Boomers' Extra Vacation Leave Memo Template

The memo below is best applied after reading all three steps of the Extra Vacation Leave section. If you haven't already done that, start with How Many Extra Weeks of Vacation Leave to Negotiate.

This isn't a one-size-fits-all memo. You know how best to approach your manager, so go ahead and tweak it.

Make it sound like your voice. Use a tone which reflects your employer's culture (e.g., its degree of formality) and the nature of your working relationship with your manager.

Note how certain words and phrases are used to position your request:

• I suggest using the term supplemental vacation leave, to distinguish the request from your earned vacation days off.

• No matter what your vacation plans are, say “outside interests” instead of “leisure interests” to temper any tone of too much fun while everyone else is slaving away at the office.

• I've used “active, engaged, explore.” Makes you sound young and adventurous, doesn't it?

• If your earned and requested days translate into an even number of weeks, make the substitute. Seeing the smaller number—e.g., 3 weeks instead of 15 (work) days—may frame a more favorable picture in the mind of your manager.

• A slightly more formal tone than you usually use helps to convey the seriousness of your intent.




Ready? Copy, paste and edit the content below.

THE EXTRA VACATION MEMO FOR BABY BOOMERS STARTS HERE

DATE:

TO:

FROM:

RE: Supplemental Vacation Leave Request

As a seasoned [nature or name of job position], I have a wealth of knowledge that continues to prove useful in my current position. Even with [#] years of experience behind me, I expect to be an active employee for years to come.

While remaining engaged in my work [or "profession"], I also have outside interests which I'd like time to explore, beyond my customary time off. By way of this memo, I am making a formal request for supplemental vacation leave.

As a result of my # years with [employer], I have earned # days of paid [vacation] leave per year, and am requesting a supplement of # days.

I understand this time would [may] be categorized as leave without pay. With your consent, I would submit my request according to [employer's] standard procedures.

As with any other planned leave, timing and work coverage issues would be collaboratively addressed.

Thank you for your consideration of this request. I am available for any follow-up discussion required.




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