New Job, How to approach them for time off.?

Question

I recently accepted a position for a new job, it's at a country club and I was hired as seasonal help. I'm a college student,

Tomorrow, I'm meeting with my new manager to discuss my schedule and any days off that I might need this summer. I need a few days off and I'm a little wary about addressing this subject. I don't want to sound like a slacker asking for all these days off; however, all these events have been planned in advance and I can't really break my commitments for them. I hadn't planned on taking a new job this summer, until this great oppurtunity came along. As a result, I scheduled these events knowing I won't have an problem getting the days off, as my old job allowed me to take time off.

I need one day in early June and another in mid-August. In addition, my father is also having major sugery during the week of 4th of July. I absolutely must be at the hospital the day of the surgery and for the week he will be there recovering.

I also have a vacation that is planned, booked and paid for in early August. I haven't had a vacation in over 4 years and my family is urging me to take time off for myself b/c I'm under a lot of stress w/ school, work and my father's illness.

I'm a very hard worker;however, I want to have a little fun and I also need to be there for my family during my father's surgery.

How do I go about addressing/asking for this time off w/o looking like a slacker?

I'm 23 years old, if that means anything. I'm also graduating from college in December. This is my last summer of seasonal work.

I should have stated that my father's surgery is related to his illness. He has cancer. I feel it's mandatory that I be present at the hospital each and everyday he is there.

Answer 1

Since your new manager scheduled the meeting to discuss among other things any days off you might need then it is quite OK to mention what you have stated in your post, but please note that it is possible that you might have to make some changes regarding the least important of your planned events because although he might be quite understanding about you having booked before taking the job, it might not be possible to give you all the days you need.

Another thing, bosses are quite aware of students' commitments so you needn't feel guilty to talk about everything with him. It will not be a reflection on your work ethic. Hope all goes well with your dad.

Answer 2

Frankly, if I were your new boss, I'd be extremely unhappy that you planned this much time off. The way I count it, you're looking for 12 days off during a seasonal job that is probably about 70 days long. Seems excessive to me that you want 17% of your working days off. And, it may be worse than that, depending on your school break..

The day of your dad's surgery is reasonable. The recovery days shouldn't require you to be there all day and evening. Especially since this is the July 4th week, you should be at work every day that you possibly can be.

The vacation is also reasonable, but a seasonal job is exactly that--seasonal, and they need you there during the vacation season, which you don't plan on being.

I'd go to the meeting asking for the vacation and requiring the single days in June, August and the day of your dad's surgery, only.

Answer 3

I would be as straight as possible about the whole thing. Either way you need the days off, so why tiptoe around the subject? At your earliest opportunity, I would contact your new boss and explain everything like you just did here. I am sure they will at least be understanding about your dad's surgery. I would tell them that you were afraid to mention this when you accepted the job for fear of losing the offer. The part about not planning to take the job, but that this is an amazing opportunity will go a long way too. Good luck!

Answer 4

I WOULD SAY----NICE KNOWING YOU--BUT WE NEED A DEPENDABLE PERSON--YOU AREN'T..AT LEAST YOU DON'T FIT WHAT I WOULD NEED DAILY...

WANT A JOB BUT PLAN EXCESSIVE TIME OFF...NOT!!!!!!!!

FIND PART TIME WORK SO YOU CAN HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT TOO.