Welcome to “Where Are You Now?” month at Ask a Manager! Throughout December, I will be sharing updates from people whose letters were answered in the past. Here are three updates from past letter-writers:
1. How can I take time off when my team needs it more?
Last year, you provided a solution to my dilemma about taking time off when my team needed it. I planned to take time off but fell sick over the holidays and had to stay in bed for several days. One of my team members volunteered to be an emergency point of contact, which worked out well. I also developed a system for managing vacation time, although it has not been tested yet.
As for my own vacation time, I did not take all of it this year due to unexpected projects. However, I did manage to take a real vacation with my family and dedicated time to important personal commitments without working. I have already scheduled a week off for vacation next year, so I am making progress. Thank you to everyone for helping me see that proactivity was the better way to manage this!
2. I feel snubbed at work — should I quit? (#4 at the link)
After seeking advice from AAM, I realized that I needed to change my perspective and address deeper issues at work. I have built good relationships, work with my husband, and feel optimistic about my future at the company. I have decided to stay for another year to evaluate the situation further. If I still feel snubbed and haven’t received a good raise by January ’24, I will consider moving on. Additionally, the person who was getting undeserved attention at work has been fired.
3. My company decided to close for 2 weeks last year — and charged me a chunk of this year’s PTO for it
After receiving helpful feedback from AAM, I decided to leave my previous job. I am now happily working at a new company with a better culture, a raise, and an unlimited PTO policy. The timing worked out perfectly, allowing me to take a vacation with my family between jobs.
