The Case for Using Vacation Time

In a recent study, Americans still do not use all of their vacation time. Let's change that.There are many things I enjoy about the United States.

I feel like I have to start with that because I am always trying to get people to leave the US and travel.

I love the all-night restaurants, Target, road rules that make sense to me, and the enthusiasm with which Americans do many things.

There are also many things that frustrate the hell out of me in the good ole’ US of A.

For one, we suck at taking vacation time.

I’m not saying this just to be provocative.  The Today Show had a brief segment today during which Natalie Morales essentially said “Americans still aren’t taking vacations from work, and a whole bunch of vacation time expired at the end of last year.”

Womp, womp.

There was also a story about this in 2015, also on The Today Show.  Not taking vacation time was affecting our relationships

Not to beat a dead horse, but a similar story appeared in 2014.  Yep, still Today. 

A bunch of other news sources have made the same depressing realizations.

If less than 25 percent of Americans are taking all of their vacation time (which, in the US, is at a painfully low 10 days), HOW ARE WE STILL FUNCTIONING AS A COUNTRY.

No, really.  I’m asking.

I’m not going to even focus on that pitiful amount of vacation time in this post (10 days? Really?).

But I really can’t take vacation.

Vacation time is part of your compensation for work (if you are a full-time employee and it is part of your employment package).  It means that your employer acknowledges that employees operate better when they have time to shut off their minds and phones for some time.

I get it.  It’s scary to let someone else take charge of your projects, your clients, or your risk management oversight for a few days, or even a week (… or more).

You do your job well.

You pride yourself on your relationships that you have with various stakeholders.

But I promise you that the world won’t come to an end if you take your vacation time.

If the president of the United States can take a vacation every year, you sure as hell can.

You don’t know what it’s like.

I’m writing this as a reformed non-vacation taker.  

Some of my former supervisors did not support me taking vacation time, and I didn’t focus on making my case to them.

So, I received two vacation buy-outs from my previous positions.  Across 3 years, I was paid for 25 vacation days that I did not take.

That money was not worth it, in my opinion (and I love money).

Currently, with my 25 vacation days annually (I’m truly, truly lucky to have this), I will have exactly .8 days remaining by December 31st.

Yes. .8 days.

I have a running joke with my supervisor that I never work. This is far from true, but in the business culture of the United States, it would seem that taking any time away is viewed as frivolous.

Selfish.

Lazy.

Uncommitted to the job.

This is simply not true.

Using vacation time demonstrates a commitment to yourself, your relationships, your mental health, and your job.

Yeah.  I said it.  Taking vacation time demonstrates a commitment to your job.

You are at your best when you have time away from your job.  How many times have you had a brilliant idea when you’re not actively thinking about something?

If that’s not motivational enough, how about taking the opportunity to rejuvenate yourself and returning to work ready for anything?  

Yeaaaaaaaaaaaah.  You would return to work like a rabid chipmunk.  Ready to take on anything and hyped up.

What can I do now?

Take the time you have rightfully earned.

I don’t care if you take a staycation, traverse the US, journey by train across Europe, cruise down the Amazon, go on a South African safari, hike the Great Wall of China, or surf in Australia.

The world is out there, and it’s begging you to explore it.

The world is out there, and it's begging you to explore it. - Leigh

So, managers.  Empower your employees to schedule their vacations.  And, more importantly, take your own vacation time to be a good example to your team.

And, employees.  Schedule your own time away.  The world won’t end.  You actually aren’t indispensable.

Finally, students entering the workforce.  TAKE. YOUR. VACATION. TIME.  Make this a part of your life now to make it a healthy habit.

Sure, you want to get ahead.  You can still get ahead by kicking ass in the time that you are in the office, and taking time away.

Here’s to your well-deserved rest.  

Do you take all of your vacation time?  Why or why not?

Related Readings:
Prioritize Travel Saving (+ Calculator)
How Your Smartphone Has Improved Travel
10 Ways to Save Money While Living Abroad
Working After College: 10 Challenges
11 Things You Need to Research Before Traveling

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