In this episode, Kiana and Tara dive deep into the nuanced world of taking time off from work. From standard paid time off (PTO) to legally protected leaves like FMLA and disability leave, they explore the many options available to employees. Kiana brings in her experience as a team leader to explain the boss’s point of view, shares practical steps on how to take time off responsibly, and highlights the cultural and legal differences across companies and countries. The episode also addresses common misconceptions, red flags in toxic work environments, and the evolving mindset around mental health, burnout, and boundaries in the workplace.

Whether you're negotiating a new job offer or unsure how to use your unlimited PTO without guilt, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to take the break you deserve.

✨ Key Takeaways:

• 🏖️ Types of Time Off: Standard PTO, sick leave, holidays, floating holidays, sabbaticals, bereavement, and medical/mental health leave.
  

• ⚖️ Legally Protected Leave: FMLA, jury duty, disability leave, and paid family leave depending on your state.
  

• 💼 Policy Insights: Accrued vs. front-loaded PTO, unlimited PTO culture, and how to avoid giving away your unpaid vacation.
  

• 🧠 Boss POV: How managers think about time off and why good communication is key.
  

• 🚩 Red Flags: Guilt-tripping managers, retaliatory behavior post-PTO, or “unlimited PTO” that no one actually uses.
  

• 🧘‍♀️ Mental Health Matters: Don’t wait for burnout—PTO is part of your compensation, not a luxury.
  

• 📆 Planning Tips: Start with your employee handbook, notify your manager, block your calendar, and prep a handoff doc.
  

• 🌍 Global Perspective: Europe’s PTO culture vs. US standards—why it might be time to consider a move!

TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction to Time Off

00:56 Types of Paid Time Off

01:19 Vacation and Sick Days

03:54 Personal and Floating Holidays

05:49 Legally Protected Leave

06:20 Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

07:06 Paid Family Leave and Jury Duty

08:19 Military Leave and Leave of Absence

10:18 Disability and Medical Leave

13:39 Mental Health Leave

14:19 Life Event Specific Leave

15:31 PTO Policies and Accrual

17:19 Unlimited PTO and Banked PTO

21:53 Requesting Time Off

25:19 Submitting Your PTO Request

25:39 Preparing for Time Off

27:39 Types of Leave: Bereavement, Paternity, and Sabbatical

29:51 Boss's Perspective on PTO

33:38 Misconceptions About Taking Time Off

40:32 Red Flags When Taking Time Off

47:30 Conclusion: Time Off is a Right, Not a Privilege