Vacation?

At the end of every year I am astonished as friends (working in both the federal and private sphere) admit to me that they are on compulsory leave. Why? It has nothing to do with inappropriate comments, ethics code violations, or a poor work ethic. Rather, like a squirrel storing food for the winter, they have stored up their vacation hours—fearing that the use of such might interfere with their work. Unlike the squirrel however, whose hoard diminishes over the course of the winter, and thus greets the dawn of spring with joy and adulation, these employees store not to eat or use, but simply to store.

My favorite story related to this practice was told to me by a close friend who has worked for the government for over two decades. Not only does he find himself in a situation each year where he’s accumulated more vacation time than he is allowed to carry over into the next year, but he has over 6 full months of sick time accrued. Although some prefer to take vacation time off in large blocks at the end of each year, those who are forced to take time because they have year-in and year-out failed to cash-in on this earned benefit, might reconsider how they use their vacation time.

In fact, there are a few common sense reasons why employees everywhere not only should take a vacation (if vacation hours are available), but should look upon taking vacation as a duty.

1. You’ve earned it. The squirrel doesn’t collect nuts simply because it finds the activity of tracking down and storing nuts inherently enjoyable. Likewise, why work day-in and day-out, and accrue vacation hours without any intention of using them? Vacation hours, like the squirrel’s nuts, do not have intrinsic worth, making their use unnecessary. If you’ve earned them, use them!
2. Everybody needs a break. Even devoted workaholics require a break every now and again—some time to recharge their batteries. A vacation will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated—ready to conquer the duties of your job with a newly found or rediscovered zeal.
3. The world won’t end. If you are afraid your work won’t get done in your absence, shelve your fear—it will. The success or failure of your company (even if you’re an executive) will not be affected by your decision to take a one week vacation. Sure, you may have a mountain of e-mails to sift through upon your return, but a few days or a week free of work-related concern and stress is well worth it.