Seems you misunderstood their comment. They took time off but never logged it in the system. HR asked them to log the days they took off, they said sure but I also get to log my overtime and get paid for those then.

Ignoring the fact that they are considered an exempt employee (at least in the US).

Probably illegally misclassified as exempt, you mean.

How do you figure? Technology roles are well understood to be exempt, no? Don't get me wrong, I think it's stupid and should be changed, but it is what it is (for now).

Do you figure a software engineer is likely to not meet the criteria for classification as exempt? I’ve never heard that called into doubt before.

I did well and was promoted and given raises and bonuses - that was kinda the point of working hard, not to get more days off. I just didn't like people making PTO a thing, it struck me as juvenile. I used plenty of PTO days, one summer I took every Friday off, but I didn't like the idea of being tracked like I was a child. My simple thought was if people do a good job, who cares about PTO tracking.

I see. That's much clearer, thanks.

Although the point of documenting PTO is both useful for you (to quantify days off as you may be taking much less than you thought!) and the company (was behead meant to be in work today?! What if there's a fire alarm and headcount is needed?)

Congrats on the promotion and raises! I agree that ideally working hard should lead to those outcomes.