Oh no! I'm fretting again!

I start my job at the end of this month, but I go in Satuday for paperwork.

At the end of November I have to go to Copenhagen from November 17 to 21 for a friend's party. We booked the tickets before I got the job, and if I don't go I will be frowned on behind my back for many months to come. It's one of those times where I have to go. Then on the 26th of November, there's my Thanksgiving dinner. It'll be after 4pm, though. I can't not have my Thanksgiving dinner. I don't even know what I'm going to do about the dentist... Do you think I'm fretting over nothing? I don't want them to tell me to hit the pike before I even start!

Not sure what kind of work you are going to be doing but it seems to be in the UK, employers are very cool about pre-planned holidays.  This kind of thing happens all of the time, here and in the states and back there I never had an issue telling them upfront even if it was soon after my start date (never had an issue). 

Since its late in the year, you may not have much paid holiday time available but you could always ask if its ok to take time off without pay.

As for Thanksgiving, can you do a lot of the prep work the night before and make the dinner time a little later?

Not sure what kind of work you are going to be doing but it seems to be in the UK, employers are very cool about pre-planned holidays.  This kind of thing happens all of the time, here and in the states and back there I never had an issue telling them upfront even if it was soon after my start date (never had an issue). 

Since its late in the year, you may not have much paid holiday time available but you could always ask if its ok to take time off without pay.

As for Thanksgiving, can you do a lot of the prep work the night before and make the dinner time a little later?

I don't mind about having the dinner later in the day aorund 7, since shops close at 6.. Plus Jamie will end up cooking anyway, so he can do that if I don't just happen to have the day off. We'll have to wait and see about the timing later on, they might let me work in the day. I don't think I'd open AND shut in one day. Who knows! I've solved the dentist thing, though. I made a really early appointment on the day we leave. It's only a cleaning, which won't take long. Phew!

I I don't think I'd open AND shut in one day. Who knows! I've solved the dentist thing, though. I made a really early appointment on the day we leave. It's only a cleaning, which won't take long. Phew!

That's true about working at opening through closing. Also, maybe someone can switch their shift with you? Glad you got the dentist sorted!

Just tell your company that you have a pre-booked holiday and ask how you can work that time off.

As far as the Thanksgiving goes, we tend to have it on the Saturday afterwards. It's not exactly the same thing but still gives me the chance to enjoy a full day of Thanksgiving-ness.

if I don't go I will be frowned on behind my back for many months to come.

Nice, understanding friends! 

Ashley's right, though... most employers are completely ok with pre-booked holidays.  You shouldnt have a problem.

How much holiday time do you get?  I was worried about asking for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur (last week and this week) off because I've just started at my job as well, but my boss was glad for me to take the days off, as I have to use up 29 days in the year anyway. If you have loads of holiday time to use up, your boss probably won't care when you take your days, as long as it's not during a critical time (whatever that means for your job).

Nice, understanding friends! 

Ashley's right, though... most employers are completely ok with pre-booked holidays.  You shouldnt have a problem.

I'm probably over-reacting...  I always over-react. I get so worried about upsetting people I end up making things bigger than they are. Gah. I'm so dramatic. 

How much holiday time do you get?  I was worried about asking for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur (last week and this week) off because I've just started at my job as well, but my boss was glad for me to take the days off, as I have to use up 29 days in the year anyway. If you have loads of holiday time to use up, your boss probably won't care when you take your days, as long as it's not during a critical time (whatever that means for your job).

I'm not sure, I'll find out Saturday. I don't think 5 days is a big deal.