American Workers Discuss the Perils of Living With So Few Holidays

Author image for Mel Dawn
Mel Dawn
Jan 20, 2023 3:00 PM EST

Someone on r/antiwork asked American redditors how they cope and "stay sane" with so few holidays and PTO. The comment section rung with a resounding, "we don't." Sadly, America is way behind when it comes to taking care of its workforce, and it's making us feel straight up crazy. Sometimes it feels like the ones running things don't care if we're literally dying—as long as we get to work on time! Did you know that American workers aren't entitled to any paid holiday at all? That's pretty damn depressing compared to the UK's 28 days of statutory annual leave entitlement. But hey, look on the bright side. Maybe your boss will make up for four consecutive months of zero holidays with a pizza party. Wouldn't that just be delightful. 

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  • “American's of Reddit, how do y'all stay sane with so few holidays and vacation time?” Posted by u/jabnes

  • 01
    Font - nietzsches_knickers. 1d 5 + w 6 Awards We don't. We're fucking nuts. Reply 8.8k
    via r/antiwork

    "I'm gobsmacked anyone external to America could even ask this question." said u/theNomad_Reddit.

    "We're overweight alcoholics with unmanaged anxiety. Do we appear to be ok?" said u/Wooster182.

  • 02
    Font - Tacomancer42 • 1d We don't. It was stated today at work we have 132 days til our next holiday. Its depressing. Reply 2.7k ...
    via r/antiwork

    "That stretch between New Year and Memorial Day is just brutal" said u/Summoning_Dark.

  • 03
    Font - guessirs. 1d I've got a friend of mine who's really dipped into the kool aid. He's an hourly construction worker who voluntarily lies on his time sheet to not get paid the overtime he's due. Like he'll work an 11 hour shift and only put down 8 hours because he's quote "loyal to the company". I cannot fathom some peoples motivations. ... Reply 7.7k
    via r/antiwork

    "That is insane, but I know guys like that too. They think the company will recognize their sacrifice and reward them. That never happens and the company will just take advantage of you forever." said u/Sambizzle17.

  • 04
    Rectangle - Ihavntgotaclue • 1d 31 Award Fantasize about letting the intrusive thoughts win, by the time I could possibly act on them, it's time for bed. Reply 1.7k
    via r/antiwork
  • 05
    Rectangle - Jerry Rice Of Ohio2 . 1d 11 Awards That's the neat part, we don't ... Reply 21.1k
    via r/antiwork

    "So adorable to think we do." said u/lotsofcache.

  • 06
    Rectangle - GE GraySpear227 . 1d 8 Awards We don't, that's why there's a huge mental health crisis right now. ... Reply 15.1k
    via r/antiwork
  • 07
    Font - Pretty-Issue6646 - 1d Not an American but work for an American company. I'm frustrated AF. The senior people in my team are available even during the vacation they take. This culture sucks Reply ↑ 8k ↓
    via r/antiwork
  • 08
    Rectangle - thistimeitsfound you. 1d 17 Awards We don't, as should be pretty damn apparent by now. ... Reply 26.2k
    via r/antiwork
  • 09
    Font - Liquid SoCrates. 1d 2 Awards Adderall and marijuana. Reply 4.4k
    via r/antiwork
  • 10
    Font - Ashley BidensDiary. 1d We don't. Consider this. Outside of holidays and vacation time (80 hrs average) we spend more time with workers than our own family. 30 min average commute each way (1 hr) 9 - 10 hour average work day Out of 24, I spend 11 if not more away from those I care about. If I get home on time (5:30pm) I have 4 hours avg with family before everyone heads to bed to repeat again the next day. We weren't built for this. We weren't meant to spend more time with those we tolerat
    via r/antiwork
  • 11
    Font - bonfiglioaj. 1d We get pizza parties! ... Reply 1.5k
    via r/antiwork

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antiwork employee job work america mental health reddit thread Reddit holidays vacation
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