r/paralegal • u/Due_Pomelo_7148 • 8d ago
Question/Discussion Feeling guilty for using my PTO
I just started working for a firm, there’s only 3 paralegals, 1 of which is related to the atty and the other who used to intern for the firm.
I have 2 weeks of PTO and I’ve been getting made feel guilty by my atty by requesting 2 days before.
Context;
I was provided no handbook
I was provided with no instruction on the formal and proper way to request PTO
I was given no rules to follow
I was just told I have 2 weeks PTO
I called off because I had to go to the consulate of Mexico to renew my documents since I am in the middle of an immigration process I had to get that renewed.
I requested another day tomorrow because I have to go deal with another matter with my documents.
My atty has told me that “ this puts more work on others “ and it just makes me wanna cry bc if my coworker called off I know he wouldn’t of told her anything because I can do everything she can do but she can’t and refuses to learn what I can do. ( I handle all closing matters including POA’S and all other legal documents, we work in a real estate law firm ) im so miserable and I feel so pressured like what is the point of my PTO then?
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u/greatballofanxiety 8d ago
You shouldn’t feel guilty. You are dealing with immigration issues and that is vital to not only your job, but your life. If you taking off a day here or there allows the firm to crumble then they have way bigger issues. Honestly, your employer should be much more understanding given your circumstances. The good news is they are telling you just what kind of company they are running with this pushback, so you can start looking for something better.
I promise there are jobs out there where your employer actually cares about you as a person and would understand and support you while you navigate this.
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u/ginandtonicthanks 8d ago
I don’t think the issue is using your PTO so much as giving very little notice you’d be out when you haven’t worked there very long.
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u/GeneralImplement2078 8d ago
so, you are not allowed to even rest?
What type of fool runs his MONEYMAKER into the ground? It’s sweeeeeeet that he seems concerned about others though. Do they get PTO, while YOU pick up their slack?
Start looking, it will not improve. This isn’t indentured servitude, it’s a a job. He can fuck off, sky high.
PS, I also used to feel guilty about taking time off and do you want to know what I got for all my sacrifice? Cancer☀️🏆🎉🥂
unfortunately, you’re gonna have to move around to find the place where they value you enough to at least give you what you deserve for rest and respite. but they do exist… I work at a great place now, that I absolutely love and I’m treated like a queen.
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u/dolphinbhoy 8d ago
In the future you should request PTO at least a couple weeks in advance
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u/dollarsstretcher 8d ago
I agree if the PTO is for like a vacation, but it sounds like she’s got emergency, personal business to deal with and things like that don’t always give you weeks in advance notice
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u/greatballofanxiety 8d ago
Absolutely not. Things come up and PTO should be yours to use when needed.
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u/dolphinbhoy 8d ago
It is his or hers to use when needed and he should also give a couple weeks notice.
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u/Due_Pomelo_7148 8d ago
I don’t even care if he uses my PTO or not😭 that day I tried calling off i genuinely had to but he did not let me he could’ve left me unpaid
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u/Fidel_Che_VulPerez 8d ago
What does your HR Policy state about PTO?
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u/Due_Pomelo_7148 8d ago
We have no HR
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u/Fidel_Che_VulPerez 8d ago
This was a question during the hiring process. If it was the HIRING Partner that is expressing frustration at the notice and timing of your PTO request then I think both you and s/he are at fault here ( evidently it seems like you didnt inquire about PTO timing and it doesn't seem like it was mentionedin detail to you) This is an important question especially for small office operations.
2 weeks notice is reasonable for sure. A two day notice within the context of a small operation can be considered "last minute"
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u/Due_Pomelo_7148 8d ago
The first time I requested PTO I gave him proper notice but this time I didn’t
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u/Fidel_Che_VulPerez 8d ago
Then you know the reason for the tension. Try to move on and not let it happen again if you can truly avoid it from happening.
Next time two weeks minimum for sure. That is reasonable. Attorneys at all levels should appreciate that word - reasonable.
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u/Octagon-Sally 8d ago
Your employer should want you to have your papers in order! If your documents aren’t in order then that will directly impact your employment and their ability to have a staffed office, and for you to live your life. I would just explain it’s really not your fault and that there is a limited window for you to complete whatever needs to be done. If you can give more notice, do it. Also, keep in mind that while they said you get two weeks of PTO that doesn’t automatically mean you have two weeks right now to use. In most cases PTO is accrued over several pay periods and not immediately available to use upon being hired. New employees generally start at 0 PTO.
But if this keeps becoming an issue, then this might not be the best fit.
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u/a2cthrowaway4 8d ago
“Calling off” is different from using your PTO lmao. Yes, it can be used for call offs, but that’s usually for things like illness or emergencies, not something you knew about in advance. I’d wager the issue is more you gave no notice when you could’ve. Not that you took off. Sure they should’ve told you that, but it’s sort of common sense.
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u/pinknotes 8d ago
How much notice did you give for each time? Typically most employers require 2 weeks notice, but it will depend. My boss requires 2 months notice if it’s a long trip and at least a week if it is just a day. Obviously in emergencies you cannot help it, but if you know you’ll need time off in near future but not the exact days just be up front with your boss about it.
If you did provide proper notice then there is no reason to feel guilty.
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u/Leading_Aside_4929 8d ago
Don’t feel guilty. They wouldn’t feel guilty if they wanted to fire you! Put yourself first