Ask HN: Can you take more than 2 consecutive weeks of vacation?

#1

Post by xsoul » Mon, Nov 06, 2023, 5:59 PM UTC

For context, I work in a US startup. I wanted to take 3 weeks of vacation to visit my family on the other side of the earth. But I was told by my manager that I need to work remotely during 1 of the 3 weeks, in order to follow the convention.

Is there an unspoken rule/etiquette to take no more than 2 consecutive weeks of vacation?

Re: Ask HN: Can you take more than 2 consecutive weeks of vacation?

#2

Post by 3seashells » Mon, Nov 06, 2023, 6:03 PM UTC

Yes.

Re: Ask HN: Can you take more than 2 consecutive weeks of vacation?

#3

Post by abraxas » Mon, Nov 06, 2023, 6:05 PM UTC

Well yes I can but it is a moot point because my spouse cannot so the situation as a whole isn't any better than if I was limited as well

Re: Ask HN: Can you take more than 2 consecutive weeks of vacation?

#4

Post by tecleandor » Mon, Nov 06, 2023, 6:06 PM UTC

3seashells wrote: post #2

Yes.

Yes you can take them, or yes there is an unspoken rule?

Re: Ask HN: Can you take more than 2 consecutive weeks of vacation?

#5

Post by sethammons » Mon, Nov 06, 2023, 6:08 PM UTC

every job I've had it was a process to get more than 2wks at a time; it was fraught with peril. I only got it through once or twice and my manager was not happy with it. That said, I usually get ~2wks per quarter.

Re: Ask HN: Can you take more than 2 consecutive weeks of vacation?

#6

Post by tayo42 » Mon, Nov 06, 2023, 6:08 PM UTC

depends on the manager and company. before working in software Yeah i thought taking a lot of time in US like that was unheard of. That's also how i watched my parents manage their time. Working in software though, I feel like even up to 4 weeks has been normalized because so many people from foreign countries like India go home to visit family and the trip is a big one to take.

Re: Ask HN: Can you take more than 2 consecutive weeks of vacation?

#7

Post by maxehmookau » Mon, Nov 06, 2023, 6:08 PM UTC

Yes. I do most years.

Re: Ask HN: Can you take more than 2 consecutive weeks of vacation?

#8

Post by woofcat » Mon, Nov 06, 2023, 6:09 PM UTC

I've not heard it forbidden but mainly speak to your manager to ensure that things are scheduled well enough.

Re: Ask HN: Can you take more than 2 consecutive weeks of vacation?

#9

Post by rs999gti » Mon, Nov 06, 2023, 6:09 PM UTC

> Is there an unspoken rule/etiquette to take no more than 2 consecutive weeks of vacation?

No, as long as you give your manager the heads up with enough notice, so they can find someone to cover for you, you can use all your vacation in one shot.

Note, at least with me, this means no more vacation bridge days, and more consideration needing to head out early, etc.

Also, if we are at an unlimited vacation org, this means you only have 1-2 weeks of vacation left over.

Re: Ask HN: Can you take more than 2 consecutive weeks of vacation?

#10

Post by cebert » Mon, Nov 06, 2023, 6:09 PM UTC

Is your company an “unlimited PTO” organization or do you have contractually guaranteed days off?