average free time to climb

Hi there,

I am from Germany and after making some skype interviews I probably have a job oportunity both in Salt Lake and Denver metro area, I applied to work there in order to live close to the wasatch range or the rockies, that is a dream for me, but the laboral market in USA are so different in comparation with Europe in relation to have free time, I mean I will get a quite good salary but I have to work much more hours than in Europe ( I have worked in several places: France, Germany, Spain, England...) And I always worked 40 hours with 2 days off per week and 4/ 5 full weeks of vacations plus national bank holidays..But in Salt lake/ Denver they just offer me 10 days of holidays ( 2 weeks)per year! and one day an a half off per week... It is normal? As climbers how many days off per week you get or how many day of vacations you have? I realy love to live and climb there but I think I will have not so much free time TO CLIMB if I accept this job... I would like to ask If is that the normal laboral policies or just I found the wrong job?
Thanks a lot!

Victor.

2 weeks of vacation per year is pretty standard in the USA.  Most people work 40 hours per week (or more).  

That sounds like a pretty normal job, two weeks of paid vacation is standard, especially for more traditional businesses. Tech firms seem to be better about more time off, but ymmv.

Two days off a week is normal in the US as well, that job sounds like a bit more which happens. 

10 days is standard vacation policy in USA.

The good thing is, if you live in either of those cities, you can climb before or after work if you’re motivated enough. The access is incredible, and the short vacations will matter less because climbing will simply be part of your routine.

I think it really depends on industry. I get 13 paid company holidays, 5 weeks of PTO (which includes sick time) and I work Monday through Friday. In the recent past I’ve looked at a few different companies that had openings and all had 3-4 weeks of PTO starting out

It depends on the industry. In general, America is utter shit compared to the rest of the world for work-life balance.  It is the only country in the world with no legal minimum amount of holiday (other than the 12-13 Federal holidays). Companies aren't required to offer you a single day of annual leave.

The real answer to your question is find a company with a strong vacation policy. The offer you have on the table right now will not let you climb very much at all. Maybe some early morning sessions in Little Cottonwood or Big Cottonwood Canyon, assuming you choose Salt Lake City. If you live in Denver, you will never climb - it will be 45-60 minute drive to get to the climbing.

The grossest insult is that often the highest paying jobs also come with the most vacation.  Those who work for minimum wage get fuck all vacation time, while a software developer at any of the large tech companies could easily have 6 weeks of paid vacation on top of their comfortable six-figure salary.

Why would you want to work in the US? If you want to climb I really wouldn't recommend it given European workplace policies and other social insurance programs. And yes that's typical plus if you're salaried your expected work week will often be well in excess of 40 hours.

My advice: Don't do it.

Yes, in the US it’s very industry dependent.  The distribution of what’s “typical” is much wider in the US than Europe....also depends on entry level or more senior position, etc.  It’s definitely not typical to have to work weekends unless you have to complete your TPS reports....

I have saturdays and sundays off and have 4 weeks PTO(sick and vacation are combined).

1 and half days off for a professional with ample experience in their field that gets a large salary? That sounds like a company that cares even less about their employees than other companies.

What industry and what’s your discipline? Is it a startup or a business that has already solidified themselves in the industry? Answers to these questions will help us give you a better answer.

It would be worth asking if you can negotiate for more vacation time and less work hours. If you know your stuff and can be a benefit to their organization, they may be open to it.

One thing to note is just because you get vacation time doesn’t mean that your superior will approve it. I know of a company that offered 4 weeks vacation, but were notorious for saying no when people asked for time off. Some companies will let you cash your PTO out and others don’t.

I got 2 weeks paid vacation, 5 days sick time, weekends off. In 2 years, i get bumped to 3 weeks paid.

I disagree that it's bullshit that higher paying jobs get more vacation than minimum wage jobs. This only makes sense. The front desk worker at motel 6 and a software developer are not equal jobs. If you want higher pay and better benefits... like.. Work for it. 

Unlimited vacation is an oxy-moron.  Whatever you do don't fall for that one.

Victor Crux? Is that your real name? Sounds like you were born to climb.

Assuming this post is real, 1.5 days off per week is probably not worth moving to another continent for if your main goal is outdoor recreation.

On a happier note, you can fly direct from Germany to Denver. Maybe take your European vacation time and come here instead.
 

I wouldn’t even consider a job with only a 1.5 day weekend

Look elsewhere, in my opinion 

Just in case you haven't already looked into this, do you know what type of work visa you'd have? With some visa categories such as H1-B you're effectively tied to the company that hires you; you can't easily switch jobs if a better opportunity comes along. If it turns out you're being underpaid or otherwise being taken advantage of there's not much you can do except return to Europe. Unless you're lucky enough to find a nice US citizen who wants to marry you and sponsor you for permanent residence.

“Labor” policies.

You must be considering it or, I assume, you wouldn’t ask. What are your priorities?

I’d say 10 days a year is either on the beginner end of the compensation scheme for a desirable job, a non-desirable job/generic position, or something that pays pretty well at the hourly rate and you’re expected to make up non-PTO with overtime. 

Are you hand making textiles in a basement? 

Shit I work in investment banking and get more vacation time and at least on paper "working hours" 

Thanks for your answers.
The job is in the tourism sector.
I was asking some friends and all of them said me the same: Go during my European holidays or after leave my job here.
I applied for that job because working in USA makes more attractive my laboral experience but definitely have free time to climb is my priority right now. I was just wondering if that "free time" policies are a standard or not.
I will go to climb Utah cracks during my holidays and after I will come back Germany. 
Thanks! 

Smart man.