Is it unethical to use all your vacation time immediately before quitting a job?

If you get paid vacation as part of your job, you are absolutely entitled to take it. Just talk to your boss about it so s/he isn’t surprised.

They’ll be annoyed, but they can’t fault you for it. Not sure how the system is on your side of the pond, but here you’d get paid in lieu if you didn’t take them.
Where I work this happens all the time – assuming their remaining holidays are less than the notice period.

nevermind

I did that before. It was great. Since you earned it, take it while you can

Out with it, johnpowell…

Is this someone you plan to work with in the future? Or someone who has connections in a specific field that your interested in? If so, you may want to think twice about doing it.

If, on the other hand, you’ll never see him again. Go for it!! Take the vacation while you can. Otherwise you may miss out on the trip of a lifetime.

don’t leave with grudges because they can give a bad recommendation

@afghanmoose
Technically they can’t give a bad recommendation, but they can refuse to give any more than: employment start/end date and job description. That usually does speak volumes though. It’s what they’re not saying.

If you’re on good terms and bring it up now, I’m sure you and your boss can come
to an agreement.

I guess I was mostly looking for some etiquette advice—is it generally considered bad behavior to take your vacation time if everyone knows you’re leaving?

I probably will have to ask him for recommendations for things for many years to come, so I definitely do not want to burn any bridges. Also I don’t want to be a jerk.

Take it! It’s yours!

I agree with the consensus, that you should discuss with your boss as far in advance as possible. I do know certain jobs that specifically prohibit this type of action. The 2-weeks notice thing is so that employers have time to find and train a replacement and is considered a courtesy. So I think it’s worth talking to your boss about now—your employment history is not something you want to screw around with.

I know from myself, the only time I find it a bit ‘bad form’ for the employee to do this is if they know they’ll leave us short-staffed in a busy period. Otherwise it’s just the way it is, they’re entitled to the time off.

I think, especially as you will be in prolonged future contact with him, it’s poor etiquette to not ask beforehand. Just shoot him an email explaining what you’re thinking and see how he responds – he could be totally cool with it, but most people just want to be kept in the loop. Plus, from a business perspective, it will help with future planning regarding your departure.

you worked hard for it so enjoy it while you can.. Although your boss may have a good relationship with you work is only work.

When you take the vacation isn’t unethical. Not planning how the workload is handled while your gone with your boss is.

Your job is likely different than mine, but I can take vacation whenever and for however long I want (within my allocation, of course). That said, it’s understood that I will be professional in my planning to ensure that the various needs get met while I’m away. That could mean training folks, forwarding emails/phone, notifying customers in advance, whatever makes sense for what you do.

Specifically, I see no ethical nor etiquette reason not to take vacation thru the end of your employment.

Personally, I would plan to take my vacation time, return for two (or more) weeks of notice, and then leave.

I agree with Syz…after informing my boss, though

I would equate it to saving a couple “Draw Fours” for your last few turns of UNO. Your opponents aren’t going to like it but it’s a sweet way to end the game and it’s LEGIT. I say go for it, my friend did it, went to Hawaii, and loved every minute of it.

Isn’t fluther wonderful, ethics AND UNO lessons, all in one question!

Use it and don’t tell them. It is an entitlement of your job but the bastards will steal it from you if they can.

As to “burning bridges”, I have a long history of setting thermite charges on such structures upon departure. Hasn’t hurt me a bit. Never look back.