Work
How to ask for time off during a busy month
You’re talking to Nadia, your manager. It’s the team’s busiest month and you’re short a person. You need two days off for a wedding and haven’t asked yet. The goal: ask for specific days off, with a plan for coverage, and get a yes or a date for an answer.
Your first line
Nadia starts with “Hey, I’ve got about five minutes before my next call. What’s up?”
“Can I take Friday the 14th and Monday the 17th off for my cousin’s wedding? Jade already said she can cover my shifts.”
Specific ask: exact dates in your first sentence, plus a coverage plan, so Nadia can say yes in five minutes.
What Nadia might say, and what to say back
Nadia: “This month is rough. Any chance it could wait until next month?”
You: “I wish it could, but the wedding’s that weekend. I’ll have my open work wrapped up before I go.”
Nadia: “Someone’s already out part of that week.”
You: “Got it. Jade’s covering my shifts both days, and I’ll leave her notes on anything still open.”
Nadia: “Could you do just one of those days?”
You: “I really need both for the wedding. Could you confirm by Thursday? I’ll put the request in the system today.”
Two things that trip people up
- A long lead-up, and apologizing over and over for asking.Ask for the exact dates in your first sentence, with one short reason.
- Leaving on “let me look at the schedule” with no date.Ask when she can confirm, and offer to put the request in today.
Now say it out loud
Reading the words isn’t the same as saying them. Practice this one with Nadia pushing back like the real person would. Then your coach, Rae, fixes your exact words. The move to focus on: Specific ask.
Practice this one free3 free reps a day. No sign-up. Out loud or typed.