Time off

[jupadia]

I take up to two weeks per year I let parents know at least 1 month in advance of my vacation but uselly give more time then that to let them know when. Sometimes I'll take a hole week or add a day onto a weekend for a family getaway. This year I took a couple extra days on top of that but since some of my vacation time was "maturity leAve time" my parents did not care since the daycare was keept running for the most part then. My vacation time is unpaid.
I also take the stats off plus two days that are not stats but are long weekends. Those I get paid for. I've stated evert hung accept the mat leave in my contract (did up seperste agreement at time for that). Also in the future I plan to say I only do half day on Christmas eve and close at 5 instead of 6 on Halloween. Those days will be at regular pay.

[bright sparks]

I do not put a limit on my vacation time. Burn out occurs quite frequently and I'd hate not to be able to take time off when I need it because I'd put a cap on it. I take 1-2 weeks off over Xmas and New Years every year. I always take at least 1 week off in the summer, sometimes 2. My average time off is 4-6 weeks. I tend to go to Europe every 2-3 years at which time I take a 3 week break. But then I'd still take the Xmas and new year break in addition to another week somewhere along the way. It's not that I want to inconvenience the parents, but after 10/11 years in this business I know that limiting my time off on paper is a huge mistake. I should mention too, that other than stat days, parents do not pay for any days when I am closed for business.

[MommaL]

I take 3 weeks off paid. However, I also have it written in my contact that any additional time off will be deducted from their fees (i.e. will be unpaid). I haven't had to do this yet, but agree with bright sparks that it's good idea not to completely limit oneself. One never knows what might come up in the year that wasn't initially planned but may require a few extra days off.