I usually save my paid vacation days for trapping or hunting season.
But I think I’ll take a couple days in April for trout.
Seems like every time I turn around my co workers are asking for a day off and they’re always granted. To the point that we are constantly shorthanded. So why should I skimp on mine?
Maybe a Friday and a Monday so I have a long weekend!

Life is too short not to enjoy it

I love trout fishing.Even get to trout fish while I'm working in Baxter state park every year.

Check the state stocking and local trout clubs stocking schedule before you pick your days off
Nice to have some fresh fish added beforehand, it usually makes it a little more fun

Used to go catch stocker trout every year and had a great time. I have cricks off of lake Erie with huge steelhead also, but it's different than the little cricks and streams.
Take a day off if you need one. If they're always short handed because others do it too much that's a shame.
My wife always called it a "mental day off". Says you need a couple a year to keep your sanity

Everyone needs to enjoy life as a busy life goes on. You can't buy back time and doing the things we love need to be done through life not just wait till one retires.

Have fun take the time to smell the roses.

And a co worker called off today.
Just reinforces that I should schedule some time off.

Cause you have to work harder every day due to someone else’s lack of effort

Very True

Take a cpl. days for yourself :

Do a Friday or Monday. Couple weeks apart. Down time is better spread out. Trust me been there........

Uncle J Byrd you’re probably right. A long weekend goes too fast. A few short choppy weeks at work are better sometimes

It sounds like you have a pretty laid-back workplace. People basically take off whenever they want, or they are on their cell phones while they are supposed to be working. At least you aren't working 16-hour days, so that's a plus.

Go catch some fish; it will be good for what ails ya!

guessing you're a few years older than your co-workers.

If the work culture is to take a day off and not worry about how it effects your coworkers, then go for it without any regrets. Your personal life is more important than the convenience of your coworkers.

Personally I take my vacation in big chunks (40+ hours) , for long trips.

I think you should probably just quit and open a tannery

That sounds like me. I usually work from Feb. - October without hardly taking any time off. Trust me I am definitely ready for a day off when fall rolls around. Problem is when I take a week or two it's hard to go back to work again.

Yes GCP, significantly older. My back reminds me every day

This young generation needs mental health days for no good reason. They’re all entitled.

Slacker.

Don’t I know it!!

Used to feel the same way Ashley, now I try to take all my paid time off. I took today off and went striper fishing with some friends, off tomorrow to spend some time with my ailing Dad. Life is too short to work all the time. Eric