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I'm not sure I agree with that characterization. Have you met the French?
Fluffy, not looking to fight , but would be curious of your age. That's usually a big factor when it comes to our opinions. I remember back when jobs were plentiful, and when employers and employees respected each other. Today both want the thumbscrews tightened on the other. Nobody is all right or all wrong about anything.
BTW...I'm in my mid-60s. I remember when America was prosperous and sane.
What business model supports this idea? Most businesses, mine included, depend on a team of some sort to get things done. If pieces of that machine are not present, work stops completely.
Correct. In addition, there is FAR more to a job than simply getting *your* work done or doing *your* own assigned duties. Especially in a team-based environment. Good employees understand the importance of:
a) A good attitude
b) Showing initiative. Asking to help out in other areas. Helping and advising teammates in need.
c) Being a mentor and teacher to less-experienced associates. Educating others on what you do, so that they can help you or even take over some stuff if needed.
d) The communication and social aspects of the job and workplace culture. And not just the in-person/Skype/conf-call meetings with teammates. Those little small-talk conversations in the break room do matter. So do team-building evening/weekend events.
The "Me, Myself and I" types typically don't fare very well in most businesses. I'm referring to the types who isolate themselves too much, and the types who brown-nose. They tend to be unfair to their hard-working teammates, and will drag productivity and/or morale down.
And, depending on the nature of the position, it's possible to accomplish all of the above while still working reasonable hours, maintaining a good work/life balance and taking a vacation or two per year.
A business model with unlimited vacation days can work depending on position (it's probably impossible for call center and most if not all types of shift work or other things that necessitate strict scheduling), but it is imperative that the company be extremely picky and hire people that are trustworthy enough to not "abuse" the vacation privilege and get things done within a reasonable timeframe. And quickly dismiss people who aren't up to par.
A candidate is unlikely to be hired at a good company with that kind of vacation policy unless he or she knows someone on the inside, or if the company (either itself or through its recruitment agency) approaches him.
There are:
169 million unused vacation days/year... or 52.4 Billion dollars left behind...
However, some companies (1%) are offering unlimited vacation days--as long as you get your work done.
What would you do, if you had this opportunity?
How would your life change?
I would work like my hair's on fire ... then travel extensively to various parts of the world.
Nothing would change for me, because getting work done on vacation would spoil the vacation. Not to mention that face-to-face talks are an integral part of my job. And trying to simply work crazy overtime to save up hours would be too stressful and sleep-depriving for me. I have borderline high blood pressure and a history of over-use of stimulants and it would be a bad idea.
In my experience, "unlimited vacation days" is code for "We double dog dare you to take any vacation at all and not seem like a 'team player'..."
"Unlimited" just means there's no standard/minimum set, which effectively means it's 0.
That was what I was thinking, too.
My former employer (I'm a retired teacher) allowed 10 sick days per year that could accumulate to 60 days (enough to cover you before short term disability started).
However, on the first day of work the top administrator informed the entire staff "If you take more than 2 or 3 sick days this year we will seriously question if you are truly committed to continue to work for us".
A chill fell over the room as the teachers realized the implications of that "threat"/promise.
Fluffy, not looking to fight , but would be curious of your age. That's usually a big factor when it comes to our opinions. I remember back when jobs were plentiful, and when employers and employees respected each other. Today both want the thumbscrews tightened on the other. Nobody is all right or all wrong about anything.
BTW...I'm in my mid-60s. I remember when America was prosperous and sane.
I'm younger than you but not by a whole lot.
I don't know what America's take is on vacation days, to be truthful, but your statement seemed like a sweeping generalization. Of the people I know well, none of them care much about vacation or salary but I live in Silicon Valley, a community of nerds. Among people my age here, job satisfaction is probably the most important factor. It's not uncommon for workers here to put off retirement because they can't imagine anything that's as much fun as what they do at work.
I agree with you about age being a big factor. I think younger people generally do have a lower level of job satisfaction and wish they could get a regular check without having to put up with a lot of BS from some manager.
One of the ironies of the jobs/career arc in this country is that people tend to get paid the least during that one time in their life when they need money the most (setting up a household/childbearing years) or crave it the most (acquiring the little luxuries or status symbols that make life more enjoyable).
A vacation day is any day you're willing to take a pay cut.
I'm self-employed, too. I have to force myself to take time off.
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, but would be curious of your age. That's usually a big factor when it comes to our opinions. I remember back when jobs were plentiful, and when employers and employees respected each other. Today both want the thumbscrews tightened on the other. Nobody is all right or all wrong about anything.
