Great article: In France, expect beaucoup de vacation

I loved it too.

The French have it right!

Nobody bats an eye when you take a month of vacation over here. However, the 35 hour work week is slipping away, as are some of the other customs (about not working too many hours in a row, or too many days in a row.) Lots of complaints about it. But I can't imagine anyone chosing "lose it" if given the "use it or lose it" choice for vacation days.

I resemble that remark. Yes, I get 6 weeks of vacation per year.
However, as an American ---I know this sounds incredible--- I actually have a very tough time spending it all. I don't think I've internalized it yet. I'm constantly getting warned that I will lose leave if I don't spend it. That's the good news. The bad news is that it is my sense that work hours are creeping up over here as they are in the U.S. I really don't know anyone who works a 35 hour week. Most are well over 40. This is based on my admittedly limited experience in one particular field.

My son who was set to work in NYC when 9/11 hit was bought out of his contract and then decided to move to Paris. After getting a MBA he now works for one of France's most well known company. His work week averages around 50 hours/week. He does get enough vacation time like most workers in France.

Well I'm in England and feel Thomas' pain. I get 34 days, just one short of 5 weeks, but I never take it all. My 37 hours a week is usually well over 40 and many weeks over 50.

Nigel, I'm curious... why don't you take it all? :)

One of the best parts about living in Germany is the vacation, when one has a German job. Used to love taking a whole month off with the kids and to go to the States. Or a couple weeks to Morocco and then a couple weeks someplace else.

Susan If I took it all the work wouldn't get done. I usually either carry over or lose 10 days a year. I'm happy with what I do take.