I need more vacation

Q I've worked at the same practice for eight years and I still only get 10 days of either paid vacation or sick leave. Is this fair?

"Vacation and sick days are only one piece of your benefits package, so it's hard to say whether it's fair without looking at all of the compensation you receive," says Monica Dixon Perry, CVPM, a consultant with VMC Inc. in Evergreen, Colo. However, if you're dissatisfied with your benefits, Perry suggests discussing your concerns with your manager. Choose an appropriate environment and bring your well-thought-out suggestions. For example, you might suggest a practice policy that offers 15 days of vacation annually after three years of full-time employment and three to six days of personal leave after six months of full-time service. "You want to present yourself as a team player, so don't be defensive. Explain that you want to help enhance benefits for the team," she says. "Taking the initiative to discuss your concerns gives you the chance to engage your employer in a productive and positive way."