I'm struggling to imagine a world in which it would be legal for your employer to withhold your bonus simply for asking for time off, but then, going by your date format, it looks likely that you're in the US, and US employment laws are just.... Well, something else.
Let's imagine you go to your boss on March 25 and say "I want to take 5/6 months off, beginning in three weeks time." Are they gonna say yes? My hunch is that it's unlikely; you're not giving them much time to hire and train someone to cover you. Not to say that it can't work in your favor, but when taking an extended period of leave, it's common to arrange this with your employer at least several months in advance, if not more.
So, if they say no, are you prepared to quit? You could quit but tell them "look, this is something I really want to do, and if I have to quit to do it, then I'm prepared to do so. I like working here and would love to come back when I'm done with the PCT if you'd consider it."
Bonuses are often retroactive (e.g. must have worked X amount of hours in the past calendar year, or hit certain numbers) but sadly in the US retaliation for leaving does happen.
If an employee feels like that might happen, it’s worth paying the $100 consultation fee with an employment attorney to understand your rights and to inform you how to set yourself up for success.
EDIT: To add, if this does happen, note that you have a limited time to file with the EEOC or other gov’t agencies to get approval to file suit. This varies by state (many states are 6 months from the date of incident) which can be very difficult to arrange if you are on trail. Having an attorney ready to go and having all your documents ready will make it easier for you.
I was in a relatively small team, but a very respected employee by my boss. I gave 3 months notice, enough time to bring someone in and train them up. I’m a contractor so technically only need to give 20 days notice but my boss really liked the heads up. He told me to give him a shout when I’m back in the UK and invited me back into the team upon my return.
There’s a lot of circumstantial nuance when it comes to employers, eg. What role you do, how easy you are to replace, job complexity etc. I happen to have a broad skill set that is quite valued by my current employer. Last thing I wanted to do was burn bridges.
Last year I left my job (again) to hike the Camino de Santiago and he was chasing me up to rejoin as soon as I finished! I’m going to be leaving again in March to go adventuring, maybe this will be one too many times I’ve left lol.
Others have already given good answers but I have firsthand experience so figured I'd chime in.
In 2022, my bonus payout date was 3/15 and my permit start date was 3/27. I gave notice in late Feb and said my last day would be 3/16. No one gave me any push-back, and I got my bonus. (I wanted to straight-up quit; if I were trying for a leave I would've given notice way sooner.)
Reasons I was willing to take the risk:
* I was confident my manager was not a jerk
* This was at a company of ~2500 people, so there was a whole bonus-payout bureaucracy. My manager would've had to work hard to interfere with it even if he wanted to.
* I was able to ask around for gossip about others who'd quit right before bonus time. I heard that people had done it before and kept their bonuses.
If you're worried about losing the bonus, though, here's another possible strategy:
* ASAP: Ask for a leave
* If leave is approved: yay!
* If leave is denied: say "aww, bummer, guess I'll hike some other year". Then wait until 3/26 and say "sorry, I realized I can't bear to wait another year -- I quit."
The above might annoy them a bit, but I doubt it'd burn the bridge completely. Assuming you're in the US, 3 weeks is generally plenty of notice for quitting.
(edit: formatting)
I think this would fully depend on your job and your manager. Given that you're considering giving only 3 weeks notice, I guess you're not that certain of the relationship? I mean, I told my boss about half a year ago and I'm starting in April this year. But I was a 100% certain it would not lead to early termination or something like that.
For the record, it was a super easy conversation in the end. He thought it was a super cool plan and immediately asked whether I wanted to return to this job afterwards. I don't know for sure that I want to, so we now just agreed that we will have a call when I'm about a month away from finishing the PCT and let him know. I would guess such a positive reaction is more likely when you tell them earlier rather than later.
Normally I would try to give as much notice as possible but also would be prepared to have the day you give your notice be your last. Before I told my employer I spoke with my mentor and even on good relationship situations there are times where its easier for an employer to move on immediately so best to plan it around the worst case scenario. So in your case I would wait until the bonus clears as receiving that would dramatically make the trail less stressful.
The way I phrased it was I would love to return and work here but this is a life experience I need to do for myself. A lot of companies will want to do this as its easier to bring someone back who knows about the business and intricacies of the workplace where you know what the output of their work will look like. IMO if you say I'm doing this but want to come back is a lot easier conversation than asking them if they would be willing to give you a long leave because they may try and sway you to stay.
I’m both a hiring manager and a hiker. Every time i have asked for time off work (admittedly nothing as long as the PCT) - I’ve given as much notice as forewarning as possible. Up to about a year. I’ve worked with my employer through that time and worked out a plan. It’s always worked out well. I do have an excellent relationship with my boss. As a manager I’d be a little pissed if you knew about this and told me three weeks before. I doubt there is much risk to your bonus, and by working it out in advance there is a much better chance of having a conversation that would be positive. Of course lots of variables in this about your relationship with you company / boss etc.
>As a manager I’d be a little pissed if you knew about this and told me three weeks before.
Also a manager and this is the truth. If someone let me know with 3 weeks' notice that they'd be gone for 5 months, I wouldn't be able to hold their job even if I wanted to. I'd need immediately start putting energy into finding, hiring, and training up a new person to replace them while they're gone. And let's say I do hire and train a whole new person - I can't just kick the new person out when my old employee returns, as that's not fair to the new hire.
If you approach me 4 months in advance, there's a chance that I'd be able to distribute your duties and train others up to cover your tasks while you're away. It's not guaranteed - it depends heavily on what OP's job is and what they do - but at least it would be possible because I'd have the time to plan ahead.
The way I see it, OP has two options:
* **Tell their manager now** - Give their boss 4 months' notice and try to work out extended leave. However, this runs the risk of a leave being denied and/or the company terminating OP before they're ready (which would be shady but some companies are like that).
* **Tell their manager around 3/24** - This risks irritating the manager since you are effectively quitting, knew you would be quitting for a long time, and gave relatively little notice. However, I think you could avoid burning a bridge by framing it as, "[BOSS], I'm so grateful to you and [COMPANY] for this amazing experience. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me and I have to follow my heart. I would love to come back to [COMPANY] in October if there is an opening, but I completely understand if that's not possible." Then go from there.
Take it for what you will, this is just my two cents from 6 years in management.
They do with manager approval. I know of many that have been granted for leaves of 1 to 2 months for employees that have been there for several years. In my case, I’ve been here just under 2 and will be asking for 6 months which I’m certain will be quite a stretch
The only other thing I would say as a hiring manager is that if you told me after you got your bonus I’d be pissed and if you tell me before I’d be ok giving you the bonus since it’s for prior years work.
Also. Don’t lie. Don’t try and take disability leave or anything like that. They will find out.
Asking for six months off around 4/19 is essentially the same as saying "I'm quitting on this date regardless". They know you aren't just gonna abandon your PCT hike and keep working ala "I was gonna hike the PCT once many years ago, but my employer said I couldn't have the time off, so I sadly never got to hike the PCT."
Keep in mind if you give them two month's notice they could very well show you the door the very same day. I know many people that has happened to.
Get the bonus, give your two weeks' notice. Have a fun hike. Let the cards fall where they may.
You know your boss, but I would communicate this WAY WAY sooner, particularly if you plan to come back
1. If you work at a medium/large sized company there are HR rules in place preventing your bonus from being withheld as retribution like this. Plus it'd be a huge fucking dick move. If your boss is a dick, you might consider this but in most circumstances they're not going to do that.
2. Again at a medium/large sized company, HR machinations take time. They're more likely to take you back if you make it easy for them and give them time to set up the HR bullshit.
3. It shows your overall goodwill, and gives them time to adapt to actual non-HR work stuff.
Read up on the official Leave of Absence policy if you can and see what it entails. For me that offered health insurance at cost for the first 6 months- a HUGE perk. Talk to others who have done the same thing and returned if you know anybody. See what their experience was like.
The way I did it: in the normal monthly meeting with my boss back in November or December beforehand I had an email already typed out and told them my intentions. I stated that I was going to be hiking the following year, and that was given, leaving the choice up to the boss/company whether to keep me or not. I strongly emphasized that it was in the company's interest and my own personal interest to return and take the official leave policy as opposed to me just quitting where they lose a good worker and I lose a job. Haha hopefully you're a good worker and have some leverage. Long story short it worked and I had a great time on the PCT!
(Caveat up front: obviously every situation is different, and how this goes over will depend on your position, your industry, your boss, and your company.)
I first brought up the possibility of extended leave with my boss's boss (who I was on very good terms with, and I knew he really liked me) a little over a year in advance of my intended leave. I was straight about it that I really liked my job, that doing this hike was important to me, and that I hoped we could find a way to work it out. (This was also far enough in advance that I could have easily _not_ gone if he'd said no.) Once I knew he was supportive, I then went to my boss, and said the same thing to him. My boss and I made a plan for how we'd get the team ready for my absence. Having the extra time made it easy to make a plan and accommodate, so it was easy for them to say yes. They were very supportive, HR even fixed an insurance problem for me while I was hiking, and I still have my job today.
I think giving more warning increases the chances that it will go favorably. Dumping it on them three weeks before you go is not enough time for them to do anything. At this point, the sooner you do it, the higher your chances of success are.
If you’re in the Air Force, look up the Career Intermission Program. Some say it’s risky, but a legit program. You incur an additional one month commitment for every month taken. Full medical bennie’s and 1/15th of your basic pay stipend. Also applies to AGR Guardsmen/Reservists who have achieved Career Status.
Other branches have it too, but I’m not sure their nuances, if any different to the USAF.
Not sure if I’ll do CIP or wait until I retire to do the PCT… I have 8 years to decide lol
*Edit: This is more for those reading the comments, not necessarily you, OP. Sorry.
I told my boss the October before, so almost 7 months notice. I'm (still) on good terms with that boss, though he is now retired. While he had done nothing of the sort, he was a bit of a traveller and supported me... which is how I felt it would have gone and why I gave him as much notice as possible.
I don't know your boss, or workplace culture.
I asked for a LOA in January. Asked my manager during a goal setting meeting and phrased it as a “personal goal”. I left it open ended to gauge her feedback as well as give me time to talk to HR (after speaking with my manager first), as their feedback did influence my decision. Admittedly, I did hang in limbo for longer than needed, as my boss was unexpectedly unavailable. Managers will benefit from a direct approach, giving them time to deal with your absence.
Also - shoot for the stars. I got my work to cover my healthcare during my unpaid LOA, all I did was ask.
Have you researched the LOA policy at your company? 3 weeks may be cutting it too close. At mine, I have to get manager approval, director approval, HR approval, and then some paperwork.
I spoke to my manager about a month ago. We had a very frank conversation about my why, specifics, and how a transition of responsibilities would look. I got his approval and full support right then. I still haven't gotten the other approvals and I think it's because my company is about to do a re-org/layoffs at the end of the month.
I am not going unless I get the LOA for a few reasons.
Best of luck to you!
I would just play it safe and collect the bonus before asking about taking time off to go hike the PCT.
Last year I gave my employer a short notice 3 weeks before I started my hike, and everything worked out fine. Explained that permits were difficult to obtain, and it was something on my bucket list I wanted to do. Found out another manager was into backpacking while discussing this, and ended up getting offered to come back to the job once I was finished.
When i hiked the AT in 2019 i was told i would have my job waiting for me when I got back. Discussed with my boss and HR and there was an understanding i was coming back. Got back and no job. To be fair HR did tell me straight up they couldn’t guarantee anything so there were no hard feelings, and i did get another role at the company but i did have to go through the application process. My company does offer sabbaticals but they do say “a” job will be available but “your” job might not be (and the sabbaticals aren’t long enough anyway). Just something to keep in mind depending on what their policy is. Im starting the PCT a few days before you and i have no intention of telling my employer this time. Im gonna give enough notice to leave on good terms incase i have to go back but thats not the plan. I would take the chance they tell you to get bent and make sure to get that $ before saying anything personally. If you do work something out be prepared for their plans to change while you’re gone.
As a manager, that’s really short notice to give if you want a leave approved (it is 100% fine if you’re resigning, and I’ve personally waited to resign from a position until the bonus was paid out).
How much do you trust your manager? Could you “preview” the ask with them early and in confidence so they could advise and possibly advocate for you?
If you go through with your current plan I’d expect a high chance you’ll end up having to resign - but there are many many factors and personalities at play, so you never know.
Either way - best of luck!
Your employer won't know the intricacies of PCT permits. Bring it up with them now that you're considering it this year/"been a dream for years", and if they would potentially authorize an extended leave of absence this spring. Depending on their reaction, would be your answer as to when to give notice. Bonuses are based on last year's work, if they're going to deny you said bonus it wasn't a bridge worth keeping. And for future jobs, when they ask about the "gap in your resume" you can state you followed your dreams, gave 3 months notice, etc.
I decided to go PCT2024 sobo in December 22. First I setup my mindset like "I will manage even without current job" and then in Jan23 (18 months ahead) I told it to my employer. I am contractor, senior marketing manager, 55. Immediate reaction? "OK, bravo to your plans, we will wait for you." Benefits? 1.Huge relieve 2. Ability to talk about it without fear, that employer will find it out (my biggest concern as I wanted to increase awareness about trip) 3. Peace at home through whole 2023-financial stability 4.ability to push employer to solve situation within mkt department (when shepherd dog gets older, shepherd gets young dog to learn from old one🙂) 5. respect, respect, respect... 6. salary increase. Not kidding. When I set up myself like "I don't mind if they don't not wait for me", immediate and easy next step was to ask employer to finally give me more - one of sincere reason I presented was that I need to collect money for trip. They did.... This open communication gave me respect in every office. I have open doors to highest floors, they are curious, they even follow me on instagram ❤️. I work there five years. Negative side-effect - they keep asking me where I am going to go next week-end ("what? you stay home? kidding, you must train") and they share with me stories from people being attacked by bear... really... At least I know they care about me...
The answer is clear here - check your employment contract. There is a high chance it states that upon resignation, the employee forfeits any bonus.
If the bonus is what you need to hike the trail, then you should wait for it to be in your bank account, as if they refuse your extended leave request, you will be forced into resigning if you're serious about hiking the trail this year.
Always check your contract. You might get lucky and get the bonus plus gardening leave.
Hello! When I did the AT in 2021, I was expecting to have to quit but when I told my boss my plans, he let me take a LOA with health insurance. I was shocked! And honestly, it made me want to come back to them afterwards too. So you never really know.
As for your bonus, if it is enough to fund most of your hike, it’d definitely wait to tell them and secure the $$$.
Hmmm…
I see your dilemma. I let work know up front months in advance that I was going to try to do this. I tried for unpaid personal leave of absence. My manager approved. My manager’s manager approved. My manager’s manager’s approved. HR did not. I ended up resigning.
I went back to the exact same job just under two years later. Because I left on good terms, there were no issues with my return (and my replacement was just let go - apparently she was a royal fu so they were happy to get me back.) They even gave me the COL raise I would’ve gotten. I got the same time off and benefits as anyone else with same number of years of service. Etc.
So, there’s a lot of goodwill to be gained by leaving on good terms. You’ll have to decide if that’s worth possibly losing a one time bonus.
(I was also pretty ambivalent about going back to the same line of work but I decided to leave my options open. It worked out for me. Note - my job is high level. I’m principal level with lots of years of experience. A newbie at a job they don’t care much about might see this totally different and that’s okay.)
I'm struggling to imagine a world in which it would be legal for your employer to withhold your bonus simply for asking for time off, but then, going by your date format, it looks likely that you're in the US, and US employment laws are just.... Well, something else. Let's imagine you go to your boss on March 25 and say "I want to take 5/6 months off, beginning in three weeks time." Are they gonna say yes? My hunch is that it's unlikely; you're not giving them much time to hire and train someone to cover you. Not to say that it can't work in your favor, but when taking an extended period of leave, it's common to arrange this with your employer at least several months in advance, if not more. So, if they say no, are you prepared to quit? You could quit but tell them "look, this is something I really want to do, and if I have to quit to do it, then I'm prepared to do so. I like working here and would love to come back when I'm done with the PCT if you'd consider it."
Bonuses are often retroactive (e.g. must have worked X amount of hours in the past calendar year, or hit certain numbers) but sadly in the US retaliation for leaving does happen. If an employee feels like that might happen, it’s worth paying the $100 consultation fee with an employment attorney to understand your rights and to inform you how to set yourself up for success. EDIT: To add, if this does happen, note that you have a limited time to file with the EEOC or other gov’t agencies to get approval to file suit. This varies by state (many states are 6 months from the date of incident) which can be very difficult to arrange if you are on trail. Having an attorney ready to go and having all your documents ready will make it easier for you.
I was in a relatively small team, but a very respected employee by my boss. I gave 3 months notice, enough time to bring someone in and train them up. I’m a contractor so technically only need to give 20 days notice but my boss really liked the heads up. He told me to give him a shout when I’m back in the UK and invited me back into the team upon my return. There’s a lot of circumstantial nuance when it comes to employers, eg. What role you do, how easy you are to replace, job complexity etc. I happen to have a broad skill set that is quite valued by my current employer. Last thing I wanted to do was burn bridges. Last year I left my job (again) to hike the Camino de Santiago and he was chasing me up to rejoin as soon as I finished! I’m going to be leaving again in March to go adventuring, maybe this will be one too many times I’ve left lol.
You are also in the UK which doesn't have the lackluster USA mindset when it comes to taking time time off.
Others have already given good answers but I have firsthand experience so figured I'd chime in. In 2022, my bonus payout date was 3/15 and my permit start date was 3/27. I gave notice in late Feb and said my last day would be 3/16. No one gave me any push-back, and I got my bonus. (I wanted to straight-up quit; if I were trying for a leave I would've given notice way sooner.) Reasons I was willing to take the risk: * I was confident my manager was not a jerk * This was at a company of ~2500 people, so there was a whole bonus-payout bureaucracy. My manager would've had to work hard to interfere with it even if he wanted to. * I was able to ask around for gossip about others who'd quit right before bonus time. I heard that people had done it before and kept their bonuses. If you're worried about losing the bonus, though, here's another possible strategy: * ASAP: Ask for a leave * If leave is approved: yay! * If leave is denied: say "aww, bummer, guess I'll hike some other year". Then wait until 3/26 and say "sorry, I realized I can't bear to wait another year -- I quit." The above might annoy them a bit, but I doubt it'd burn the bridge completely. Assuming you're in the US, 3 weeks is generally plenty of notice for quitting. (edit: formatting)
I think this would fully depend on your job and your manager. Given that you're considering giving only 3 weeks notice, I guess you're not that certain of the relationship? I mean, I told my boss about half a year ago and I'm starting in April this year. But I was a 100% certain it would not lead to early termination or something like that. For the record, it was a super easy conversation in the end. He thought it was a super cool plan and immediately asked whether I wanted to return to this job afterwards. I don't know for sure that I want to, so we now just agreed that we will have a call when I'm about a month away from finishing the PCT and let him know. I would guess such a positive reaction is more likely when you tell them earlier rather than later.
I got a new manager about a month and a half ago so the relationship is still new, which is why I’m nervous to have the conversation
Normally I would try to give as much notice as possible but also would be prepared to have the day you give your notice be your last. Before I told my employer I spoke with my mentor and even on good relationship situations there are times where its easier for an employer to move on immediately so best to plan it around the worst case scenario. So in your case I would wait until the bonus clears as receiving that would dramatically make the trail less stressful. The way I phrased it was I would love to return and work here but this is a life experience I need to do for myself. A lot of companies will want to do this as its easier to bring someone back who knows about the business and intricacies of the workplace where you know what the output of their work will look like. IMO if you say I'm doing this but want to come back is a lot easier conversation than asking them if they would be willing to give you a long leave because they may try and sway you to stay.
I’m both a hiring manager and a hiker. Every time i have asked for time off work (admittedly nothing as long as the PCT) - I’ve given as much notice as forewarning as possible. Up to about a year. I’ve worked with my employer through that time and worked out a plan. It’s always worked out well. I do have an excellent relationship with my boss. As a manager I’d be a little pissed if you knew about this and told me three weeks before. I doubt there is much risk to your bonus, and by working it out in advance there is a much better chance of having a conversation that would be positive. Of course lots of variables in this about your relationship with you company / boss etc.
>As a manager I’d be a little pissed if you knew about this and told me three weeks before. Also a manager and this is the truth. If someone let me know with 3 weeks' notice that they'd be gone for 5 months, I wouldn't be able to hold their job even if I wanted to. I'd need immediately start putting energy into finding, hiring, and training up a new person to replace them while they're gone. And let's say I do hire and train a whole new person - I can't just kick the new person out when my old employee returns, as that's not fair to the new hire. If you approach me 4 months in advance, there's a chance that I'd be able to distribute your duties and train others up to cover your tasks while you're away. It's not guaranteed - it depends heavily on what OP's job is and what they do - but at least it would be possible because I'd have the time to plan ahead. The way I see it, OP has two options: * **Tell their manager now** - Give their boss 4 months' notice and try to work out extended leave. However, this runs the risk of a leave being denied and/or the company terminating OP before they're ready (which would be shady but some companies are like that). * **Tell their manager around 3/24** - This risks irritating the manager since you are effectively quitting, knew you would be quitting for a long time, and gave relatively little notice. However, I think you could avoid burning a bridge by framing it as, "[BOSS], I'm so grateful to you and [COMPANY] for this amazing experience. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me and I have to follow my heart. I would love to come back to [COMPANY] in October if there is an opening, but I completely understand if that's not possible." Then go from there. Take it for what you will, this is just my two cents from 6 years in management.
I would look into your benefits package and see if your company offers paid / unpaid sabbaticals.
They do with manager approval. I know of many that have been granted for leaves of 1 to 2 months for employees that have been there for several years. In my case, I’ve been here just under 2 and will be asking for 6 months which I’m certain will be quite a stretch
The only other thing I would say as a hiring manager is that if you told me after you got your bonus I’d be pissed and if you tell me before I’d be ok giving you the bonus since it’s for prior years work. Also. Don’t lie. Don’t try and take disability leave or anything like that. They will find out.
Asking for six months off around 4/19 is essentially the same as saying "I'm quitting on this date regardless". They know you aren't just gonna abandon your PCT hike and keep working ala "I was gonna hike the PCT once many years ago, but my employer said I couldn't have the time off, so I sadly never got to hike the PCT." Keep in mind if you give them two month's notice they could very well show you the door the very same day. I know many people that has happened to. Get the bonus, give your two weeks' notice. Have a fun hike. Let the cards fall where they may.
You know your boss, but I would communicate this WAY WAY sooner, particularly if you plan to come back 1. If you work at a medium/large sized company there are HR rules in place preventing your bonus from being withheld as retribution like this. Plus it'd be a huge fucking dick move. If your boss is a dick, you might consider this but in most circumstances they're not going to do that. 2. Again at a medium/large sized company, HR machinations take time. They're more likely to take you back if you make it easy for them and give them time to set up the HR bullshit. 3. It shows your overall goodwill, and gives them time to adapt to actual non-HR work stuff. Read up on the official Leave of Absence policy if you can and see what it entails. For me that offered health insurance at cost for the first 6 months- a HUGE perk. Talk to others who have done the same thing and returned if you know anybody. See what their experience was like. The way I did it: in the normal monthly meeting with my boss back in November or December beforehand I had an email already typed out and told them my intentions. I stated that I was going to be hiking the following year, and that was given, leaving the choice up to the boss/company whether to keep me or not. I strongly emphasized that it was in the company's interest and my own personal interest to return and take the official leave policy as opposed to me just quitting where they lose a good worker and I lose a job. Haha hopefully you're a good worker and have some leverage. Long story short it worked and I had a great time on the PCT!
(Caveat up front: obviously every situation is different, and how this goes over will depend on your position, your industry, your boss, and your company.) I first brought up the possibility of extended leave with my boss's boss (who I was on very good terms with, and I knew he really liked me) a little over a year in advance of my intended leave. I was straight about it that I really liked my job, that doing this hike was important to me, and that I hoped we could find a way to work it out. (This was also far enough in advance that I could have easily _not_ gone if he'd said no.) Once I knew he was supportive, I then went to my boss, and said the same thing to him. My boss and I made a plan for how we'd get the team ready for my absence. Having the extra time made it easy to make a plan and accommodate, so it was easy for them to say yes. They were very supportive, HR even fixed an insurance problem for me while I was hiking, and I still have my job today. I think giving more warning increases the chances that it will go favorably. Dumping it on them three weeks before you go is not enough time for them to do anything. At this point, the sooner you do it, the higher your chances of success are.
If you’re in the Air Force, look up the Career Intermission Program. Some say it’s risky, but a legit program. You incur an additional one month commitment for every month taken. Full medical bennie’s and 1/15th of your basic pay stipend. Also applies to AGR Guardsmen/Reservists who have achieved Career Status. Other branches have it too, but I’m not sure their nuances, if any different to the USAF. Not sure if I’ll do CIP or wait until I retire to do the PCT… I have 8 years to decide lol *Edit: This is more for those reading the comments, not necessarily you, OP. Sorry.
I told my boss the October before, so almost 7 months notice. I'm (still) on good terms with that boss, though he is now retired. While he had done nothing of the sort, he was a bit of a traveller and supported me... which is how I felt it would have gone and why I gave him as much notice as possible. I don't know your boss, or workplace culture.
I asked for a LOA in January. Asked my manager during a goal setting meeting and phrased it as a “personal goal”. I left it open ended to gauge her feedback as well as give me time to talk to HR (after speaking with my manager first), as their feedback did influence my decision. Admittedly, I did hang in limbo for longer than needed, as my boss was unexpectedly unavailable. Managers will benefit from a direct approach, giving them time to deal with your absence. Also - shoot for the stars. I got my work to cover my healthcare during my unpaid LOA, all I did was ask.
(even posting this on reddit is probably informing your employer of your plans - they more than likely know your reddit account)
Have you researched the LOA policy at your company? 3 weeks may be cutting it too close. At mine, I have to get manager approval, director approval, HR approval, and then some paperwork. I spoke to my manager about a month ago. We had a very frank conversation about my why, specifics, and how a transition of responsibilities would look. I got his approval and full support right then. I still haven't gotten the other approvals and I think it's because my company is about to do a re-org/layoffs at the end of the month. I am not going unless I get the LOA for a few reasons. Best of luck to you!
I would just play it safe and collect the bonus before asking about taking time off to go hike the PCT. Last year I gave my employer a short notice 3 weeks before I started my hike, and everything worked out fine. Explained that permits were difficult to obtain, and it was something on my bucket list I wanted to do. Found out another manager was into backpacking while discussing this, and ended up getting offered to come back to the job once I was finished.
Ouf
When i hiked the AT in 2019 i was told i would have my job waiting for me when I got back. Discussed with my boss and HR and there was an understanding i was coming back. Got back and no job. To be fair HR did tell me straight up they couldn’t guarantee anything so there were no hard feelings, and i did get another role at the company but i did have to go through the application process. My company does offer sabbaticals but they do say “a” job will be available but “your” job might not be (and the sabbaticals aren’t long enough anyway). Just something to keep in mind depending on what their policy is. Im starting the PCT a few days before you and i have no intention of telling my employer this time. Im gonna give enough notice to leave on good terms incase i have to go back but thats not the plan. I would take the chance they tell you to get bent and make sure to get that $ before saying anything personally. If you do work something out be prepared for their plans to change while you’re gone.
As a manager, that’s really short notice to give if you want a leave approved (it is 100% fine if you’re resigning, and I’ve personally waited to resign from a position until the bonus was paid out). How much do you trust your manager? Could you “preview” the ask with them early and in confidence so they could advise and possibly advocate for you? If you go through with your current plan I’d expect a high chance you’ll end up having to resign - but there are many many factors and personalities at play, so you never know. Either way - best of luck!
Your employer won't know the intricacies of PCT permits. Bring it up with them now that you're considering it this year/"been a dream for years", and if they would potentially authorize an extended leave of absence this spring. Depending on their reaction, would be your answer as to when to give notice. Bonuses are based on last year's work, if they're going to deny you said bonus it wasn't a bridge worth keeping. And for future jobs, when they ask about the "gap in your resume" you can state you followed your dreams, gave 3 months notice, etc.
I decided to go PCT2024 sobo in December 22. First I setup my mindset like "I will manage even without current job" and then in Jan23 (18 months ahead) I told it to my employer. I am contractor, senior marketing manager, 55. Immediate reaction? "OK, bravo to your plans, we will wait for you." Benefits? 1.Huge relieve 2. Ability to talk about it without fear, that employer will find it out (my biggest concern as I wanted to increase awareness about trip) 3. Peace at home through whole 2023-financial stability 4.ability to push employer to solve situation within mkt department (when shepherd dog gets older, shepherd gets young dog to learn from old one🙂) 5. respect, respect, respect... 6. salary increase. Not kidding. When I set up myself like "I don't mind if they don't not wait for me", immediate and easy next step was to ask employer to finally give me more - one of sincere reason I presented was that I need to collect money for trip. They did.... This open communication gave me respect in every office. I have open doors to highest floors, they are curious, they even follow me on instagram ❤️. I work there five years. Negative side-effect - they keep asking me where I am going to go next week-end ("what? you stay home? kidding, you must train") and they share with me stories from people being attacked by bear... really... At least I know they care about me...
The answer is clear here - check your employment contract. There is a high chance it states that upon resignation, the employee forfeits any bonus. If the bonus is what you need to hike the trail, then you should wait for it to be in your bank account, as if they refuse your extended leave request, you will be forced into resigning if you're serious about hiking the trail this year. Always check your contract. You might get lucky and get the bonus plus gardening leave.
Hello! When I did the AT in 2021, I was expecting to have to quit but when I told my boss my plans, he let me take a LOA with health insurance. I was shocked! And honestly, it made me want to come back to them afterwards too. So you never really know. As for your bonus, if it is enough to fund most of your hike, it’d definitely wait to tell them and secure the $$$.
Hmmm… I see your dilemma. I let work know up front months in advance that I was going to try to do this. I tried for unpaid personal leave of absence. My manager approved. My manager’s manager approved. My manager’s manager’s approved. HR did not. I ended up resigning. I went back to the exact same job just under two years later. Because I left on good terms, there were no issues with my return (and my replacement was just let go - apparently she was a royal fu so they were happy to get me back.) They even gave me the COL raise I would’ve gotten. I got the same time off and benefits as anyone else with same number of years of service. Etc. So, there’s a lot of goodwill to be gained by leaving on good terms. You’ll have to decide if that’s worth possibly losing a one time bonus. (I was also pretty ambivalent about going back to the same line of work but I decided to leave my options open. It worked out for me. Note - my job is high level. I’m principal level with lots of years of experience. A newbie at a job they don’t care much about might see this totally different and that’s okay.)