Because of my 6 year plan (2 years in 3 areas) after graduation (5 year curriculum), I never was able to concern myself with vacation. My first after graduation in 1963 was working with structural/facilities in the aerospace industry and the vacation of 2 weeks could be spread out during the first year(depending on job load) and was able to take the 2 weeks in one piece. My second job was as a field engineer for a major steel company and was able to take a 2 week vacation to Europe. My third job for a utility in MSP because I wanted to attend evening law school and I could take 2 weeks, but my schedule for school dictated when I took it.
After all the restrictions, I took a job with a 50% raise in pay from a concrete products producer. Full benefits paid including 100% use of a company car (fuel included) and the requirement to take classes for my PE and get registered in 3 states, but I had 6 years of qualifying experience so that was a benefit and not a burden. My vacation was undetermined and very flexible, but there was a requirement to not take it in at one time in the winter and I was required to go an annual industry summer meeting wherever it was (Broadmore, Biltmore, Greenbrier or resort type places. I could take 2 weeks and drive to these with my wife and two kids at company expense if I visited one block plant per day (suggested by our auditors). I also had to attend and participate various association national committee meetings (ASCE, ACI, ASTM, TMS, etc.), so I did travel, not a real vacation, but beneficial and good experiences.
If you find a good position with some flexibility, vacations are not a concern.
Dick
Engineer and international traveler interested in construction techniques, problems and proper design.