Ambitious professionals aren’t afraid of a little hard work. In fact, hard work and dedication are prerequisites for success in just about every venture. However, new professionals should recognize that their actions outside of the office can affect their performance in the workplace too. Indeed, understanding how and when to take time off work can make a big difference for your career trajectory. With that in mind, today we’ll share some key tips new professionals should take to heart the next time they need to put in a request for time off:
Prioritize Your Off Days
Most professionals only have a finite number of paid vacation days they can request from their employer every year. As such, it’s important to prioritize your off days and to hold a few in reserve just in case something unexpected forces you out of the office. As tempting as it may be to take a random day off here and again, do so sparingly. You never know when you may want that day back.
Talk to Your Boss in Advance
Most of the time, business leaders are happy to grant time-off requests from their employees. The key is to simply communicate with your boss as early as possible. Note also that you should speak to your boss if you suspect you may need to be out of the office for an extended period of time. For example, a medical issue like bunion surgery may require a person to miss several days or even several weeks of work –– depending on their profession. However, such time off may be considered part of sick leave for some employees. Again, a quick conversation with your boss can clear this issue up.
What’s more, you may be able to negotiate a temporary remote work arrangement with your employer if you need to take an extended absence for personal reasons. Regardless of the particular situation, talking to your boss is a great way to find a positive solution that works for everyone.
Don’t Abandon Your Post
Some professionals purposefully try to schedule their vacations during the most hectic times of the year. If you want to impress your colleagues, though, you have to be willing to work through difficult stretches. Bosses will notice if you try to avoid tricky assignments, so if you have aims of advancing your career, you have to be prepared to work. Remember, just showing up to work on a consistent basis is half the battle.
Make the Most of Your Vacations
Vacation days are a precious commodity for many employees. You owe it to yourself to use your time off wisely in order to relax, unwind, and have fun. Spending your entire vacation on your phone or checking in on work emails won’t help you recharge your batteries or gain any perspective. By taking quality time off work when you get the chance, you can avoid issues like burnout and maintain high-performance levels over a long period of time.
