Has anyone ever taken PTO to go on job interviews?

Published

Specializes in Rehab/Nurse Manager.

I managed to snag myself two weeks or 80 hours of PTO.   First and foremost, I'm planning on using this time to just catch up on extra rest that I haven't gotten over the past couple of years.   I've got some reorganization/cleaning to do and also want to have time to do some enjoyable activities.  I might be house-searching a bit more.   I want time to focus on getting my health managed, both physically and mentally.   Now would be a great time to try and establish a better diet, for instance. 

However, one of the things I've also honestly thought about is using some of this time to set up and go on job interviews.  I want to see if there is maybe something out there that is more of a fit than what I am currently doing.   I'm hoping to find something that not only has a better work/life balance but that is also a better match for the very few skills I do have.  Frankly, I'm tired of being under stress all the time and feel that this is a good time to possibly make some life-changes. 

I'm wondering if anyone else has gone on job interviews and/or made life-changes during their PTO/vacation time? 

3
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Absolutely. I've also called off to go on a last minute job  interview. (waits for the flaming to start over that one LOL)

10
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CMSRN, hospice.
49 minutes ago, CharleeFoxtrot said:

Absolutely. I've also called off to go on a last minute job  interview. (waits for the flaming to start over that one LOL)

No flaming here! Been there. Didn't feel too bad considering I'd been denied PTO requests quite a few times leading up to that point.

And truly, I don't know when else I would make any life changes. Certainly don't have time at work! If interviewing for new jobs is what you need, it's absolutely a worthy use of PTO.

8
Up Vote Up Vote ×

 

3 hours ago, SilverBells said:

 

I'm wondering if anyone else has gone on job interviews and/or made life-changes during their PTO/vacation time? 

Sure, why not?  It's your time and don't feel the need to justify, rationalize, or explain your choices.  Regarding calling in to interview for a different job: I've never personally done it but have no moral dilemmas about doing so.  

7
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).

While working at one community mental health clinic, one of my numerous titles was "Mandated Follow Up Agent of the Southern Region" for deinstitutionalized state hospital clients.

I would regularly visit another community mental health clinic in the southern region in order to evaluate the status of some clients. In doing so, I enhanced a relationship with one of the managers, who knew me from when I had instituted and supervised a psych program as a NS for a HH agency. At one meeting, she happen to mention that their facility would be having an opening for NS, and questioned whether I would be interested in that position.

I had been reading the writing on the wall and sensed my days were numbered at my present position, so I expressed my interest. On a few occasions, I discussed the status of the NS position with the manager on the telephone from my office at the facility where I worked.

In essence, I did not use Paid Time Off to set up interviews, I used Paid Time On to set up interviews.

6
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Rehab/Nurse Manager.

It's only day 2 of 14 days of PTO.  I'm already starting to think about going back to work.  

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg/Tele/ER/Urgent Care.

Why?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Rehab/Nurse Manager.

I do not know what to do with myself when I'm not working 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Rehab/Nurse Manager.

I'm wondering if taking PTO was wise after all.  My mind keeps thinking it needs to be doing work activities.   Maybe I like work more than I think. 

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg/Tele/ER/Urgent Care.
1 hour ago, SilverBells said:

I do not know what to do with myself when I'm not working 

But you had tons of stuff planned!  Did you actually search for other jobs? Work on diet/exercise? Go for a walk! Start filling boxes with stuff to get rid of, reorganizing a closet. House hunting? Actually all the stuff you listed would have kep me busy for about 6 weeks! Procrastinating Much? Make a list and get to it!

3
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Travel, Home Health, Med-Surg.
1 hour ago, SilverBells said:

I'm wondering if taking PTO was wise after all.  My mind keeps thinking it needs to be doing work activities.   Maybe I like work more than I think. 

There are plenty of “activities” that do not include work. It is not healthy for body, mind, or spirit to be so wrapped up in only work. I would most definitely advise you to find something worthwhile to fill the work void/time off  and enjoy your life while you still can!

And, your PTO can and should be used for your personal benefit whatever you deem to be important, including interviews. 

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
On 10/23/2021 at 3:59 PM, CharleeFoxtrot said:

Absolutely. I've also called off to go on a last minute job  interview. (waits for the flaming to start over that one LOL)

No flaming here- done that myself!

3
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion