would you ask for this time off? UPDATE-Got It!

[magpie]

Update--My boss said it's no problem and even helped me arrange a sub already!  Now I'm off to find a cute patriotic dress for A to wear



I might DD this later for privacy.  So I'm returning to work next week after 16 weeks of maternity leave.  I'm excited to be going back in some ways, sad in others.  Anyway, we got news that my H is going to be sworn in as a US citizen next week!  It's a very big deal and it's not the kind of thing you get to schedule (after 3-4 years of seemingly endless paperwork and fees, they sent you a notice that tells you where and when to report for naturalization).  We've been working on this for years and he is excited to be a citizen, to have some rights, to get to vote, etc. after 12 years of living here.  The naturalization ceremony is mid-morning and across town from my job.  I'd have to ask to take off at least 3-4 hours (I have no idea how long the ceremony will take--any guesses?).  I have absolutely zero leave time left for the year.  I work for a school and we have a lot of holidays/summers off, so they only give us 6 days off of sick/vacation per year, which they applied towards my maternity leave...the rest of my leave was unpaid.  We also have to find out own subs if we miss school time, which is sort of a pain in the ass (though I'm pretty sure that I could find someone).  We are not big ceremony people (H skipped his phd graduation, for example), but we don't want to snub the importance of this, if that makes sense.  H assures me that he doesn't mind if we can't make it, but I feel like maybe I should be there (as well as Audrey).  Would it be reasonable to ask my boss for the time off (without pay, of course) on my 4th day back after 16 weeks of leave?  I keep making my mind one way or the other and then changing it.

[shell24]

No way would I miss it. You're right, it's a big deal. Congrats to your H!

[brooklyn]

That's a big deal! I'd totally try to get the day off.

[andthentherewere10]

I would (I am also a teacher). My principal would have no problem with that.

[djc315]

I would ask, especially since the burden of finding the sub is on you!

[thebreakfastclub]

I would ask if I thought the boss would be OK with it. But I must admit, I would be nervous to do so.

After looking at your avatar, is your husband from Australia? My mom is from Brisbane.

[magpie]

thebreakfastclub yup, he's Australian (soon to be dual citizen!). Okay, I'm glad that I asked here. It seems that the general opinion is that it is reasonable to ask. I hope that my boss understands that it's a big deal.

[arch01]

i would definitely ask.

[thebreakfastclub]

Jan 30, 2014 10:39:20 GMT -5 magpie said:

thebreakfastclub yup, he's Australian (soon to be dual citizen!). Okay, I'm glad that I asked here. It seems that the general opinion is that it is reasonable to ask. I hope that my boss understands that it's a big deal.

That's neat.  My mom has been here for almost 40 years, although she remains on a green card still.  She came over with my dad - they met while both working on an island in the Great Barrier Reef.  So romantic, except they have been divorced for 20 years.  

I have been over to visit family several times, and I love it there.

[chickens987]

Absolutely! Congratulations!

We're hoping to start the process soon, H has been here 12.5 years too now and is ready to do it. Hopefully we will be in your shoes soon! My dad had his naturalization ceremony when I was 5 and I am sad we didn't go

[soozy87]

Yes, I would. That is a big deal!

[ijack]

yes!

[Deleted]

Definitely, congrats!

[mrshandy]

Definitely! I've been to a naturalization ceremony before since I work in immigration.

It's a moving ceremony and definitely worth going. Congrats to your H!

[Ashley&Scott]

That is a big deal, definitely ask. Congrats!

[Velar Fricative]

You should absolutely ask, congrats to your H!

My mom became a citizen when I was 14 and we have a lot of family pictures from that day, so I hope you get to go with your baby!

[MadamePresident]

I would try to go. Is it too late to maybe see about returning from leave one day early and then using that extra day as your day off?

[zeewifeandmama]

Yes!! Ask for the time off for sure! It was a really big deal to our family. The ceremony itself took about an hour, I'd say 3 hours or so would be fine.

[magpie]

Jan 30, 2014 10:53:40 GMT -5 MadamePresident said:

I would try to go. Is it too late to maybe see about returning from leave one day early and then using that extra day as your day off?

That's a good idea, but it's too late. My maternity leave sub is contracted through Friday. I have a sub in mind who can probably work for me Thursday though...so long as my boss is cool with it.

[egishere]

I would definitely try to go! Congrats to your husband!

[redheadbaker]

My mom became a citizen about ten years ago. The ceremony wasn't that long (it will probably depend on how many are being sworn as citizens, as they call each person up individually to get a certificate).

Congrats to your H!

[water*drop]

I would ask. That's a big deal. Congrats to your husband!

[carolinagirl831]

Absolutely! The worst they'll say is no.
Congrats to your hubby!

[cricketwife]

You absolutely should go. I work at a school too and they were good when we were going through the Greencard process with my DH. If/when he decides to get citizenship, I would definitely not miss it. Also, we had a history teacher who got her citizenship last year and she took her students with her. I'm not sure what grade you teach, but maybe you good do something like that? -- probably not enough notice, just a thought.

And definitely bring your baby. She won't remember but your H will.

Congrats to your DH!

[zarapipe]

100 % yes

[MamaMaui24]

Absolutely! I'd email/call now to ask ASAP so it's not a surprise once you are there in person.

[magpie]

Okay, I just sent her an email. I want to bring A for sure if we can go. I wonder what a baby should wear to such an event... Thanks for all the enthusiasm! We are definitely excited!

[glauren]

I totally would - congrats to your husband!!

[anna7602]

I still remember my dad's swearing-in ceremony from when I was a kid. No way would I miss something like that. Super big deal. Congrats to him!

[dcn]

Im so glad you are going to go, congrats to your husband!