Leave of absence from government jobs

Has anyone asked for a leave of absence to travel and gotten it? I work for city government and am contemplating asking for one but it's a bit different than the private sector. What reasons did you give for going and what benefits did you say you would bring back with you!

I agree that it's a bit different in the public sector. In my case, I didn't ask for one...they offered me one. They considered me valuable enough that they were willing to give me a year unpaid absence.

I also had a co-worker who asked for and received six months. I don't know the details but I assume it was similar...they considered her valuable and wanted her to come back.

Remember the government hiring process can take a long time. You may even be back before they'll be able to find a replacement. That's probably your best selling point.

Thanks EMH for the info. How long ago did you and your co-worker ask for the leaves?

I asked my HR director about my chances for getting a one-year leave and she said it
was 99.9% chance I wouldn't get it!

I get what you mean about it taking a long time to fill a position but these days I'm
sure the sharks are already circling my cube. Especially since we have a hiring freeze
going on right now. I guess I'm out of luck but I don't care cause I'm going anyway!

Oh, they did say they were big on rehiring former employees and that I had a good
rep. I guess that's something!

Well as I said, I didn't ask for one, I was offered one. That was back in 2004. My co-worker asked for and received her in 2009 or 2010. Don't really remember.

Actually I think the hiring freeze should enhance your chances. If they can't hire anyone to replace you, then why not give you a leave of absence?

I work in admin and there are too many admin people. Most people
type their own documents these days and admin positions are disappearing
fast. Oh well, that's just how it is these days. Time to think about a second
career I suppose.