Taking days off

As an employee, you will normally be entitled to four types of paid days off. The total number of paid days off depends on your employer. Typical ranges are provided below.

• Holidays: Businesses typically offer paid holidays for their employees. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2006 report, U.S. businesses offer an average of 10 paid holidays per year.
• Vacation days: Your job offer will also likely include paid vacation days. The number of vacation days usually increases the longer you work for your company. On average, businesses provide nine paid vacation days after one year of service. This number typically increases to two weeks of vacation after five years.
• Sick days: Sick days are paid days off that you may be permitted to take if you cannot attend work due to illness. If a company offers sick days, the number can range from several days to 11 or more.
• Personal days: Personal days may also be provided to allow you paid time off for reasons other than illness. Employers typically allow one to four personal days per year.

Conversion to cash

Some companies allow you to convert your unused sick days to cash. This option may apply to personal days and even to vacation days at some companies. If you don't use the days, you can get paid for them instead. To learn about a company's conversion policies, inquire with its human resource office.