ALT-1 Get that Raise would you Settle for Time Vacation not Money
Time or money? It's the old dilemma. Which is more important for you? Only you can answer that question, and only you can determine in a raise negotiation whether you would be willing to accept more vacation time in place of a monetary increase.
The Case for Money
Unfortunately, in today's world, an employee's worth is often measured by how much he or she is paid. If you accept vacation time in lieu of more money, be sure and keep track of the value of this additional time off. When you apply for your next position, whether inside your current company or with a new employer, this should be added to your salary to determine your true value. In addition, for many people, money is more important to their goals (paying down debt, financing a new home) than time off could provide.
The Case for More Time Off
The average American worker gets far less time off than workers around the world. Our focus on working harder, longer, and for more money often deprives us of the time to spend with our family or exploring the world. You can't buy more time off from your company; indeed, people who take the most time off are often penalized by their employer. Therefore, the choice for more time off to relax, get rid of stress, and enjoy life is often a welcome choice to a small monetary raise.