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falcon269 said:1. Quit, or
2. Claim a devoutly religious reason, then threaten them with a discrimination lawsuit if they don't make a reasonable accommodation for your religion, such as time off without pay.
If so............then I wonder if being a Great employee, leaving to do the Camino, then returning if your employer might be the one to hire you back—and wouldn't it be marvelous if, then, because you're on the job market, he gives you a raise in the process?Rae2607 said:Thanks for all the advice everyone - I have a feeling it will come down to quitting my job and trying to find another one for when I come back. And for some reason, I am perfectly fine with that. The Camino is something I just *have* to do...for me. And sacrificing a job that I barely like is totally worth it. I hate that I even have to think about it though; unfortunately, house payments, insurance, student loans, etc won't pay for themselves so this problem has factored into my planning.
Now it seems the big problem will be having the patience to wait 19 months to do it.
newfydog said:This is a great thread, one which goes to the heart of the Camino...
The USA is seriously confused with regard to time off. When I worked for a major corporation, I was invited on a join US-Soviet climbing expedition. They would not hear of it, and just asking damaged my reputation. Not that dedicated. It became clear then that I needed to be an independent consultant, working internationally. Perhaps the US lost some talent, perhaps they rid themselves of a bum.
Rae2607 said:I have started the very early stages of planning my trip on the Camino. I am researching what to pack, how to get there, where to stay, how much money it will take, etc. The only real lingering question in my mind is, "How in the world do I take 5-6 weeks off work without losing my job?" I am the assistant to two Vice Presidents at a large mental health clinic (17 counties, 800 staff) and I have a pretty good idea what their reaction would be if I told them I wanted to take off 6 weeks to have this experience...and I don't think it would be a positive reaction. American companies are so uptight about giving time off to employees, I'm afraid I'll lose my job. My only other thought has been that when the time comes that I can do the Camino (I'm shooting for Sept 2013), I look for a different job to start when I return.
How did everyone here manage to take 4-6 weeks off their everyday lives and jobs?
Thanks!
The cliche goes that nobody has ever been on their deathbed saying: “I wish I would have worked more.”
Red1too3 said:[ "It became clear then that I needed to be an independent consultant, working internationally. Perhaps the US lost some talent, perhaps they rid themselves of a bum."
I read alot of posts and don't always respond. I have never agreed more.
I
Red1too3 said:You don't have to do it all at one time....
almhath said:Red1too3 said:You don't have to do it all at one time....
Question: If you don't do the Camino all in one walk, then how do the stamps work out? At Santiago, they review your stamps. Does it matter, then, if your stamps are from different years? Or is that not notable?
Almha
To me, it is transformational to understand and accept that one is not in control. There is the possibility, often poorly exercised, of controlling that which is between the ears. Everything else is illusion or transitory (IMHO).I wanted to feel that the world could not do without me.
falcon269 said:1. Quit, or
2. Claim a devoutly religious reason, then threaten them with a discrimination lawsuit if they don't make a reasonable accommodation for your religion, such as time off without pay.
Sounds good to me. Our children are grown. Our expenses are way down as we have very few needs and wants. Took early retirement and doing things that I've always wanted to do or doing things that I had not known of before, including el Camino. So, I'll see you March 30 at St. Jean.NOHOOLIGAN said:Enough is enough is enough, and I got enough. So I decided to quit and live happily ever after. And I'm happy about it!
lynnejohn said:If you lived in any of these countries, you wouldn't have to be thinking about quitting your job.Scandinavian countries also have vacation days around 30 days.
However you do it, the Camino will be there should you decide to walk it in sections or make a career change.
Average Vacation Time
Italy 42 days
France 37 days
Germany 35 days
Brazil 34 days
U.K. 28 days
Canada 26 days
Korea 25 days
Japan 25 days
U.S. 13 days
Buen Camino!
almhath said:Red1too3 said:You don't have to do it all at one time....
Question: If you don't do the Camino all in one walk, then how do the stamps work out? At Santiago, they review your stamps. Does it matter, then, if your stamps are from different years? Or is that not notable?
Almha
Rae2607 said:I have started the very early stages of planning my trip on the Camino. I am researching what to pack, how to get there, where to stay, how much money it will take, etc. The only real lingering question in my mind is, "How in the world do I take 5-6 weeks off work without losing my job?" I am the assistant to two Vice Presidents at a large mental health clinic (17 counties, 800 staff) and I have a pretty good idea what their reaction would be if I told them I wanted to take off 6 weeks to have this experience...and I don't think it would be a positive reaction. American companies are so uptight about giving time off to employees, I'm afraid I'll lose my job. My only other thought has been that when the time comes that I can do the Camino (I'm shooting for Sept 2013), I look for a different job to start when I return.
How did everyone here manage to take 4-6 weeks off their everyday lives and jobs?
Thanks!
I certainly don't want anyone to think I don't receive vacation time - I do, in fact, get a decent amount of paid time off that accumulates and rolls over each year (which is quite unusual for American companies). Currently, I max out at 240 vacation hours - more than enough to take off for 5 weeks or so, but that's not the issue.
I work for workaholics - one of my bosses is here at 6:30am and doesn't leave until after 5pm most days. She does take about 2 weeks off during Christmas and a week or so in the summer, but never more than that.
The CEO hasn't taken a vacation in over 15 years. His assistant can barely take off more than one day at a time without coming in or calling or emailing work.
The problem isn't being given the vacation time to take - it's being allowed to take that much time all at once. Also, I have many responsibilites that would fall back on the 3 other Administrative Assistants I work with - and I would feel guilty doing that to them.
But like I said, I have a feeling that by the time my camino comes around, I will be ready to move on to something better and will just have to say good-bye to my current job. I really think it will be for the best.
I am most definitely NOT a workaholic - I work to live, I don't live to work. So this adventure is much more important to me than any job. After all, no one ever says on their death bed, "I sure wish I would have spent more time at work."
@Beartrice,if you think Sweden has it good try and get a job as a public official in Belgium. I walked with a guy(Johan) who had started from northern Belgium on the 1st of April, he had connected with the Vezlay route, gone via Lourdes, walked one of the hiking routes along the Pyrenees to Hendaye. I innocently asked him over a pint in Oviedo (26 June)what he intended to do at the end of his camino, he said he wasnt sure but he wanted to keep a few weeks holiday in reserve.After a few more questions i had found out that he was tax officer, he had built up his holiday for several months on the camino by doing a few extra hours a week over a period of a couple of years(flexi-time) he was also on full pay.
I am willing to bet that when all is said and done the things I sacrifice and accomplish so that I am able to, at least, complete this pilgrimage IN SECTIONS makes it a MORE MEANINGFUL pilgrimage that many that have the opportunity to do it all at once. I could use my two weeks to go to Costa del Sol or the Bahamas; THAT is a vacation. Instead, I prepare mentally, physically, and spiritually to offer the (limited) time in the Camino to connect with God, nature, and others. ( moderator edit)A commitment to doing the Camino means putting it above everything else. That's assuming it's far more than a vacation. If it's just a vacation then you do it in segments.
We were very fortunate and happy that we could do the entire Camino in one trip. I was afraid that if we split it up, we would never get back to it. We met several people that were doing their 3rd, 4th, even 5th Camino. We asked each other "Why?, this is a once in a lifetime experience." Ha, not anymore, we can't wait to go again, even if we have to split the next one into segments. What an experienceIt is clear that not everyone is able or even wants to take 4+ weeks off. Whether you walk one day, one week or one month is IMHO totally irrelevant. As far as I know a pilgrimage is not time-bound.
quietwun-- I would be honored to encounter you and share time on the Camino. Love your attitude. BUEN CAMINO!!Everyone has a story. Mine might make you think I am crazy, or soon will be.
I have all the time I can handle as I am on Long Term Disability leave, for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. So, time
I have, enthusiasm I have, but physical ability, not so much. I travel with enough meds to stock a pharmacy. May the customs officials smile on me.
But it won't kill me. Uncomfortable, painful, and exhausted to tears most days maybe. I am calling it a LSD Camino. Long Slow Distance. Only starting from Burgos probably where I will recover from travel and spend Santa Semana getting my head and heart ready. My days will be mostly short, and I have nothing to prove so if it means a bus, lots of rest days. It is mine and over the years I have learned to adapt experiences to get the core of what I desire from an experience in a way I can handle.
I am still waiting for some final details to be in place before I can book..then deal with house security, lawn, dog, parking and GO. April 10 is my hope.
So for time off? Be careful what you wish for.
Sad thing about life--rare is the person who has money, time and health at the same time.
Your post reflects real life, not wishful thinking. Bravo!. I wish everyone here the gift of a supportive employer and team, so that you can bring the gifts of the Camino back to share with them in the spirit that it was intended.
I simply got old and retired, thus having too much time.quietwun-- I would be honored to encounter you and share time on the Camino. Love your attitude. BUEN CAMINO!!
I have started the very early stages of planning my trip on the Camino. I am researching what to pack, how to get there, where to stay, how much money it will take, etc. The only real lingering question in my mind is, "How in the world do I take 5-6 weeks off work without losing my job?" I am the assistant to two Vice Presidents at a large mental health clinic (17 counties, 800 staff) and I have a pretty good idea what their reaction would be if I told them I wanted to take off 6 weeks to have this experience...and I don't think it would be a positive reaction. American companies are so uptight about giving time off to employees, I'm afraid I'll lose my job. My only other thought has been that when the time comes that I can do the Camino (I'm shooting for Sept 2013), I look for a different job to start when I return.
How did everyone here manage to take 4-6 weeks off their everyday lives and jobs?
Thanks!
Good for you. But I suspect you are in the minority.I have both boss and subordinates, including an admin, and if my critical staff tells me that she would like to take 5 weeks off for 'vacation', I would be a bit surprised, but no way would I terminate her job because of this! And, if she explains the reason, I am sure I can pick up the slack for 5 weeks without too much undue stress, and become her cheerleader in the process
Move to Ireland and become a teacher= 12 weeks off for summer!!! Camino here I come!I have started the very early stages of planning my trip on the Camino. I am researching what to pack, how to get there, where to stay, how much money it will take, etc. The only real lingering question in my mind is, "How in the world do I take 5-6 weeks off work without losing my job?" I am the assistant to two Vice Presidents at a large mental health clinic (17 counties, 800 staff) and I have a pretty good idea what their reaction would be if I told them I wanted to take off 6 weeks to have this experience...and I don't think it would be a positive reaction. American companies are so uptight about giving time off to employees, I'm afraid I'll lose my job. My only other thought has been that when the time comes that I can do the Camino (I'm shooting for Sept 2013), I look for a different job to start when I return.
How did everyone here manage to take 4-6 weeks off their everyday lives and jobs?
Thanks!
Jnlee99 said: ↑
I have both boss and subordinates, including an admin, and if my critical staff tells me that she would like to take 5 weeks off for 'vacation', I would be a bit surprised, but no way would I terminate her job because of this! And, if she explains the reason, I am sure I can pick up the slack for 5 weeks without too much undue stress, and become her cheerleader in the process
Good for you. But I suspect you are in the minority.
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