Do you ask your supervisor permission to take off or tell him your taking off?

Question

He is my supervisor, but we are almost like peers. He has a few years of experience and age on me. I want to respect him but its hard to. If I ask for permission I feel like he will give me the usuall guilt trip which I don't want cause then I'll pop off to him and risk my job. We do have a formal way of asking off. So maybe I should just fill out the paper work and request it in writing.

Answer 1

I am the boss at work, and although I have a good relationship with all my employees, I expect them to request time off if they want it. They do not know if someone else has already requested the same day off, or if other scheduling needs will prevent me from granting it. I always do my best to give time off when requested, but when I'm told they are taking the day off, I do remember it the next time they want something from me.

Answer 2

Yeah, filling out the paperwork is a good way to do it. I know what you mean. My boss is younger than me. It really doesn't bother me, but at times it feels funny to ask him some things. I do try to ask about time off, if it's something that's come up, like a doctor's visit. My boss is pretty understanding, so I don't have to worry about a guilt trip. But if I get sick or hurt at home, I usually just call and let him know I'm not coming in. It's not a deal having to do with who's higher up in this case; I just want him to know, it's the least I can do.

Answer 3

I would say that if you have a good relationship, you should talk to him in person and say that you would a certain time off. I would be prepared with a good answer when he asks, since a weak reason can be argued. If you don't abuse him, I can't see any reason that he should be hard to get along with.

Answer 4

When at work the "friend" relationship should be limited. You should talk to him and ask him like you would anyone else in his position. You should both be able to distinguish between on duty and off duty.