How to Take a Vacation at a New Job (& How to Ask For One!)

Whether you have a pre-planned vacation on the horizon or just find yourself in urgent need of a break, requesting time off early in your job can be scary. After all, you’re trying to prove to your boss that you’re dedicated and committed; immediately asking for a vacation might come across the wrong way! 

Is It Actually OK to Take a Vacation at a New Job?

The short answer is yes, it is okay to take a vacation at a new job—with some caveats!

While it’s true that you want to make a strong first impression, taking time off is an essential part of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and ensuring long-term productivity. Many employers understand and even encourage this balance.

That being said, the way you go about making your request can make a significant difference in how it’s perceived. Here are a few points to consider:

• Timing matters: If possible, wait a few months before requesting significant time off. This allows you to establish yourself in your role and demonstrate your value to the team.
• Pre-planned vacations: If you have a vacation planned before starting your new job, it’s best to discuss this during the hiring process. Most employers are understanding of pre-existing commitments.
  Company culture: Some companies have a more relaxed attitude towards time off than others. Take time to understand your new workplace’s culture around vacations.
• Communication is key: How you ask for time off can be just as important as when you ask. Be professional, considerate, and have a plan for how your work will be handled in your absence.

Why Taking Vacation Time Matters

Starting a new full-time job can be stressful and overwhelming. Taking time off allows you to recharge and come back refreshed, preventing burnout and potentially improving your productivity. It can also demonstrate that you value work-life balance, which many employers actually see as a positive trait. 

A break can also give you downtime to process everything you’ve learned in your new role and return with fresh perspectives. Research^{1 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19210055/} has shown that time away from work often leads to new ideas and innovative solutions, enhancing your creativity and problem-solving skills.

Moreover, regular breaks can significantly improve your mental health^{2https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19096200/} by reducing stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression.

Finally, vacations provide opportunities to strengthen relationships with family and friends, which can improve overall life satisfaction. All these factors contribute to making you a happier, more balanced, and ultimately more effective employee.

Looking to supercharge your career? Check out our resource:

How to Ask for Time Off at a New Job

Know Your Company’s Policies

Before you even think about requesting time off, familiarize yourself with your new company’s vacation policies. Look into:

• Accrual rate: Understand how much vacation time you earn and how quickly. Some companies offer a set amount annually, while others accrue time based on hours worked.
• Probationary period: Many companies have a waiting period before new employees can take time off. Know if this applies to you and plan accordingly.
• Blackout dates: Some businesses have busy periods where vacations are restricted. Be aware of these to avoid conflicts.
• Advance notice requirements: Learn how far in advance you need to submit vacation requests. This can vary from a few weeks to several months, depending on the company and the length of your planned absence.
• PTO vs. vacation days: Understand the difference between these if your company distinguishes between them. PTO often includes sick days and personal days, while vacation days might be separate.
• Holiday policies: Know how your company handles holidays. Some may offer additional days off around major holidays, which could affect your vacation planning.

Time Your Request Strategically

Timing is everything when it comes to asking for vacation time, especially in a new job. If possible, bring up pre-planned vacations during the hiring process. For future vacations, aim to ask about 2-3 months in advance for longer trips, and 2-3 weeks for shorter breaks. Avoid requesting time off during your company’s busiest periods or right before major deadlines.

Consider this example from the tech industry:

When Marissa Mayer took over as CEO of Yahoo in 2012, she was five months pregnant. She announced her pregnancy the same day her appointment was made public, demonstrating the importance of transparency and timing when it comes to planned absences. Despite the high-pressure nature of her new role, Mayer took only two weeks of maternity leave and worked throughout. While this extreme approach isn’t recommended for most, it illustrates how even high-level executives must navigate time off in new positions.

Prepare Your Case

Before approaching your manager, develop a comprehensive plan for how your work will be covered in your absence. This preparation shows your commitment and professionalism. 

Here’s a suggested checklist:

Task	Description	Completed?
Complete key projects	Finish critical tasks before leaving	☐
Train a colleague	Identify and prepare a team member to cover your duties	☐
Create handover notes	Document ongoing projects and potential issues	☐
Set up auto-responses	Prepare out-of-office messages for email and voicemail	☐
Develop communication plan	Decide how (if at all) you’ll be reachable during vacation	☐

Have the Conversation

Asking is often the hardest part, but it doesn’t need to be if you follow these steps:

1. Schedule a meeting: Don’t ambush your boss – set up a dedicated time to discuss your request. This gives them time to prepare and shows you respect their schedule.
2. Start positively: Begin by expressing your enthusiasm for the new role and the work you’ve been doing. This sets a good tone for the conversation.
3. Make your request: Clearly state the dates you’re hoping to take off and, if relevant, briefly explain why. Be concise but honest.
4. Present your plan: Share how you’ll ensure your work is covered. Highlight your preparation and how you’ve considered the team’s needs.
5. Show flexibility: Indicate that you’re open to adjusting dates if needed. This demonstrates your willingness to find a solution that works for everyone.
6. Address concerns: Be prepared to answer questions or address any worries your manager might have. Having thought through potential issues in advance will allow you to respond confidently.
7. Express gratitude: Thank your manager for considering your request, regardless of the immediate outcome. This reinforces your professionalism and appreciation.
8. Confirm next steps: Clarify what happens next in the approval process, ensuring you understand any further actions required on your part.

Follow Up in Writing

After your in-person discussion, it’s important to follow up with a written summary. This creates a paper trail and allows for any necessary clarifications. 

In your email, include the specific dates you’ve requested off, a brief overview of your coverage plan, any agreed-upon adjustments or compromises, and a reiteration of your gratitude. This email serves as a reference point for both you and your manager, ensuring everyone is on the same page and providing documentation of your request and the discussed arrangements.

This email serves as a reference point for both you and your manager, ensuring everyone is on the same page and providing documentation of your request and the discussed arrangements.

How to Make the Most of Your Vacation (4 Quick Tips)

Many people struggle to fully disconnect from work while on vacation, often checking emails, responding to messages, or worrying about ongoing projects. Sound like you? Here’s how to truly unplug and enjoy your break:

Prepare thoroughly

In the weeks leading up to your vacation, complete as much work as possible. Create detailed handover notes, brief colleagues who will cover for you, and set up comprehensive out-of-office responses. Organize your workspace for a smooth return.

Set clear boundaries 

Decide in advance how available (if at all) you’ll be while away. Consider designating an emergency contact person and clarify what constitutes an “emergency” that warrants contacting you. Communicate these boundaries clearly to your team.

Truly disconnect—seriously!

Resist the urge to constantly check in. Trust in your preparation and your team’s abilities. Turn off work email notifications, log out of work-related apps, and if possible, leave your work devices at home. Set a personal goal to be fully present in your vacation activities.

Ease back in gradually 

Upon your return, don’t try to catch up on everything at once. Schedule catch-up meetings, prioritize urgent tasks, and give yourself time to readjust. Review emails strategically, addressing critical matters first. Share any insights or fresh perspectives you gained during your time away.

Should I Ask for Time Off Before Starting a New Job?

Interviews and job offers can come when you least expect it, including during a period of time when you already had a vacation booked. In cases of pre-planned vacations before your start date, here’s how you can handle it:

1. Bring it up early: Mention your planned time off during salary negotiations or when you receive the offer. This transparency sets a positive tone from the start.
2. Be clear and specific: Provide exact dates and a brief explanation for your pre-planned absence. This helps your new employer understand the situation fully.
3. Offer flexibility: Suggest starting earlier or working extra time to make up the time if needed. This shows your commitment to the role despite the planned absence.
4. Get it in writing: Ensure the agreed-upon arrangement is included in your offer letter or contract. This prevents any misunderstandings later.
5. Plan for a smooth start: Propose ways to get up to speed quickly upon your return, such as extra training sessions or check-ins with your manager.
6. Express enthusiasm: Reiterate your excitement about the role and your commitment to making a strong start, vacation notwithstanding.

Example script: “I’m thrilled about the offer and eager to start. I do have a pre-planned family vacation from [dates] that I wanted to make you aware of. I’m happy to discuss how we can work around this, whether that means starting earlier or making up the time afterwards. I’m committed to ensuring a smooth onboarding process despite this brief absence.”

How to Handle a Last-Minute Vacation Need

Sometimes, unexpected circumstances require time off with little notice. Fortunately, most managers understand that life happens. 

In these situations, be honest with your manager and provide as much notice as possible to show respect for their planning. Prepare a clear plan for how your work will be covered, which may include delegating tasks or adjusting deadlines.

If appropriate, let your manager know how they can reach you for urgent matters (but set clear boundaries to protect your downtime!). Also, be ready to provide documentation if necessary, and express gratitude for any accommodations made!

By approaching the situation with transparency and a solution-oriented mindset, you can find a workable solution that satisfies both you and your employer.

Overcoming Guilt and Anxiety

It’s common to feel guilty or anxious about taking time off, especially when you’re new to a job. These feelings often stem from a desire to prove your worth, fear of falling behind, or concern about how others might perceive your absence. 

Recognizing and addressing these feelings is the first step towards a healthier approach to work-life balance. Here are some strategies to overcome them:

Strategy	Description
Remember it’s part of your compensation	Vacation time is typically included in your benefits package. You’ve earned it, just like your salary.
Recognize the benefits	Remind yourself that rest makes you a better employee. You’ll return refreshed and more productive.
Trust your team	Have confidence in your preparation and your colleagues’ abilities to handle things in your absence.
Focus on the positives	Think about the benefits of time off for both you and your employer, such as increased creativity and productivity upon your return.
Practice self-compassion	Be kind to yourself. Everyone needs and deserves breaks, including you.
Normalize time off	Remind yourself that taking vacation is a normal and expected part of work life in most cultures.
Visualize success	Imagine positive outcomes from your vacation, both personally and professionally.
Talk to colleagues	Discuss vacation experiences with coworkers. You’ll likely find that many share your concerns but also value their time off.
Set realistic expectations	Don’t expect to come back to a perfectly managed workload. Plan for some catch-up time upon your return.
Plan enjoyable activities	Focus on the experiences you’re looking forward to during your time off. This can help offset work-related anxieties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Taking a Vacation at a New Job

Balancing Work and Well-being

Here’s a quick reminder on the steps you should take when asking for time off:

1. Know Your Company’s Policies: Familiarize yourself with your organization’s vacation policies, including accrual rates, probationary periods, and any blackout dates. Understanding these details will help you plan your time off effectively.
   
2. Time Your Request Strategically: Choose the right moment to ask for time off, ideally when your workload is manageable and your manager is receptive. Planning ahead can demonstrate your commitment to your role.
   
3. Prepare Your Case: Before approaching your manager, develop a clear plan for how your responsibilities will be managed in your absence. This preparation shows professionalism and consideration for your team.
   
4. Have the Conversation: Schedule a dedicated meeting to discuss your request. Be clear and concise about your desired time off, and present your plan for coverage to reassure your manager.
   
5. Follow Up in Writing: After your discussion, send a follow-up email summarizing your request and any agreed-upon arrangements. This creates a record of your conversation and ensures everyone is on the same page.

As you navigate your career, strive to work for organizations that value work-life balance and understand the importance of time away from the office. These are often the companies where employees are most engaged, productive, and satisfied in their roles.

If you need some help finding a role at a company like that, make sure you check out our guide on landing your dream job: How to Get a Job You Really Want: From Resume to Interview