To take a half day every week now until Christmas

[itwasnevermine]

I have 4.5 days of holiday to use up between now and Christmas. I can take a half day once a week until Christmas now, but I work a four day week anyway. I feel so guilty for doing this, I don’t know why. I just feel like my colleagues will be annoyed.

Is it wrong to do this?

I have enough to take a day a week which I’m doing, mentioned to my boss and he said it was better for them, they will only need cover if something urgent crops up, otherwise I’ll be catching up on my return.

Yeah I don’t know why I feel guilty, I guess because it would mean some longer weekends for me, plus I have a day off booked already 😕

I have loads of holidays left so I’ve booked off 2 weeks every month until Christmas, I don’t feel guilty about it. Go ahead and book your leave.

There's nothing to feel guilty about, take your leave when it suits you.

It's a legal entitlement. If your boss approves it rather than as one lump of time off then take it. Don't be a martyr.

I wouldn't feel guilty... you're entitled to your holiday as are your colleagues.

My only question would be would you be better to do 1 whole day a fortnight... but as you already work 4 days then I guess you know what's useful to you...

This is a bit odd, why do you feel guilty? Did your colleagues also use their annual leave this year and if so did it annoy you? I’d imagine not. If you don’t use it then you will presumably just lose the days and can’t carry them over. Sorry but it sounds like you’re being a bit of a martyr. Just book your holiday, it’s none of anyone else’s business. They probably won’t even care.

Also if you already work a 4 day week then compared to your full time colleagues you get 20% less pay. So if anyone makes a comment about already having long weekends etc (which they probably won’t) then just say oh yes it’s lovely being part time shame I don’t get paid as much as full time though!

I don’t understand why you feel guilty, I’m only working 8 days out of 22 days in December as I have holidays to use. I don’t feel guilty, I’ve earned them!

I don’t know I just feel bad! It's nothing to do with them, I just feel like I'm skiving off a bit

You’re entitled to that time off! Why would you feel more guilty taking it this way than if you used it for a whole week off to go on holiday? Presumably your colleagues also get annual leave? You’re being too hard on yourself 💖

I only work three days a week and I feel “guity” sometimes when colleagues work five days. But they get paid for five days!

You have legal right to take a holiday. I am sure it is easier on your colleagues if you finish earlier than if you take a full week off.

Are you a people pleaser in general? Why on earth would you feel "guilty" about taking the leave you are legally entitled to?

Why martyr yourself to a workplace that would replace you instantly and without a second thought if you got hit by a bus?

I just don't understand this thinking at all.

You aren't skiving. Mind you, I would take a full day every two weeks - more relaxing, and will enable you to deal with things like Christmas shopping, wrapping, preparations etc.

The only issue would be if you doing that prevented someone taking a whole week off for 9 weeks but presumably that doesn't apply if you are only 4 days.

No, my leave doesn't really affect anyone else's. I just have to ensure I manage my workload

I would rather someone did this than take it all in one go to be honest as saves me completely having to do all their work.

It's your holiday, use it as you wish.