[opportune]

They lost it going forward, and also lost any kind of arbitrage when paired with salary increases. Eg my accrued vacation is “worth” 10% more after a 10% salary bump than before it.

[bialpio]

It also serves as a nice buffer when you are switching jobs - you can take the PTO and still be employed (& so covered by health insurance for a bit longer, and stocks are still vesting), making for a nice break from work.

[ironick09]

So you have unlimited PTO, what’s stopping you from taking a vacation.

[bialpio]

Discretionary <> unlimited, so the answer to your question most likely will be: "my manager".

Edit: props to Microsoft for not being scared to call the policy by its true name.