When work stress builds, taking paid time off (PTO) can feel like a cure-all. But instead of waiting until burnout hits to think about time off, the best moment to protect your mental health is before you even start a job — in the interview process. 

A recent Glassdoor Community poll found that 59% of professionals don’t ask about PTO during interviews*. Skipping this conversation could cost you in the long run, leading to burnout, stress, and a slower road to recovery.

But a great PTO policy on paper doesn't guarantee you can actually use it. While employees with set PTO often envy those with unlimited, the reality is that neither camp is truly taking off: nearly a quarter of American workers didn’t take any of their vacation days in 2025.

Use this guide to vet company cultures, ask the right interview questions, and maximize whatever policy you land.

What’s the difference between unlimited PTO and set PTO?

Unlimited PTO

Unlimited paid time off (PTO) might sound like a job seeker’s dream come true: There’s no set limit to the number of days you can take off (though many companies ask employees to mark their out-of-office days on the company calendar). Using "reasonable" judgment is key to the success of these policies. 

An analysis of Glassdoor reviews found that 89% of workers consider unlimited PTO a pro, but the 11% that call it a “con” reveal unlimited PTO’s biggest myth: that more freedom automatically means more rest. As one employee noted, taking time off can unintentionally lead to side-eyes from co-workers.

“Why do we consider 'unlimited PTO' a benefit? I took 8 days off last year because I felt guilty. My friend with 20 fixed days took all 20 without guilt. I have more freedom and take less time off. Is unlimited PTO just a psychological trap?” - Employee at Spin Master

Set PTO

Set PTO, on the other hand (typically 15, 20, or 25 days), means crystal-clear expectations. "Use-it-or-lose-it" mandates and clear rollover structures push people to take their time. This explicit clarity helps employees log off completely guilt-free. 

At a Glance: Unlimited PTO vs. Set PTO

(Source: Empower)

How to vet a company's PTO culture before accepting an offer

Even the best policy is useless without a supportive company culture. Look for these time-off culture green flags highlighted by the Glassdoor Community:

Boundary-setting when you do take time off is also important, as one user noted: “I think knowing leadership takes time off is a green flag. In my previous jobs, they rarely did… They called me on my time off very frequently.”

How and when to ask about PTO in interviews

While many job seekers fear asking about PTO in interviews, career coach Emily Durham suggests bundling it into the salary discussion: “You could ask, ‘What's the salary range?’ Then say, ‘What does the overall benefits package look like?’ They'll mention vacation automatically, which softens the question."

In addition, here are specific questions to get real answers:

Note: Check Glassdoor reviews for patterns in actual time-off usage.

Related: Emily Durham speaks on ending your unemployment streak

How to make the most of your PTO and unplug while on vacation

Taking time off and actually unplugging are not the same. Forty-one percent of workers struggle to fully disconnect from work while on PTO**(though that's a 13% improvement from 2022). To successfully leverage an unlimited policy, start by setting an out-of-office message, letting your team know who to contact in your absence, and commit to not checking email. More workers are eliminating guilt by informing others they’ll be out, not waiting for a request to be approved. 

How do you make the most of unlimited PTO?

Glassdoor Community users have a few tips for making the most of unlimited policies.

“I’ve typically taken two 2-week vacations each year. Additionally, I’ll take long weekends here and there depending on what I have going on. All in, I average about 6 weeks off each year. As others have pointed out, early communication is key, especially for the longer trips.” - Equity Trader

Here are more dos and don’ts. 

How do you make the most of set PTO?

When you have a fixed number of days, tactical planning is essential to ensure you don’t leave compensation on the table. One Glassdoor Community user encourages guilt-free time off.

“I use all of mine every year and don't feel the slightest bit guilty about it. I'm in a state where it doesn't roll over, so if I don't use it, I lose it. I work hard for my PTO and am never going to let it go to waste.” - Sales Representative

Here are more dos and don’ts.

Get help navigating PTO policies

PTO isn't just a line item on your benefits package. It's a reflection of company culture and your right to rest. When evaluating a new role, use this guide and ask Glassdoor Community members how to assess policies, ask smart questions, and spot red flags. The right employer won't just offer PTO; they'll expect you to use it.

Methodology: 

*The poll ran from April 14, 2026 through April 20, 2026 and was answered by over 2,500 US professionals. Respondents could answer with either "Yes" or "No" to the question, "Do you ask about PTO in interviews?"

**The poll ran from February 23, 2026 through March 2, 2026 and was answered by over 6,300 U.S. professionals. Respondents could answer with either “Yes” or “No” to the question, “Do you believe you can fully unplug from work when you take paid time off (PTO)?” For subgroup breakouts including gender identity and industry, all categories received at least 100 responses from U.S. professionals on the platform.