How should I ask for time off from work?

[lsquare]

I know this is a bit of a stupid question, but I'm not sure how to ask my boss for some time off. I got a new job last week and so far things have been pretty smooth. My alma mater is having an alumni event next Wednesday. I really want to go, but I don't get off work until 5 PM. The event starts at 5:30 PM and it'll take at least 1 hour of driving to get there. I really want next Wednesday off, but because I'm so new to the job, I'm afraid of damaging my prospects in the company especially after getting the job so recently. Do you guys think I should just forget about the event then? If not, how should I approach my boss and ask for time off? The idea of getting off work early (say 4 PM) went through my head, but I'm not sure sure if he'll be ok with that.

Thx for the help in advance!

[+Nik Louch Subscriber²]

You ask, plain and simple. "Please can I finish early, I'll make it up through lunch, it's my Alma Mater".

[MR_Candyman]

if you get off at 5, it starts at 5:30, and it takes an hour to drive, then you will only be a half hour late (which is when people usually show up anyways). Just go to work, then the party

[Nick H. Supervisor]

It will be different for every company, but we get a set number of hours vacation each year. If I have to do something at a time that requires me to leave early, I calculate the hours and request that time out of my holiday allowance. They can't stop you, but they can suggest that you pick a different time if there is something important that they believe you should be present for.

However, in your case you're asking to leave a bit earlier than usual. You don't need to tell them the reason, you can just say "personal reasons" if they do ask. There is the possibility of it hurting your standing short-term, but if that's the case then over time they will realise that it was a one off.

Ultimately the question is, "how badly do you want to attend this event?" If I were you I would just ask them.

MR_Candyman is right, though, 30 minutes late is no big deal.

[P.M.K]

Ask if you can start an hour early. If you do that you would have worked the normal amount of hours.

[tsutton]

Ask if you can start an hour early. If you do that you would have worked the normal amount of hours.

That would be the best answer - I usuaslly do that and my boss is happy with that - after all you're given a set of hours to work per day. The earlier you start, the earlier you finish. Simples!

[_bobcat_ Veteran]

Just ask.

You can 'make up' for it by not having time off for three months after. Who wants to be stuck somewhere that sees taking annual leave as a negative thing anyway?

If you're really not happy with that then just go to the do a bit later. Unless it's really formal no one will notice.

[Panacik]

I know this is a bit of a stupid question, but I'm not sure how to ask my boss for some time off. I got a new job last week and so far things have been pretty smooth. My alma mater is having an alumni event next Wednesday. I really want to go, but I don't get off work until 5 PM. The event starts at 5:30 PM and it'll take at least 1 hour of driving to get there. I really want next Wednesday off, but because I'm so new to the job, I'm afraid of damaging my prospects in the company especially after getting the job so recently. Do you guys think I should just forget about the event then? If not, how should I approach my boss and ask for time off? The idea of getting off work early (say 4 PM) went through my head, but I'm not sure sure if he'll be ok with that.

Thx for the help in advance!

You ask, plain and simple. "Please can I finish early, I'll make it up through lunch, it's my Alma Mater".

I would disagree with you for the first time :D

He only started the job a week ago and this is not something that requires a day off or even leaving early. Its not a religious meeting or a matter of life or death, therefore why risk doing this when your only in the job for a week anyway?

I would just get there 30 minutes late.

I personally would question how seriously you take your work\career if you are willing to take time off just to go party?

[+Nik Louch Subscriber²]

I personally would arrive late...

But "risk"? Where is the risk here? You ask, and if it's a no then its a no. I know that in a lot of US universities, the whole Alma Mater thing is quite well respected and also by employers.

[Panacik]

I personally would arrive late...

But "risk"? Where is the risk here? You ask, and if it's a no then its a no. I know that in a lot of US universities, the whole Alma Mater thing is quite well respected and also by employers.

I personally just think there is an element of risk involved. If he just mentions it in passing and doesnt ask for time off, subconsiously the employer will realise that he has the opportunity, but stuck to work commitments. It would make him look like a more commited employee.

If he had been with the company a year or two and had time to prove he was a commited employee, then he could have more room to ask for this.

I just think after a week of working for a company, they would find it a bit suspect.

[+Frank B. Subscriber²]

Ask your boss. If (s)he says yes, good; if (s)he says no, arrive 30 minutes late at the university event.

I don't see the big problem here.

[XionUK]

I'm sure they'd be more than happy to let you work through your lunch or start earlier to get away earlier.

[BGM]

say "i'm leaving 30mins early on [dayname], is it ok if i make it up some other time"

id respect someone more if they said they were going to do something, with a solution etc.. than "can i please have time off to go do x"

good luck :)

[+Nik Louch Subscriber²]

Sorry mate, not arguing but "suspect"? You are allowed time off for whatever reason as long as you have accrued the time.

[+jamesyfx Subscriber²]

I used to just simply say to my Manager, 'Dude can I go home early?' and he'd be like

'Ok.'

:laugh: Seriously. I always did a good job though, so I guess there was always a valid reason for me to leave work early, in his mind.

[Jimmy0]

Ask if you can leave an hour early, and to make up for it say you'd like to start an hour early or something. That way it looks better because you want to make the time up elsewhere.

To those trying to suggest you should be afraid to ask because you've only been there a week... rubbish.

[DDStriker]

Don't say "blah start an hour earlier, make up for it later" just say

Would i be able to leave at 4:30 pm on X date for a university event that starts at 530?

let the employer respond before offering solutions let him offer one so he has some say in the matter

[tomjol]

There's probably a cultural issue at work here - for Europeans, taking a day off here and there or having flexible hours on occasion is a normal thing, and to be expected by the employer regardless of how long the individual has been working for the company. It's viewed as an entitlement, not as something which requires grovelling.

In the US, so I'm told, it's a very different matter.

[+jamesyfx Subscriber²]

There's probably a cultural issue at work here - for Europeans, taking a day off here and there is a normal thing, and to be expected by the employer regardless of how long the individual has been working for the company. It's viewed as an entitlement, not as something which requires grovelling.

In the US, so I'm told, holiday is a very different matter.

You're right. The work ethic is very strict in the US. I remember one time I was granted compassionate leave because I burned my arm once.

:laugh: Would not get that in the USA.

[BGM]

we recently had a new office opened in Houston, they American employees were shocked when they were told they had 30 days holiday a year :D

[tomjol]

Found an interesting BBC piece discussing the contrast between Europe and the US.

[Nikv]

I, personally, would just skip the event. You just got the job and you're asking for time off that isn't for health reasons.

Although he'll probably say yes, It still looks better you not going than going.

That's just me though

[+John Teacake MVC]

Basic Life Skills on Neowin lol, Simple grow a pair and ask even if he says no, Whats the problem. Dont have any loyalty to a company that doesnt have loyalty to you yet. Simple

[Panacik]

There's probably a cultural issue at work here - for Europeans, taking a day off here and there or having flexible hours on occasion is a normal thing, and to be expected by the employer regardless of how long the individual has been working for the company. It's viewed as an entitlement, not as something which requires grovelling.

In the US, so I'm told, it's a very different matter.

Exactly. Although, if i was to ask for time off for this in the UK, they would probably not be best pleased, plus i would feel like an arse because its not a life or death thing etc. I have a half day tomorrow myself, but its for an appointment to get my results from an MRI on my leg, so its pretty important i go. If it was just for a party, i would not even consider taking time off.

I, personally, would just skip the event. You just got the job and you're asking for time off that isn't for health reasons.

Although he'll probably say yes, It still looks better you not going than going.

That's just me though

My thoughts exactly.

[Growled Member]

I'd probably just ask off a little bit early for personal reasons. No need to really go into any details unless the boss pressures you. My boss usually doesn't want to know.