Thursday, August 10, 2006

Take Your Vacation

A third of Americans don't take their full vacation time. And many people are disappointed with their vacations, because they build up a huge fantasy about how perfect they have to be, since their vacations are so rare.

The hidden problem, I think, is that workers are thinking of vacation as part of work. They are resting so that they can work better. I am all for work. I have as strong a work ethic as the next Presbyterian elder. But I don't live to work. Work is not my life.

Vacations are to reconnect with family and friends. They are best for rebuilding the social ties that work frays. So even if the weather is not cooperative, if the real point of vacation is to spend time together, a gray day will work as well as a sunny one.

Go play.

5 comments:

SPorcupine said...

Of the last 365 days, how many were days when you did not work? Was there any period of three consecutive days that counted as you on vacation?

Gruntled said...

Hey, I have four whole days scheduled in two weeks. I 'll even take a vacation from blogging (now that's serious).

Russell Smith said...

Beau,
I've tagged you on a book meme over on my blog -- check out today's post and let me see what books are on your list.
Russell

Mark Smith said...

I always take mine (with 13 years here, I get four weeks). I always try to take at least 5 continuous days.

Gruntled said...

Yes, you are absolutely right, and my wife agrees with you double. We normally take a glorious week in the mountains of West Virginia, which have cut short this year because an obligation to students collided with an unexpected calendar change by the college. This will be the last time for that particular adjustment, though.