Ahhhh vacation. I recently got back from San Diego with my family and, I’ve got to say, it was terrific! We haven’t taken a “big” trip (i.e. on an airplane) in 10 years.
When I got to thinking about that I was shocked and dismayed because I realized it was my own d@#* fault! My daughter will be a Senior in high school this year. I don’t know where the time went, but I do know not enough of it was spent on vacation, making memories, recharging and sharing new experiences with her.
Since she was 3 years old she’d always wanted to swim with dolphins. We did just that in San Diego and she loved it! My hope is that she sees the value in going after your “bucket list” items while you’re healthy and able to pursue them.
According to Project:Time Off.com, nearly 75% of workers say they are stressed at work, with 25% saying they are “very” or “extremely” stressed. In addition, they say that “workers construct their own biggest barriers to taking time off…and employees fears about using vacation are reinforced by their companies”.
Fears employees have about taking vacation (i.e. being replaced or labeled as uncommitted) should be unfounded. It’s in everyone’s best interest for workers to feel secure and valued by their employers while at the same time being rested and focused on their responsibilities.
A supportive environment/culture like this leads to a committed employee willing to work hard, make necessary sacrifices, and do what needs to be done to further the employer’s vision.
Let’s face it. Everyone needs a break now and then. And if we’re being completely honest, work/life balance is almost always tipped in favor of “work” versus “life”. And, frankly, that’s a damn shame.
And I’m as guilty as the next person. Every year I’ve vowed to take all of my allotted time off and have yet to do so. But I’m committed to doing it this year.
If you know me, you know that I’m what people call “Type A”…“high control”, “high energy”, “driven”…which can be a good thing as long as it’s held in check. Speaking from experience, the quickest way for it to get out of whack is to skip the vacation…the downtime…the re-boot.
Executives, Board Members, Workers, Managers, Laborers – everyone – TAKE A VACATION! Spend time relaxing with people you love and care about because when it’s all said and done, nobody ever says “Darn – I wish I would have spent more time at work.”
Take a vacation. You earned it.
