Just for the record, I never blink an eye at vacation. Some people I have to force to take their time, others use it up within moments of their new year. I take vacation, I expect everyone needs to. This large company we're in negotiations with want us to work for them and want to give us a whopping 40 hrs vacation a year.
For those who never worked at a small biz, sometimes it's hard to get enough trained workers to cover people calling out. Not planned vacations, but the calling out over a variety of issues. Out of 8 people in the office, I had 3 out yesterday. A new person was starting, 2 of them were needed to help train. We adapted, but it seems sometimes all I do is adapt for the whims of employees.
And, I've noticed for years, it is the office people that call out all the time, not the people out on the road. Just interesting is all. And the moms of young kids have the best track record of attendance btw.
I have to protect the business and everyone who depends on my business doing well to pay their bills, feed their children, etc. I don't get the luxury of walking out the door at the end of the night and not thinking about work til I walk in the door the next moment. I took it on and over the years it's worn me down, which is why I want out after all these years. I read this back - it's so obvious I'm burned out and need a break.