This is the first summer in over 16 years that we have not gone to France. It’s not that we didn’t want to, but it is also the first time in 20 plus years that my husband, Jean, has limited vacation time as a result of taking a new position in which they ONLY give 2 weeks per year. Forget health care, it is a crime that at age 50 plus you are relegated to 2 weeks vacation!
Okay, I have to admit we snuck in a week unpaid earlier this year to tie us over, but still, vacation time is almost more important than health care– after all it does keep us healthier.
As entrepreneurs you finally have the ability, right, and duty to take and give more than two weeks vacation a year. Actually I personally have adopted the French standard of 37 days a year of a little over 7 weeks. I follow my daughter’s schedule (who attends a French school) of one to two weeks vacation each season and three weeks in the summer. By taking a break, a vacation, a respite each quarter you are able to recharge your batteries, give yourself time to think, and remember why you wanted to be an entrepreneur in the first place. Each of these vacations doesn’t have to be elaborate or exotic, but different enough to get you away to relax and rejuvenate or spend time visiting family. (Family visits counts as “family visits”, not vacation).
Expedia analyzed the vacation habits of different countries and compared the U.S. with an average of 14 days vacation with European countries ranging from 26-37 days per year. Yes, the U.S. is the leader in productivity, but France, the #2 leader in productivity, seems to be doing this with the 35-hour work week and 37 days of vacation per year.
Americans, even with the 14 days a year, rarely take all of them and rarely take more than one week vacation at a time. Why? They are too busy with work. With downsizing and layoffs this is even getting worse. “If I’m not productive” is the thought, “I could be layed off”.
As an entrepreneur who wants a lifestyle too, start now and set a precedent for you and your employees’ vacation policy. Based on a survey by Hudson Employment Organization, 29% of entrepreneurs check in daily while on vacation and 24% of them come back more stressed. Checking in everyday is not a vacation!
So here I am to say, that if you truly want to be an Entrepreneur who lives a good life, take your vacation, give vacation, and enjoy your vacation. There has never been a report of someone returning from a vacation, burnt out, stressed, and less productive. In fact, it will most likely be the opposite.
Six Reasons you and your employees should take your vacation throughout the year.
- Avoid burnout, mistakes, resentment and lower productivity. This is not a sprint you are running, but a marathon. Vacations are like water, you have to rehydrate yourself to keep going.
- The two weeks before you go on vacation, you tend to get more organized, work smarter, and finish key priorities. It’s a natural way to focus on what is important.
- Give your family time with you when you are focused on enjoying them and yourself and not on work. In return, they will be there to support you for the long haul.
- A change of place and pace is good for the brain, the soul, and the creative side of your business. Experts report that a key ingredient to reaching new heights is a change of venue and shutting down for extended periods of time. Business Week May 21, 2007.
- New ideas, new inspiration, new thoughts are often found while on vacation.
- Remember why you are an entrepreneur in the first place and why your overall purpose in life is about.
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