Unpaid leave is sometimes necessary when employees exhaust their paid vacation or personal days. Whether it’s due to an emergency, personal reasons, or simply needing additional time off, you’ll need to get approval from your employer before taking unpaid leave. Some employers have formal unpaid leave policies, while others handle requests on a case-by-case basis. It’s important to communicate your situation clearly, provide as much notice as possible, and offer to minimize the impact of your absence by adjusting your workload or arranging for coverage. Many employers are willing to accommodate unpaid leave requests, especially if the situation is unavoidable and you’ve demonstrated responsibility in handling your work. However, you should be aware of how unpaid leave may affect your paycheck and any associated benefits.