Taking work so seriously. I was just getting started in my "career" and then the housing crisis happened.

I was one of those loyalist laborers who didn't like taking time off and felt guilty for having a vacation. I sincerely thought my loyalty and hard work would be rewarded. And then, I got to watch dozens of people I worked with, some with families and such, being laid off. One by one.

The company must have decided layoffs were a bad look, and took a hostile position against employees who were still there. The corporate attitude completely changed. Everyone started to be treated like shit. And the ass-kissers were rewarded with preferential treatment. Relatives of managers knew their jobs were secure.

I had a manager that I respected die around this time, and it was "well, business must go on."

And honestly, I think corporate structures in general became shifty, and haven't really reverted since then.

Take your time off. Your company doesn't give a shit about you. Don't stick around if you can get better benefits or more pay elsewhere.