The kids are off from school, every other person you know is taking time off for days or weeks at at a time, social engagements are being planned left and right, and families are coordinating schedules. It’s the Holiday season, and thankfully, you just recently landed a new job to help absorb the expensive costs.
Don’t blow it by asking for a lot of time off!
Nearly everyone sits out a day (or few) of work to be with friends and family, travel, and enjoy the season. Unfortunately, this joyous time of year often results in some workplace scheduling issues and can also be costly to a company or business. Navigate through an enjoyable holiday season while building good rapport in the workplace by doing the following:
Discuss planned absences ahead of time – as in, before you’ve accepted the position.
If you’re offered a position close to the holidays, avoid blindsiding management with extensive time off requests after you’ve accepted. At some point in the hiring process, your start date will be discussed; at this time, you should bring up any non-refundable trips or engagements you have planned that cannot be rescheduled.
Flex to impress
The more you’re willing to come on board and work with new co-workers to ensure a schedule that satisfies supervisors, the better employee you will seem. Your flexibility will be remembered down the road, and you will be well respected for being willing to negotiate time off with others. For example, if you’re new on the job and you’re not planning to travel for the holidays, consider working on Christmas Eve so your co-worker can travel out of town to see his or her family.
Priorities
While it is difficult to work when it seems like so many others are taking time off, keep in mind that your position will likely last much longer than any holiday break. You’re just starting out, so make your contributions to the company count; you can count all of the extra vacation days you have earned later on!
Timing your job search with the holidays
If holiday celebrations consume a major part of your November and December months, consider holding off on an active job search (if possible.) You can enjoy the season rather than stress over asking the new boss for time off from work to attend family functions. If you’re carrying out an active job search close to the holidays but do not plan to work until after the first of the new year, ensure that recruiters and potential employers you’re working with know your timeline.