My boss complains on how I spend my earned vacation time.?

Question

My boss made a comment about how I use my earned vacation time by taking too many short vacations instead of less frequent long vacations.

I was sort of caught off guard because the company has never dictated how we use our vacation time. They only have a policy stating that we need to give a least a 1 week notice prior to the vacation. I see where he is coming from because it does look weird come review time & my time offs look like a lot but this is what works for me because:

1) I can’t afford to travel anywhere because of preschool tuition & just sitting at home for week would drive me insane.

2) I don’t mind paying a wholes week’s tuition ($155) if my daughter is only there for 4 days. I do mind paying whole week when she wasn’t even there for 1 day.

3) There is nothing better than spending periodic summer Fridays at the beach.

4) My work load & dept. is easier to manage w/ short vacations than long ones.

He is in the process of writing my review. How should I handle?

Answer 1

His problem might be the scheduling of someone to cover your absence. Ask him if that is why he commented and tell him what you told us here. He might be totally unaware of your situation.

As always, communication is the best way to avoid misunderstanding.

Tell him..........

Answer 2

It is none of his buisness how you take your vacation, it is earned by you, and if you are giving enough notice it should not be a problem. Talk to your HR dept to be sure , they may tell him he is overstepping his bounds. by making these statements to you.

Answer 3

Make sure of policies, then if he puts anything in your review you can speak to him about it.  If he doesn't take it out, you have a right to write a rebuttal to his comment; ie:  it doesn't affect your work performance, nothing has ever been said to you that you can't use your vacation time that way, etc.

Good Luck & enjoy your time off :)