If it’s any consolation it still isn’t much better in the UK. My gift from work to celebrate the birth of my child was two weeks off - one at full pay and one at statutory paternity pay level. Welcome to the world new human, here’s your pay deduction!
Yes, early 40s from the UK so most people here learn in a manual car. I drive electric now so it only has forwards and backwards to choose from. Can’t say I miss the old manual much, it’s just so much more chill driving an auto.