How does one go about this? Somehow I've managed to get through a number of jobs without ever being in this situation. There's not any way that I can do it on the sly as I need to ask for the time off as there's a major event I'm meant to be involved with on that day. How much information does one have to / is it advisable to divulge? What if I don't get it - does that make things tense for months? It isn't exactly good timing as the next few months are our busiest of the year, but then I guess it never is.

Best to be open and explain reasons (mainly wanting to move to London, earn more and work my way up the greasy pole)? Maybe if this was the private sector I could use this to lever a pay rise but I don't think it works that way when you work for a university.

Anyone with advice / stories of your own?