10-15 vacation days in the USA is typical, especially with less than a decade of experience [0][1]. I do wish I had more vacation (I get 15 days), but if I use it all each year and avoid working nights and weekends, I never feel symptoms of burnout. If I add my hobby projects, 60 hours a week feels sustainable, especially if I watch for feelings that might lead to burnout and take immediate corrective action.
Even worse: sometimes your responsibilities increase faster than your vacation days. My Dad was unable to take half of his vacation at his old job because of the amount of the company he managed.
Heh. My manager emailed me today, reminding me I have 10 days of holiday left in the year and that I should remember to take them. I'm planning walking along Offa's Dyke with my brother, and also taking off some days to work on side projects. And maybe a skiing trip...
(and my dad had the same problems - I think it was one of the factors in my parents breaking up. Now he's remarried and he takes far more time off, despite being in an yet-higher position. I think he's a fair bit happier, too.)
Even worse: sometimes your responsibilities increase faster than your vacation days. My Dad was unable to take half of his vacation at his old job because of the amount of the company he managed.
[0] http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0922052.html#axzz0x9O67WhF
[1] http://media.expedia.com/media/content/expus/graphics/promos...