Does Negotiating for Additional Leaves Make You Entitled?

When you’re applying for a new job, what do you usually consider? Often, you look at the salary first, but you also consider the other benefits offered, such as the HMO, insurance, allowances, and the paid time off. Recently, the world of Pinoy Twitter ended up debating on the merits and demerits of a potential hire inquiring about additional paid leaves.

A job applicant asks for additional leaves

A Twitter user shared how a “millennial” looking to join their company wanted to have additional leaves “because he has other ‘activities’ he would like to engage in.” The Twitter user proceeded to ridicule the request: “Seryoso? Paano naman yung ibang employees? And gaming ganap naman sa mga generation Z ngayon. Susme!”

Most netizens aren’t too happy

There are a few people who agree with him, even labeling the potential hire “feeling entitled.”

But most netizens expressed disappointment over the sentiment. One pointed out that he didn’t need to air out his frustration like this online and keep things professional.

Another called attention to how different the post-pandemic flexible work setup has improved productivity and happiness among employees, lamenting how backward the Philippines seem to remain.

One also pointed out how there are many things to consider in this situation: what are the other activities? What industry is this in? It’s hard to make a conclusion about the situation with the scarce details available.

Another was simply confused: is the applicant a millennial or GenZ? “Millennial nag-apply pero sa GenZ sinisi,” one added.

There’s nothing wrong with negotiating

The original Twitter user clarify that this inquiry came after negotiation was done and offers were signed, so it’s kind of understandable why he was frustrated.

Still, negotiations are where potential employees are able to establish boundaries between their work and personal lives. As long as the request is reasonable, companies should be open to changes. If they are unable to accommodate the request, they should be firm yet professional.

At the end of the day, the potential hire just wants to negotiate the best compensation package he can get, and the company could tell him what they can offer. If they don’t get to an agreement, they should simply part ways (and maybe not let it blow up like this on social media).