People are especially sensitive to the perception of their dedication nowadays. There’s an underlying current — if I take an extra 15 minutes at lunch, it’ll be noticed. People will talk. And then I might be next on the layoff list.
It’s even worse when it comes to vacation. Although we’re smack in the middle of prime vacation time here in the States, a recent study from Expedia shows that 49 million Americans won’t take all of their vacation time this year. Between concerns for their employability and the overwork that comes from needing to pitch in for those who are no longer with the company, teams are exhausted, stressed, and desperately in need of a break.
My challenge to you: step out of “can’t.” When it comes to considering your summer vacation plans, focus on what you can create for yourself, rather than what you can’t. Typically, more is possible than you think. Some ideas, whether or not you get any time off:
- Set expectations. If you’re going off the grid for even a couple hours, let people know when, for how long, and when you’ll return. This helps avoid anxiety about not knowing when you might respond, and allows you to more fully enjoy the time you have without feeling that people are wondering where you are.
- Turn off the Blackberry/iPhone/etc. Leave the “always on” lifestyle behind. It doesn’t have to be every time you leave the office or right at 5 pm, but draw some boundaries and stick to them. Try setting aside an hour each night where it’s off–dinner is a good place to start. When you figure out the world doesn’t come to an end, try two hours. Or even the whole night. Crazy!
- Create a mini-vacation. If you can’t get away for a week, make it a weekend. In fact, you don’t even have to get away. Try starting with homemade breakfast in the morning, long walks in the afternoon, movies and popcorn at night, big pitchers of lemonade–whatever says “lazy summer day” to you.
- Do something physical. So much of our vacations of old revolve around being physical outside. Games, long walks, bike rides and gardening can all help us better appreciate the great weather while relieving work-related stress.
If you’re currently not working, make every day a mini-vacation. Start each day with a walk around the neighborhood. Work on your job search while sitting out on the deck. Change your venue, and change your perception.
Related posts:
- Evaluating work/life balance in an interview: Ask the right question
- Achieving Balance: Do more of what you love
- Guest Post: Does your career support your lifestyle?
- Job search over 50: Unique challenges, unique opportunities
- 5 things you can do right now to get out of your productivity hole
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Kristi,
Thank you for posting this timely article. The worst thing someone can do is completely give up all elements of self long-term.
There is quite a bit of research that you do not do yourself nor your employer any favors by working yourself into the ground. You are likely to be more negative, make mistakes, not think as clearly and perhaps put yourself in danger of losing your job!
Great article!!!!
Rebecca: Excellent thoughts. No one can deliver quality work, day in day out, without some fundamental investment in their own well-being. Mental breaks are key.