Well it is Saturday night and if you are gainfully engaged with your work, you are probably planning your next big move at the office for early Monday morning. In addition, you may spend your time developing and implementing work strategies to counter even the most ardent colleague so that you are the only rising start on a daily basis.
The thought of a 90-hour work week is now considered common-place for many women and men on the road to implementing their 5-year career plan. You know the types, the ones referred to around the office as "Junior Executives in Training" or "JETs."
Despite the heavy focus on conquering the world, it helps to also consider the possibilities of, well taking some time off from your 5-year plan to enjoy life. Why would anyone slow their momentum down to take a break from work? I will give you 5 good reasons to use your vacation time.
1. The office will run smoothly without you. Sometimes employees feel like they are the glue to the paper that keeps the office working to exceed goals. This is a nice sentiment to keep folks motivated. However in-real-life (IRL) the ability to reduce stress is directly correlated with removing the burden of feeling solely responsible for the entire organization's success.
2. Spark creativity. Sometimes the break from work is an opportunity to remove the mundane attitude you have from your work rigor. For example, when was the last time you were creative about a work project, any project or household project? The ability to spark the flame in your idea factory is rooted in your ability to step away from your work habits once in a while so you may have some fun.
3. Increase your promotion potential. A recent Harvard Business Review article by Shawn Achor mentioned that fewer Americans are taking vacations so that they may be more accessible at work. However, those who take vacations from the office may be more likely to get promoted or earn raises because they avoid the potential for burn-out. Being motivated at work is critical for advancement. Moreover, being motivated to enjoy your life outside of the office is an example of quality work/life balance that many leaders leverage.
4. Nobody likes a suck up. Did you ever hear the story about the staffer who constantly boasts about never taking leave, always being around to work and readily available on cell phone 24/7, but was never really liked by their peers? No one wants to work with a person who constantly reminds their peers that they are always around while others are on leave. It is annoying and it removes the likelihood that the braggart will be considered a trusted adviser. Also, bosses don't like it when their staff brags about being around all hours and they do not produce any additional results compared to their peers. Take the hint and book a flight out of the area to give your colleagues break from you.
5. Your family will appreciate the quiet time. Wow, I can remember the last vacation I took with my family. I did not take business calls, I listened to everyone of their stories about school, despite school ending 3 weeks before our trip. I also remember the 30-second dance party with my teens and the quiet walk on the beach with my husband at sunrise. This is the "return to family" process which requires only your full attention after taking a few days off from the office to be at peace with your loved ones. They will appreciate the laughter they share with you, you will appreciate the memories and you will have harmony in your soul. Even if the vacation and the family time is not perfect, you will be together.
The thought of a 90-hour work week is now considered common-place for many women and men on the road to implementing their 5-year career plan. You know the types, the ones referred to around the office as "Junior Executives in Training" or "JETs."
Despite the heavy focus on conquering the world, it helps to also consider the possibilities of, well taking some time off from your 5-year plan to enjoy life. Why would anyone slow their momentum down to take a break from work? I will give you 5 good reasons to use your vacation time.
1. The office will run smoothly without you. Sometimes employees feel like they are the glue to the paper that keeps the office working to exceed goals. This is a nice sentiment to keep folks motivated. However in-real-life (IRL) the ability to reduce stress is directly correlated with removing the burden of feeling solely responsible for the entire organization's success.
2. Spark creativity. Sometimes the break from work is an opportunity to remove the mundane attitude you have from your work rigor. For example, when was the last time you were creative about a work project, any project or household project? The ability to spark the flame in your idea factory is rooted in your ability to step away from your work habits once in a while so you may have some fun.
3. Increase your promotion potential. A recent Harvard Business Review article by Shawn Achor mentioned that fewer Americans are taking vacations so that they may be more accessible at work. However, those who take vacations from the office may be more likely to get promoted or earn raises because they avoid the potential for burn-out. Being motivated at work is critical for advancement. Moreover, being motivated to enjoy your life outside of the office is an example of quality work/life balance that many leaders leverage.
4. Nobody likes a suck up. Did you ever hear the story about the staffer who constantly boasts about never taking leave, always being around to work and readily available on cell phone 24/7, but was never really liked by their peers? No one wants to work with a person who constantly reminds their peers that they are always around while others are on leave. It is annoying and it removes the likelihood that the braggart will be considered a trusted adviser. Also, bosses don't like it when their staff brags about being around all hours and they do not produce any additional results compared to their peers. Take the hint and book a flight out of the area to give your colleagues break from you.
5. Your family will appreciate the quiet time. Wow, I can remember the last vacation I took with my family. I did not take business calls, I listened to everyone of their stories about school, despite school ending 3 weeks before our trip. I also remember the 30-second dance party with my teens and the quiet walk on the beach with my husband at sunrise. This is the "return to family" process which requires only your full attention after taking a few days off from the office to be at peace with your loved ones. They will appreciate the laughter they share with you, you will appreciate the memories and you will have harmony in your soul. Even if the vacation and the family time is not perfect, you will be together.
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