Asking for Time Off at a New Job???

Question

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 and graduating from college in December.

My Father's surgery is related to his illness. He has cancer. This surgery is very serious.

Answer 1

I'd be honest and upfront about them, tell him just like you told us that you didn't think you were going to take a job at first, but that you liked the opportunity so much you applied anyhow! It's the truth and if you put it right, it'll make you sound eager to work rather than a slacker; if you didn't like the new job you wouldn't have taken it at all....
Best wishes to your father!

Answer 2

I think you should have mentioned the time you require off when you were interviewed and before you were actually hired. It might have made a difference in whether or not you were offered the position.

I do not mean to be cold hearted, at all, but am trying to look at it from the employer's end. It is a seasonal job and they hire according to the time they need to fill for that period. If there was an employer that would not allow you to have time off for your father's surgery, then you do not need to be working for them. For the other 2 days you would like off, perhaps you could work extra hours that week, or switch schedules with other workers. The hardest one would be the week's vacation. With the stress you are under, and the fact that you will be graduating college in December and then entering the work force, you probably need that very much. No real answers for you, but do wish you the best of luck and I will say a prayer for your Father.

Answer 3

Are you sure that you want to take this job if you need this much time off? 4th of July weekend will be busy for them and it might be better if they hire someone that can be there to help. You really should concentrate on helping your father through his illness and you can get another job next summer. I hope your father's surgery goes well, but I am just curious as to why if it is major surgery they are waiting so long to perform it?

Answer 4

I'm sure if you work hard and stay determined at your job, they will give you that time off. I wouldn't ask for so much at once though. My friend being an idiot went to a job interview for a place where you have to work 5 days a week everyday no off time unless it was something really really important. And he told them he wanted the whole month of June off... Come on

Answer 5

My advice and experience is this. Go to your supervisor or manager, and tell him or her the circumstances surrounding your need for the time off. Be both, direct and honest . Tell them how necessary and important it is to you and your father that you be there for him, before and after his surgery. Give your employer LOTS of time to back-fill for you and a casual reminder when the day gets near. After having done ALL of these things, and your employer does not want to give you the NECESSARY time off, consider finding a new job because this company is not worth working for - period !

Answer 6

thats easy say what you just said you have previous commitments you need time off for, but show your boss that when you are there you work your butt off. if your boss isnt willing to budge then maybe you dont need the job after all. you have the right to request days off in a timely fashion. i know when i started my new job i had to take alot of time off when there was a death in the family all my boss asked of me was to call her and let her know when i would be back. if your boss wont give you time off for your dad's surgery then just quit. family comes first.

Answer 7

Tell them up front that you've had these events scheduled and you need the time off for them. They are far enough in advance where I don't see your employer having a problem with it. They should understand.

Answer 8

Just tell him what you have planned and see what he says. I imagine he would understand about your Dad is he has a heart, and one day in June and one day in August shouldn't be a problem, but any more than that might be.