My boss never gives me (or approves) my requested days off, what should I do?

Question

I've worked for my boss, also the owner, for about 8 years now. I have no complaints except he never gives me the days off that I want. I submit my vacation requests 3 months in advance, but he always rejects it and he always asks me to change the dates. For example, i requested 4 days off before the Labor day weekend, but he asked me to change to 4days AFTER the labor day because he's taking off with his family. Except for the standard bank holidays, he has never let me take any days off during the month of Oct, Nov, Dec.

He owns the business... so does that mean it's pretty much I have to live by his rules?

Answer 1

Your manger has absolute authority to decide when to give you time off, as long as you do get the time off owed you.

Answer 2

Seems to me that he considers you a indispensable asset of the company. If you want you could use this as a bartering chip. He trusts you with his business while he is away. You need to talk to him about the situation. If he refuses to talk to you about the situation maybe its time to move on to another employer. The only thing you have to think about though, is that business owners work massive amounts of hours to keep a business running so vacation is very valuable to them so if you can try to go on vacation in the "off season" its also cheaper at that time .

Answer 3

It sounds like you want to continue to work there so I am guessing that you are going to have to play by his rules.  After all, you say you have no complaints.  The only thing you could do is to try bringing up the matter in as professional a manner as possible.  After eight years, you certainly have the right to.  If he doesn't budge, well then, at least you tried.  I don't think you should take any further action after that since he owns the business.  

Answer 4

As no law requires days off at all, it is a matter for negotiation.  Your ability to successfully negotiate a contract that provides that you have discretion to choose your own days off, without regard to the needs of the company, will depend on just how valuable you are to the company.  In answer to your question, you can put up with it, negotiatate better terms of employment or quit.  

Answer 5

Either find a new job or live with it.

Your boss is 100% within his rights.

Answer 6

Any boss/manager has the right to deny your vacation days. But you've worked for the guy 8 yrs, so that's really weird. I suggest you look somewhere else for a job. Tell him i want these days off or i'm leaving.  

Answer 7

Call in sick

Answer 8

Stop asking, just tell him when you are taking off. Since you've been there that long and it sounds like this is a small business, he needs you more than you need him. The worst he can do is tell you to take a hike and it sounds like you're just about at that point yourself unless the time off days situation is fixed. You have nothing to lose.