Banking Your Time Like A Pro

“All that we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us”  – JRR Tolkien, The Fellowship of The Rings

Time is the most precious and valuable gift you will ever possess. How you choose to allocate your minutes and hours should always be viewed in light of what matters most to you. From an early age we find ourselves exchanging our time for currency, so we can then use that currency to purchase and accomplish things that we value.

During those periods of time that you are unable to work, consider what options are available to keep the income coming in. Most employers provide vacation time or personal time off, to use however you see fit. Be sure to understand your benefits, whether they accumulate or must be used up each year. Know the process to request time off, as some places may require at least a month’s notice or more.

Be strategic about using your paid time. Plan around holidays when your place of business is closed and use one or two days wrapped around the holiday. Be willing to work those popular holidays when travel tends to be more expensive. Some places of business provide additional incentives for anyone working during those times.

Consider banking as many days as you can if you know you’ll be needing an extended time off. In the event of an emergency, you’ll want to have as many sick days and vacation days as possible to use up. If your company offers any Disability benefits, even if you have to pay the premiums, be sure to research the options. Being laid up for weeks on end without any income can take years to recover.

Protect your time off. Use it to accomplish what matters most to you – family, travel, rest. Take a few minutes to check your banked hours and plan well how to use them best.