In job interviews, discussing vacation time (PTO) is not too clever: it signals you are thinking about time not spent for the company. Does this consequently make it an excellent topic discussing during pay negotiation later on?
In a meeting this Friday, I will list the reasons for which I deserve senior perks & pay grade. My boss will1 downplay any number of my arguments & fulfill my demands to a lesser extent. I might have to make this an in-or-out situation, making clear that I really mean it.
Adding to how much value I provide for the company.. I could also remind him of how unfavorable my resignation would be, considering (among other reasons) my impressive2 number of unspent paid vacation days. Either pointing out the size of my potential last pay check.. or just casually mentioning that I feel like requesting a looong vacation soon.
1 I expect this because last time I wanted a substantial pay rise, he said "OK" and that was it, no meeting.
2 not uncommon in Germany; voluntary; pay stub confirms the number; unspent days carry over to next year & do not expire automatically