I turned down a vice-president job that only offered 10 days off a year. As a mom of 2, I need more flexibility.

A mom turned down a job because it didn't offer enough paid time off.

Jordi Mora igual/Getty Images

• Sherri Carpineto is senior director of strategy and operations Ascom Americas.
• A few years ago, she was headhunted for a VP role but only offered 10 days off.
• She said she always negotiates time off, because flexibility is critical.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Sherri Carpineto, senior director of strategy and operations Ascom Americas.