Employee uses all 37 days of PTO at once before quitting: 'Is there anything stopping me?'

Ben Weiss • Writer and Editor

Feb 9, 2026 8:00 AM EST

This employee is weighing his options between making the most out of his company before quitting or doing the so-called "polite" thing.

Here's the deal when it comes to paid time off. When you sign a contractual agreement that entitles you to however many vacation days are offered, you should be expected to use those days regardless of any external societal pressure. At the end of the day, you are more likely to regret not using all of those days than using them.

After all, it's highly unlikely that you will receive special treatment for never taking off work. In some backward circles, you might think this will make you look like a loyal employee, willing to put your social life on hold for a company that probably underpays you. However, if you work at a decent company, that vacation time should be more than just tolerated. It should be encouraged!

We all know that burnout is real, and if you don't take advantage of PTO, you are likely to experience it. A decent boss would understand that fact, and deep down, you probably know that to be true as well. But what if you're an employee who has managed to accrue a ton of vacation days because you had that twisted sense of loyalty for a long time?

This author only recently woke up to the reality that there was nothing serving him at his current company. He knew he needed to leave, but he wanted to make the most of his final days there. When he learned that he still had 37 days of unused vacation time, his wheels started to turn. Keep scrolling below for the full story and for the best reactions from several members of this online community.

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We agree with folks in the comments section who pointed out that the author should not utter a word to anyone about his plans to submit his resignation. Instead, he should get those 37 days of paid time off approved and use them in their entirety. On his first day, only then should he submit a letter of resignation. Oh, and to top it all off, he should consider making his end date effective immediately.
After all those years of never getting rewarded for “demonstrating loyalty,” there is no use in prioritizing civility over what you are owed!
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A frustrated young man at work puts his head in his hands in frustration.
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"Taking 37 days PTO at once before quitting?"

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A concentrated young man works on his computer while staying late in the office.
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Employee uses all 37 days of PTO at once before quitting: 'Is there anything stopping me?'

This employee is weighing his options between making the most out of his company before quitting or doing the so-called "polite" thing.

"Taking 37 days PTO at once before quitting?"

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