Pitching for more time off

The best time to negotiate for extra vacation time is before you start a new job, but that doesn't mean you're stuck with the standard two weeks per year forever.

If you need more paid time off, bring it up at your annual review. One avenue is to ask for more paid vacation time in lieu of a raise. Figure out how much that vacation week is worth to you and your employer. As a starting guide for your calculations, consider that one week's pay is about 2 percent of your salary. And, you will need to show how your job will get done in your absence. If you just have to make up the work yourself, you will likely be approved. If your employer has to hire a temp to cover for you - or bring in an already overworked colleague - it's less likely.