What is a key characteristic of a personal leave compared to other leaves?

A key characteristic of personal leave is that it is not typically protected or paid. Unlike certain types of leave, such as those provided under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), personal leave does not usually come with job protection or guaranteed pay. This means that an employer is not required by law to hold the employee's position during their absence or to pay them while they are on this kind of leave.

Additionally, personal leave is often at the discretion of the employer and may vary significantly between different companies or organizations. Some employers may choose to offer personal leave as a benefit, but the specifics—such as whether it's paid or protected—can differ widely.

In contrast, federally regulated leaves such as FMLA have specific legal requirements that protect employees' jobs during their absence. Combining personal leave with FMLA is possible, but the two types of leave operate under different rules and protections. Therefore, the defining trait of personal leave lies in its lack of protection and pay.