As sure as Christmas will fall on December 25, you will hear the newly-returned former vacationer say “it feels like I never went away” – usually by about noon the first day back.
Then there is the non-holiday taker who thinks why bother, there is just more work to do upon return.
Both of these are signs of a bad vacation-taker. Prepping for a holiday is as serious a business as any of your other big projects.
For many – as many as 25% according to some surveys — it’s the nagging fear of balls dropping that sends even committed vacationers to check the Blackberry, “just in case.” And, ironically, many surveys indicate “too much work” is often the main reason for a no-show at the Holiday Inn – call us crazy but isn’t that exactly the point of a holiday?
Then again, sometimes vacations are hardest on those doing your dirty work while you’re gone.
Turns out, you need to put some extra time in to take time off. For a stress-free vacay:
Don’t just go and leave us.
Prepare weeks ahead, not hours. Meet often with those who will handle things while you’re away. Treat it like a relay race — it’s easier to pass the baton to someone already running alongside you.
Make a list, check it twice.
Don’t assume knowledge or the patience to wade through your dashed-off emails. Take the time to write clear instructions.
Remember, no one wants your job.
We’ve all seen the movies where the understudy usurps the star. It’s pretty rare in real life. Relax.
Protect your bliss.
Go for a nice lunch your first day back. Book a massage. Take time to talk to those poor stressed overworked people who didn’t get to go to the beach last week. Make a point of taking that new feel-good vibe into the real world.
One day I will learn!!
Yes, Canadian workers need more vacation time. I am a non-vacationer – there is always more work to do upon my return. In my line of business, no one does it well enough, it’s a very stressful job. Always expect the unexpected (bad things) to happen whether I’m there or not.