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Comment by rmchugh | Hacker News Reader

The thing about a Netflix room for sick kids really reminded how good we've got things in Denmark. I have two days off every time a kid gets sick, no questions asked, as does my partner. I work in the public sector though, so I'm not sure what the standard arrangement is in the private sector.

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Well, the reality in America is that in most places you can take time off if your kid gets sick... you'll just be "downsized" during the next "reorganization" if you ever do.

You almost had it here. In America, most employers of professionals are flexible, sympathetic and understanding. They'll usually give you the time off without further ramifications. Just because the law doesn't require it doesn't mean it doesn't happen.

There's no correct answer to this. But, from personal experience, there are companies and roles in which too many sick days and even maternity leave can shaft your promotion. They usually give fuzzy reasons like "you weren't fully present," etc. and won't necessarily directly say "you took too many sick days to care for your kid!" There is an implicit assumption that at certain early-career roles you are childless and managers and peers at such levels are quite poor at accommodating working parents.

I believe even in the private sector at least one day is typical ("barnets første sygedag"), because the union framework agreements of the major unions include it as a standard clause.

Right, but are most developers in the private sector covered by a collective agreement?

I'm in the UK and have never had a problem taking time off to look after a sick child, although I work for a company which is generally excellent about these things (I took something like three months off after our kid was born due to complications).

Can you negotiate that benefit away for additional salary or vacation time off?

No, i don't think so.

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