With layoffs and job losses continuing to mount, and my own recent termination, it occurred to me that it may be in your best interest to take vacation time early in the year before you are laid off if you think you might be laid off.

Of course the answer might depend on what your company’s policy is on vacation time. Some companies pay unused vacation while other don’t pay it. Some companies allow you to borrow early in the year and won’t attempt to collect spent time if you’re laid off while other my seek to withhold it from an employees last pay check.

It would be prudent to understand your company’s vacation policy and try to maximize that benefit before you lose it. If you work for a company on shaky ground, it may be beneficial to take vacation time now rather than later.