Many of you know I have worked for 21 years of my adult life, around 17 of those with paid and unpaid time available. I have become adept at managing both , especially in emergencies and such. The basic available types of time are vacation time, personal time, (or PTO), and unpaid time (also known as chargeable time or comp time).
Proper management of this time can lead to greater peace of mind. For example, many doctors recommend at least one week/year off from working. If you accumulate this time (40 hours for many folks), you have your week easily.
Here are some tips to maximize your time as we end one year and begin the next.
1. Always know your available balance of time
Check your time at least twice/week. Failure to do so could result in you using time you thought you had, and having to fight to keep your job.
2. Plan out the year the best you can.
At the beginning of the year, plan which dates you will need off , and the necessary time. Many companies go by first come, first come, then tenure.
3. Save extra for the unforseen.
Time from work is like money in the bank. Regardless of how it's spent, it shouldn't be in one place. Use your time that doesn't roll over but spread it out.
4. Know which time rolls over and what time you can take with you.
Save more of the time that expires, and especially what you have in larger balances. This can be a game changer, and then you can also plan more efficiently.
5 . Go home, if you can afford it.
Many companies allow unpaid days and furloughs where your regular time isn't affected at all. Use these wisely also and remember you still must eat and pay bills.
Saving time really isn't advanced physics, just takes simple budgeting and planning. Also, communicate with management and HR regularly about when you want to take off and your available balance. Trust me, you don't want the clock running out
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