How to convince the boss?

[ac2rivers]

I am trying to figure out how to convince my boss to let me take off the do a thru hike. Was wondering what approach people have taken to help ensure they return to a good company. It is my dream job with the best possible company to work for. I appreciate any input.

[Jeff]

Just be upfront and give them plenty of notice.

If you are a valuable employee they should welcome you back at the end of your hike. Good, hardworking and smart employees are hard to come by.

[Tractor]

Unless it is a small company, you may also need to convince your boss's boss as well as HR. Carefully listen and note what information comes back to you if it is a YES from the boss. LOA may or may not come with "strings" you wish to have at this stage. Best of luck!

[Tennessee Viking]

Some companies will accept a thru hike as a sabbatical or put in for temporary leave of absence. Just state it will increase your leadership skills.

But just be up front and see if anyone at your work can pick up your duties or if they can temp out.

[Reid]

Welcome to section hiking!

[RevLee]

I let my manager know a couple of years ago that I was planning to thru-hike. First, it was so far off it wasn't an immediate concern to my manager, but it did plant the seed. Second, it enabled us to talk about my projects and planning them so one would not come due during the hike. Now it's such an old topic that's it is just accepted. I've also been doing a lot of documenting of procedures, so others can handle my work while I'm gone.

My friend who will be starting with me, his job situation has been more dynamic. He's had his current position for less than a year, and finally broached the subject just a few weeks ago. His management has only given him 8-10 weeks off, so he can do roughly the first half.

Just be upfront and honest about your plans. See what you can offer to do in advance to help tide the business over while you are gone. (Go the extra mile )

[Deadeye]

One of my employees wanted a LOA for a special 6-month trip. couldn't give it to him, but told him he'd be welcome back if we had an opening. He left in February, and we just re-hired him for September. It worked out. Take your chances - there are lots of jobs out there, but not many guarantees.

[The Weasel]

From a lot of experience in human resources issues, I give you the following:

1) Do a 'stealth' investigation about whether it is possible that you'll be given the time off. Do this by trying to find out if others at your work level and experience have been given time off. One tipoff is to see how women who have taken extended maternity leaves have been (a) treated and (b) talked about. Since women are entitled to maternity leave by law, unlike you, if they are criticised for taking the time or otherwise dealt with adversely, you may take it as very possible that you will be, also.

2) If you are not a very, very highly rated employee, you risk not being given a job no matter what is said now, unless you get an ironclad agreement, which isn't bloody likely. There are a lot of job seekers chasing a limited number of jobs, and the person who takes your job today is showing greater job-loyalty thatn you and may be rewarded for it.

3) You stand a real risk of not getting promotions or other optional benefits, since you're showing (in the eyes of some) less than total loyalty to your job. (Forget that few employers feel loyalty to their employees; they expect the reverse.) You may also lose seniority or other benefits you already have, such as getting lesser medical insurance coverage.

Be careful. Be VERY careful.

TW

[Guy]

What I did was:
1. Read the Co. leave of absence policy. I consider this to be obvious first thing to do before speaking to anyone in the organization.
2. Talked to someone who had utilized that policy. Asked him if he had any advice on how to get what I want.
3. Talked to a supervisor who was supportive and made an ally.
4. Talked to my boss who has turned out to be supportive as well. When I spoke to my boss, I made a point of apologizing for putting her through the hoop jumping that is required of her to give me a leave. I meant it too. It's a pain in the butt dealing with the HR types.

[fredmugs]

Read what this guy is telling you. Then read it again. Then read para (2) one more time.

From a lot of experience in human resources issues, I give you the following:

1) Do a 'stealth' investigation about whether it is possible that you'll be given the time off. Do this by trying to find out if others at your work level and experience have been given time off. One tipoff is to see how women who have taken extended maternity leaves have been (a) treated and (b) talked about. Since women are entitled to maternity leave by law, unlike you, if they are criticised for taking the time or otherwise dealt with adversely, you may take it as very possible that you will be, also.

2) If you are not a very, very highly rated employee, you risk not being given a job no matter what is said now, unless you get an ironclad agreement, which isn't bloody likely. There are a lot of job seekers chasing a limited number of jobs, and the person who takes your job today is showing greater job-loyalty thatn you and may be rewarded for it.

3) You stand a real risk of not getting promotions or other optional benefits, since you're showing (in the eyes of some) less than total loyalty to your job. (Forget that few employers feel loyalty to their employees; they expect the reverse.) You may also lose seniority or other benefits you already have, such as getting lesser medical insurance coverage.

Be careful. Be VERY careful.

TW

[Jeff]

I have yet to meet a thruhiker who told me that he/she regretted leaving their job to hike the trail.

[slowandlow]

I have yet to meet a thruhiker who told me that he/she regretted leaving their job to hike the trail.

If I were 23 years old like the OP, I would put in my notice and be gone without a second thought.

[leeki pole]

All right, I'd like to put in two cents. I haven't taken a sick day in two and a half years, didn't use all my vacation time last year, have taken one-half day of vacation this year and been with the company 22 years.

Should a 23 year old be granted a leave of absence? In a word, no.

[Disney]

Stress the fact that you'll be in touch with them by cell phone for free if they input/info. You'll only get reception rarely but they don't need to know that yet. If you do end up going, make sure you call them, keep in touch, send photographs, discuss issues, email the folks. Keep yourself in the loop, it will make having a job when you return much more likely.

[Rockhound]

Work is highly over rated. Money is highly over rated. Free yourself of these needless attachments. Enjoy the here and now. Too many people spend their lives punching clocks worrying about tomorrow. You should ask yourself if you were not receiving a paycheck would you still love your job and continue to go? If yes congrats. If no then stop going and start enjoying each moment of every day. Stop sacrificing 40/50/60 hours a week in exchange for a couple days a week or a couple weeks a year of freedom. You are free right now if you choose to be. So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains and we never even know we have the key.

[The Weasel]

Work is highly over rated. Money is highly over rated. Free yourself of these needless attachments. Enjoy the here and now. Too many people spend their lives punching clocks worrying about tomorrow. You should ask yourself if you were not receiving a paycheck would you still love your job and continue to go? If yes congrats. If no then stop going and start enjoying each moment of every day. Stop sacrificing 40/50/60 hours a week in exchange for a couple days a week or a couple weeks a year of freedom. You are free right now if you choose to be. So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains and we never even know we have the key.

You are either independently wealthy or have parents with an extra room and a full refrigerator.

TW

[Disney]

You are either independently wealthy or have parents with an extra room and a full refrigerator.

TW

Probably, but not necessarily. Some people are quite happy to live very cheaply doing a job that they enjoy.

[summermike]

Your employer is not your parent. You don't need to get permission. If your job is there when you get back, fine. If it isn't, fine. There will always be other jobs.

You could be in a horrible car accident next year and unable to hike ever again. Would you be happy you stayed at your job instead of doing a thruhike when you were able to?

You can't see the future. All you have is now. It's your life; if you want to thruhike go do it.

[The Weasel]

Your employer is not your parent. You don't need to get permission. If your job is there when you get back, fine. If it isn't, fine. There will always be other jobs.

***.

Yeah, and the 10% of the nation that's unemployed today will do its best to take them away from you.

TW

[leeki pole]

Your employer is not your parent. You don't need to get permission. If your job is there when you get back, fine. If it isn't, fine. There will always be other jobs.

You could be in a horrible car accident next year and unable to hike ever again. Would you be happy you stayed at your job instead of doing a thruhike when you were able to?

You can't see the future. All you have is now. It's your life; if you want to thruhike go do it.

It's what I call the drive-thru mentality that everyone seems to have. Don't worry, be happy, but I want to be happy now. And could you give me fries with that burger? Sheesh.