are relatively low, 4 weeks of paid holiday, and possibly the cleanest, most well-run country in the world-good roads, public transportation, green spaces, lots of public programs.

Sure, if you only look at "how much one earns" and how big the house and how many cars to determine "standard of living". The U.S. comes out on tops to many European countries. But "Quality of Life" is much better here.

Dave (and everybody),

I'm sure this wouldn't work for everybody, but maybe you could ask about unpaid time off. I know it's not paid vacation, but, then again, I think salaries in the U.S. are generally higher than in most other parts of the world.

If your company allowed you to take a week or two of unpaid leave annually, you could have the vacation time; and despite losing a week or two's income, you'd still probably be faring pretty well salary-wise relative to people in most other countries.

If I valued having more vacation time more than I valued the lost salary, that's what I'd do. My humble opinion, of course.

Don

<sigh!> This has gotten so outrageous. The post claiming to warn of a forgery is a forgery itself! I did indeed write the July 4, 10:25 p.m. post.

When is Fodor's going to implement the suggestions many gave about requiring registration??!!

In regards to Scotland and heart disease. Scotland has fallen in love with deep frying everything. Pizza, suasage, Mars candy bars, you name it they'll batter it and deep it in frying oil.

Come and live in Australia. 40 hour working week, four weeks paid leave each year, 10 days public holidays each year and a paid three month 'Long Service Leave' after ten years work.

Thanks to SF Ghost-and to others that followed- for nominating me for Prez.

Maybe one day our leaders will listen to their own consciences instead of kissing up to the corporate weasels of America; Of course we all know that it is BigBusiness that 'pull the strings' of the lame puppets that make Washington their home. That being said, I still love this country and I don't take for granted any of the liberties that we have here.
peace....

peace

Are any of you folks who complain about vacation time planning to actually vote this fall?

Didn't think so.