Strategy to maximize PTOs and Sick Days w/o Raising Red Flags?

AN1 in M&A looking to use as much PTOs and sick days without raising red flags. I heard that using them late August, post-Christmas, or around major holidays when deal flow is lighter. Was thinking of taking a sick day after a long weekend to draw less attention than disappearing for a week. This could work after a taking a vacation, and claiming I fell ill (due to malaria or something) afterwards (but heard a colleague was caught with a different excuse). Any thoughts?

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