I need to figure out how to tell my boss that I will not be able to come back to work after Christmas vacation (I'm a university student worker) when he wants me to. He has been very kind to me during these last few "depressing" months. But I have to take care of myself and need the entire vacation without coming back early. The program says to just say I am not available but I know me. I think I need more thatn this in my thinking patterns. Any advice?
I know this will sound so obvious, but you need to simply tell your boss the truth. It seems you are worried about, What will he/she think of me? But what's more important is, What will you think of yourself? Take care of yourself. Be honest. The words will come. Feel your discomfort while you are speaking (and, of course, stay out of your thinking mind as best you can.) The discomfort will pass and you will understand that taking care of your needs is indeed the best thing to do.
Well, if your feeling a little nervous about just coming right out and telling him you cant make it. Perhaps telling him what you told us would work? like saying " I appreciate your kindness over the last few weeks, But I have to take care of myself and would like the entire vacation without having to come back early." Whats the worst he can do right? If he doesnt let you, which i highly doubt, then atleast you tried and trying is always better than wondering about what could have been . Chances are, he's going to understand and he's not going to think any less of you for wanting that vacation time. Truth be known, he probably wants a little extra vacation time himself. So go for it hon, he cant bite ya...lol he's not gonna hang up the phone and go "Oh that penny..bla bla bla"..He's probably too busy to even think about ya after he hangs up the phone or leaves the room. Just remember, he's a human being as well. He's probably had to do the same thing to his boss, and been in the exact same situation. I hope this was of some help hon. Good luck to you and take good care!
Penny - there is nothing wrong with just saying that you need a break from work and school and would like the time off. We all need breaks from these things and I'm sure your boss has felt that way too. There is nothing wrong with that! You do not need to say any more than that - sure thank him/her for how kind they have been but then just say you really need a break from school and work and would like not to have to come back early. Sounds good to me!
I hope you get the time you need and use it to pamper yourself! Take care, Zoe
Thank you for your responces to my dilemma about my boss. He has been very nice to me and I think I will do what, basically you all said -- be honest. And it is about worrying about what he will think of me. The whole "depression" taboo and "maybe she can't handle the job anymore." But I do need the time and I am trying to take care of myself. Thank you and I'll let you know what happens.
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. Chances are, he's going to understand and he's not going to think any less of you for wanting that vacation time. Truth be known, he probably wants a little extra vacation time himself. So go for it hon, he cant bite ya...lol he's not gonna hang up the phone and go "Oh that penny..bla bla bla"..He's probably too busy to even think about ya after he hangs up the phone or leaves the room. Just remember, he's a human being as well. He's probably had to do the same thing to his boss, and been in the exact same situation. I hope this was of some help hon. Good luck to you and take good care!
