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A sneaky guide to maximizing your 2012 leave

By Farhan Shah

Much like full-fledged warfare, seat-hunting in public transport, and supermarket aisle navigation, planning your leave is also an exercise that requires tactical finesse and the ability to anticipate the unforeseen.

In the spirit of the New Year, here are some tips to keep in mind when you're thinking of when to apply for leave.

  • Take advantage of possible long weekends

The Public Holiday Gods have been kind to us this year, seeing it fit to grant us 8 possibilities for extended weekend breaks for that short jaunt to a neighbouring country or a relaxing staycation. 9 if you count the 2013 New Year's Day. Here are the various possibilities, laid out in a crudely-drawn calendar (because we were too excited). The red boxes indicate the public holidays while the green boxes indicate the long weekends. Some long weekends require you to strategically take leave, if you catch our drift.

Alternatively, if you're planning a long vacation trip to places like Europe or the Americas, the week between National Day and Hari Raya Puasa is one of the best prime periods to take leave. By taking that week off (or 6 days of leave), you'll get to enjoy a whopping 12 days of uninterrupted bliss from the office.

Another method that you can deploy to your advantage is to apply for 3 days of leave during those weeks when the public holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday. By doing so, you'll be able to savour 6 days of freedom, good for a slightly longer vacation to places like Australia or Taiwan, and also avoid the maddening clashes of leave by your other colleagues, which brings us to the second point...

  • Find out when your colleagues are taking leave

It is best to apply for leave when your colleagues are around and can cover for you so that you can enjoy your holiday or break without getting bombarded by work e-mails or phone calls in the middle of the night asking you to check your e-mail because a design needs your approval.

At the same time, anticipate when you'll be at your busiest and avoid taking leave during that period. Returning to the office with a mountain of work waiting will only erode all the feel-good emotions you've accumulated during your break.

  • Avoid taking leave during school holidays

In Singapore, school holidays usually mean an influx of kids hanging out at shopping belts and parents with children taking their annual family holiday. If you're single, attached, or married without kids, this also means having your quiet afternoon in Starbucks ruined by crowds and noises emanating from teenagers' earphones, and your tranquil beach vacation disturbed by sand being kicked in your face as you take in the morning or evening breeze.

School holidays in 2012 fall in June and December, so it's best to hunker down in the office and get some serious work done.

  • Apply for leave around your company vacation or work trip

Going for a week-long company trip to Europe? Consider applying for leave after the work trip is completed so that you can traipse around Europe. By taking leave around the times of your planned company vacation or work trip, you can save on some money because your ticket to the destination has already been paid for. All you need to do is to plan the trip back home.

(Just don't tell your boss about this devious plan)

  • Make that Dragon baby

2012 is the Year of the Dragon, an auspicious year for those who believe in the Chinese Zodiac. On this note, many superstitious married couples try to conceive a baby during this period as Dragon babies are supposed to bring good fortune to the parents.

The upside to having a baby also means maternity and paternity leave! However, the downside is less sleep and smelly diapers.

  • 21 December 2012

If you believe in the doomsday prophecies that have been swirling ever since it was realised that the Mayan calendar ends on 21 December 2012, then perhaps it's best to savour your final week on Earth at a location that you've always wanted to visit but never did due to extenuating circumstances.

21 December 2012 lands on a Friday; so take that entire week and jet off to a faraway place to savour the end of the world. However, if 22 December rolls around and the streets are still awash with people, you'll be glad to know that it's a Saturday and you can still enjoy your holiday.

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