Why say “I'm on annual leave”? blog discussion

Former_MSE_Lawrence

This is the discussion to link on the back of Martin's blog. Please read the blog first, as this discussion follows it.

Read Martin's "Why say 'I'm on annual leave'?" Blog.

Click reply to discuss below.

x3ja

I use "annual leave" because saying you're "on holiday" sounds like you're always jetting off to somewhere exotic, whereas you might just be enjoying a few long lie-ins. However, I do say "holiday" when that's what I'm doing - like when I'm off to Morocco soon - can't wait to see the sun - I've forgotten what it looks like! :j

JimmyTheWig

It differentiates from other types of leave - paternity leave, sick leave, sabbatical, etc.

Adasta

Because it's the type of leave which is given annually?

lonestar1

I say Im on Annual Leave because I rarely go on actual holidays but If I tell some of my work collegues Im just lazing around at home they may be tempted to call me at home if a problem crops up

John_Gray

Saying I'm on annual leave is just a less offensive (and shorter) way of saying Yes, I knew perfectly well I was not going to be in at work, but I didn't make any effort to ask someone else to look at my emails - so you will just have to wait for an answer until I return. Tough!

Amber_Sunshine

It would make more sense to use the term 'annual leave' here in Spain, where a lot of firms close in August because of the heat. So staff have to take holidays then.

rb6ac

My out of office uses the phrase 'annual leave' due to the fact I use the same mobile for work and personal calls. My mobile number is shown on my e-mail signature, and so I use 'annual leave' rather than say "I'm not in the office at the moment" to deter people from contacting me on the mobile. Not just clients, but colleagues too. And, as JimmyTheWig says, it differentiates from other types of leave. x

notlongnow_2

No idea. Its what it says at the top of my holiday form.

Oblivion

I'm happily retired now so my annual leave is ..... errm .... annual :rotfl:

Dave.

OTTO

It's a polite way of saying any combination of the following in one sentence:

"Leave me alone to enjoy my own free time"
"Do not try to contact me"
"I will not be replying to any emails, even though I may be monitoring them"
"I am on a super holiday of a lifetime, but I dont want you to know that"
"I'n not being paid to work, so get lost"

Probably about 200 other lines that could be added, but they all can be summed up in one line.