Well I am still lower than the average... started at 3 weeks vac, had to work 8 years before I earned 1 more week, and I believe I have to work yet another 8 to earn either part of a week or another full week. I do get the same amount of sick days too but I seldom use them - you just never know. (I work for the government) When I was in the private sector...I started at 4 weeks vac. But then again after working 10 years for the same non-profit agency I was still at 4 weeks and lost numerous sick days as I had banked the maximum. I do feel for my American friends. I am fortunate enough where I am that I am able to work an additional 50 minutes a day (compress hours) and that gives me 2 extra days off every 4 weeks. yyyyaaaayyyyy