.

There's nothing wrong with taking your PTO to just stay home, but it really sucks when that's your only option because even a relatively local vacation is too expensive.

Sometimes I think that's why I don't use as much PTO I should. What's the point, is it to just drive home the fact that my life sucks and I can't afford anything despite spending little on things that I want? I know the point, it's just a rhetorical question and I'm salty that I can have a well established career, deep technical knowledge, and a wealth of other experience and still struggle to make ends meet. My rent is over 40% of my income and I'm lucky compared to others!

Fuck do I hate the US. The purpose of my life is not to produce profits! Why must so much of my life wasted on bullshit?

Americans can’t use their vacation days. Vacations have to be approved months ahead of time by your employer, and they hold the final decision whether or not to approve or deny your request.

In communist Belgium I am forced to take my vacation days throughout the year 😔

19 vacation days a year for Japan seems high. Most companies start at around 10-12 and scale up to about 20ish. I have been with my company a long time in a higher position, I think I get about 19/year (can roll over one year). We don't get distinct sick days either. It feels like they are factoring in national holidays or something.

I admit I am terrible about using my PTO though, I think I took 5 days last year which is the legally required minimum. Don't be me, take your days off.

Cant use a thing if you can't get permission to use the thing while also not often being allowed to cash in the vacation hours for pay to get a fat bonus.