I work for an automotive (brake parts) supplier and have a very odd vacation policy.

I get 10 days per year - 3 of those are mandated to use during July 4 shutdown (full week paid). That leaves me 7 days to cover sick and vacation. I do get another 10 days paid shutdown over Christmas/New Years - so plenty of time off - I just don't get much choice about when I use it.

I took a week off in May this year, leaving me only 2 discretionary days...and then I got the dreaded head cold that burned 1.5 days sick. I will make sure to use it more wisely next year and probably save a few days to roll forward into 2015 just to feel more comfortable with the potential sick time use.