One evening during a recent holiday to the Mediterranean (where I spent the good part of May), I found myself reflecting on my shopping excursions from that afternoon as I sipped on my Sangria.
Dresses, scarves, shoes, jewelry, and antiques; in that moment it became apparent I would need to buy another suitcase. Or three.
Suddenly, my sweet Sangria tasted bitter. I felt the signature pang of guilt in my stomach…
Buyer’s remorse.
The interrogations from my harshest critic (me) began:
Did I really need those antique cups and saucers from London that looked like they came right out of a Kate Spade catalog?
Another pair of Louboutins? (At least I didn’t splurge on a Birkin, right?)
How exactly did I plan to bring all those wine bottles back?
Before I could answer the judge’s questions and defend my case with the evidence of careful budgeting and planning before my trip, my phone buzzed inside Louis (my beloved trusty sidekick, Louis Vuitton Speedy 35).
It was my business partner. The markets were still open in the States, and clients were calling seeking funds, advice, and stock trades (more on what I do for a living here).
The familiar pang of guilt overwhelmed me, again.
Only this time, it was accompanied by new accusations from the court:
I’m the youngest advisor at my firm. What makes me think I deserve to take a vacation while the rest of my team is at work?
While I’m on the other side of the world, I’m missing out on opportunities to win more business. Is my trip really worth it?
What will my clients think if they can’t reach me?
What if something major happens while I’m away?
I snapped out of giving myself the third degree in faster fashion than a Forever 21 party dress.
Ordering another drink, I whipped out my journal (you can fit a lot in Louis) and began to reflect:
Why do we throw guilt on ourselves for taking time off as if we had just gone on a shopping spree with money we didn’t have?
Style tip: Do not go on a shopping spree with money you don’t have. Instead, budget for it. I introduce 4 helpful concepts on the subject here.
After all, what if our “why” for working so hard is to afford the time and expense to travel the world?
Why do we second-guess ourselves to make the right decisions on our work/life balance (or our work/life integration, as I prefer to look at it)?
Why do we listen to society when it tells us we need to be constantly busy, working 80-hour weeks to be “worthy” of taking time off?
While I can’t help you feel better about buying snakeskin loafers a half size too small (but they were 50% off and maybe if I squeeze they’ll fit!?!), I can help make sure the vacation you go on this summer isn’t a guilt-trip:
1. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
Fact: You deserve time off just as much as everyone else in the office. But apparently more than half of the U.S. population needs further convincing.
According to a 2017 study by the U.S. Travel Association, 52% of employees reported having unused vacation days at the end of the year.
Even worse? That same study revealed that 212 million (million!) vacation days are forfeited each year – a $62.2 billion (billion!) loss in benefits.
Do you know how many first class tickets to Paris that would buy (shopping sprees included)?
The point of vacation is to recharge your batteries to return refreshed, inspired, and ready to dive back in to your goals.
If you don’t give yourself that opportunity, how can you possibly operate at optimum levels, be the best version of yourself, and take full advantage of this one life we’ve been given?
If you receive an allowance of paid vacation days each year, you should take that as proof your company wants you to get away for a while.
Why?
Companies know that team members who use their vacation days will likely be more productive and less likely to suffer from burn-out. Everyone wins.
If you’re a business owner, the same rules apply. Your business relies on your creative energy, leadership, and strategic direction. Failure to take time to “unplug” could result in strained focus and serious missteps. Trust your team to take care of business while you’re away. They want you to be a focused, energized, guilt-free leader, too!
2. There will always be “something.”
No matter how far in advance you plan your vacation, there will always be a meeting, email thread, shopping event, concert or birthday you are going to miss. We call this “FOMO” (Fear Of Missing Out).
Once you accept this, the second half of your life begins.
Here are a few tips to ensure smooth transitions getting away from and returning to the office, no matter what you end up missing:
- Give your team plenty of notice. Leaving anyone hanging on a project or deadline is the ultimate fashion faux-pas.
- Make sure all callers during your holiday are greeted with a message clearly stating your absence with a contact to address urgent matters while you’re away.
- Set expectations on availability with clients, partners, family members, and your favorite sales associate at Chanel.
3. You can always earn more money, but you cannot earn more time.
Time is our most valuable, non-renewable resource. We have all been given a finite amount, unsure of when we will run out. How do you want to spend it?
Don’t use up all your precious time at work, priding yourself on being “too busy” to take a break.
The money will come and go, and come back again. There are infinite ways to make more money (in fact, I’ve listed 100 ways to do so here).
But once your time is gone, it’s gone forever. There is no way to return lost time or exchange for store credit.
Reminding myself of these truths helped me put my work/life integration in perspective and truly enjoy my vacation. I returned to my business energized, inspired, and full of great ideas (and fond memories from my trip). What I didn’t come home with was guilt for taking time to get away. I hope these reminders do the same for you.
Final note: I ended up needing 4 extra suitcases on my trip home from my shopping extravaganza. Carpe diem, fashionistas.
How do you make sure to take time away from the office? What vacation are you planning for this summer? Shoot me a note – I’d love to help you budget for it!
