Unlimited PTO and Parental Leave: What They Don’t Tell You
When I first heard about unlimited PTO, I thought it sounded incredible. Take off whenever you need to? No more tracking hours? Sign me up. But after going through two parental leaves myself, I learned quickly that unlimited PTO is not the dream benefit it seems, especially when you’re trying to plan time at home with a new baby.
Here’s the part no one tells you: you cannot use unlimited PTO while you are on parental leave.
That one fact can throw your whole plan into chaos if you’re not prepared. I’ve been there, juggling postpartum recovery, paid leave benefits, disability extensions, job protection, and I know how overwhelming it can be. That’s why I want to walk you through what unlimited PTO really means, where the cons of unlimited PTO show up for new parents, and how you can still create a plan that works for you.
Unlimited PTO Sounds Dreamy, Until You Need It for Something Big
On paper, unlimited PTO (sometimes called unlimited paid time) looks amazing. You don’t have to track accrued PTO hours or calculate whether you have enough days for vacation time or sick leave. You simply request time off, and your manager approves or denies based on what’s happening at work.
But here’s what I’ve seen happen over and over again:
There’s no guaranteed amount of time.
How much time you actually take depends on company culture.
Many employees feel pressured not to take “too much.”
And unlike traditional paid time off PTO policies, you don’t get paid out for unused days if an employee leaves the company. That alone is one of the big cons of unlimited PTO.
I hear from so many parents who thought unlimited PTO would help them take extra time after parental leave, only to discover it doesn’t apply once you’re formally on leave.
Why Unlimited PTO Doesn’t Work During Parental Leave
Parental leave isn’t vacation. It’s a formal leave of absence, usually covered by a mix of state benefits, company policies, and sometimes short-term disability. Once you’re officially on parental leave, unlimited PTO is off the table.
That means your timeline is built from:
State benefits like disability leave and paid family leave.
Company parental leave policies (if they exist).
Supplemental programs your employer may offer.
Unlimited PTO can sometimes be used before you start leave or after you return if you want to ease back in. But while you are officially out, it doesn’t count. And if you go in assuming it does, you could end up with far less time than you expected.
The Pressure of “Unlimited”
Here’s the other challenge: unlimited PTO often puts the burden back on employees. Instead of having a clear number of paid days, you’re left trying to guess what’s “reasonable.”
Will my manager think I’m asking for too much?
Will my team resent me if I take extra weeks?
Will using unlimited PTO hurt my career long-term?
I’ve had countless conversations with parents who tell me they took less time under unlimited PTO than they would have with a traditional policy, simply because they didn’t want to rock the boat. That pressure is real, and it can rob families of time they deserve.
How to Plan Parental Leave If You Have Unlimited PTO
The good news? With the right strategy, you can still maximize your leave. Here’s how I guide parents who are navigating this exact situation:
1. Start with State Benefits
Find out what your state offers. Programs like disability leave and paid family leave often cover part of your income for several weeks. If you need help with your state, we can assist. Check out the states we specialize in here.
2. Layer in Company Parental Leave
Most companies that offer unlimited PTO still have a formal parental leave policy. This is the piece that guarantees a set amount of time.
3. Talk to Human Resources Early
Human resources SHOULD be your go-to resource. Ask clear questions like:
Can I use unlimited PTO before or after my official leave?
How do you define “reasonable” when requesting time off?
What does the company expect from employees returning after leave?
4. Be Specific in Your Request
Instead of asking vaguely, put your plan in writing. For example:
“I’ll be taking state disability leave and company parental leave. After that, I’d like to use two weeks of unlimited PTO, returning on [insert date].”
When you’re clear, it’s easier for HR and your manager to say yes.
Where Unlimited PTO Can Still Help
Even though unlimited PTO doesn’t extend parental leave, it can still be useful. I see parents use it to:
Take a few days of vacation time before the baby arrives.
Cover sick leave without worrying about running out of hours.
Ease back in with shorter weeks after the official leave ends.
Create breathing room for mental health and to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
When a company actually encourages employees to use unlimited PTO, it can be a wonderful tool. But that only works in workplaces where leadership models balance and sets healthy expectations.
What I Want Every Parent to Know
Unlimited PTO can sound like a dream, but it comes with limits. I know I said it before, but as another reminder: you cannot use unlimited PTO while you are on parental leave.
So don’t bank on it as part of your official timeline. Instead, build your leave around state benefits, company parental leave policies, and any disability coverage you have. Then, if your manager is supportive, use unlimited PTO before or after to extend your time.
I created Hello, Bundle because I don’t want parents to have to figure this out alone. Navigating parental leave shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. You deserve clarity, support, and every single day you’re entitled to with your baby.
Let’s Plan Your Leave Together
If you’re trying to map out your leave under an unlimited PTO policy, I’ve been in your shoes, and I’d love to help. At Hello, Bundle, we build custom parental leave calendars, outline the right questions to ask HR, and give you a strategy that makes sense for your family.
Because at the end of the day, your focus should be on bonding with your bundle of joy—not stressing over HR paperwork or wondering how much time you’re “allowed” to take. Find your state here.
