Use or Lose: The TLDR Version
Please don't lose it. That just makes us sad....
We don’t know about you but, with the constant news about cabinet appointments, we all need a little bit of a break from work and the holidays are a good excuse to take some time off. Which means, you’re probably trying to do some “use or lose math” to calculate your vacation balance before the end of the year. But before you go dig through OPM guidelines, we are here to help:
Take your current leave balance: You should be able to check this in your leave/payroll system. If not, ask HR.
Subtract the amount of time you’re planning to take off between now and Dec 31st: That’s a question only you can answer!
Add back in the leave you’ll accrue for the rest of the year:
If the number is less than zero: Sorry to say but you may have a problem. The good news is there are some federal holidays between now and 2025 so at least you’ll get a break then!
If the number is 30 days (240 hours) or less: Whew! You’re ok. You can carry over 240 hours into next year. OR you could talk to your boss about taking some more time off around the holidays. After all, you earned it.
If the number is zero: Good for you. Not enough people take their vacation. Hopefully you’re ending the year in a better mental space than the rest of us.
Remember though, each agency has its own deadlines for scheduling leave, so always be sure to check with your supervisor!
Upcoming Federal Holidays — WOO HOO!
Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 28
Christmas Day: Wednesday, December 25
New Year’s Day: Wednesday, January 01
This Week’s Three Things
Be Active and Burn Off the Calories Before You Eat/Drink Them.
We're all thankful for our freedom this Thanksgiving, right? I mean, it wasn't always this way. Relax, reflect, and educate your friends/family/kids with this activity. Take in the beautiful and serene scenery as an extra bonus on top of the history lesson.
Veg out. We've all earned it! Put your headphones on and lose yourself in this.