As a business owner it’s easy to feel like your work is never done – because no matter how much you do, there is always more that could theoretically be done. Many business owners we’ve spoken with also feel that they have a responsibility to be available to their team and that if they step away they are putting an undue burden on their team. So, we wanted to hear from a broad range of business owners on whether they take vacations and we’ve shared some of their responses below.

Micaela Nauman

As a digital nomad, I’m a big advocate for supporting creatives and entrepreneurs in building a business and lifestyle they don’t need a vacation from! When you work for yourself – especially online – you have the freedom to choose when, where, and how you work. But as a business owner on the move – regularly changing time zones, cultures, and living and working environments – all while running a business requires intentional breaks to be sustainable and healthy. Read more>>

Suzi Glover-Garman

I just returned from a Yosemite vacation with my husband. It’s the first vacation we’ve taken since COVID and opening our business. Pre-pandemic was hard to take time as we just so new. As things started to open up, my team would time off with support by me. I realized they were hesitant to ask for time off becuase I never took time off. One of them finally asked me, when I was going to take vacation. I realized I needed to set an example and make it okay to time away from the office. I also learned my team needed to NOT have me in the office, but practice their own indepence. Our trip to Yosemite was wonderful! Waterfalls, Sequoias and hikes sprinkled with both was such great experience. Read more>>

Rachel Mostofizadeh

Yes, we take vacations! We love the beach and camping and skiing. My husband is a pilot but sadly, he doesn’t get family flight benefits. A lot of our vacations involve one of us working or visiting our families on the east coast. In 2018, we got to spend the summer in Czechia while my husband worked. The kids and I just relaxed and did a lot of sightseeing while he flew around Europe. When he was with us, we would hop on the train and see as much as we could. We also spend time in California, Washington, and Nevada when I have sessions or weddings to shoot there. Read more>>

Erik Lopez

I like the ideas of vacations but I have a difficult time taking a step back from my work. I only take very small breaks, every few years, for a few days at a time. Read more>>

Kate Fishel

Yes, I absolutely do! I used to hoard my vacation days as if a high balance were a trophy for my dedication at work. While my sales were incredible, the quality of the rest of my life was taking a toll. Finding the time to take vacations and practice self-care is imperative. It is not sustainable to red line all the time; at some point your work, your health or some aspect of your life will burn out. When I slowed down and took time to travel, I was excited to come back full of energy and new ideas. Read more>>

Maisie Knowles

When I start my residential interior design and decorating business, I knew I did not want it to be a full time gig. I wanted to make sure I had the flexibility to be with my kids after school, on weekends and on school breaks. In order to make that a reality I’ve had to set some firm boundaries within my business. During the summer, I take an extended vacation to be with my family. That means I essentially halt my business every year for two months. Those two months allow me to unplug, refresh and invest precious time with my kids while they’re out of school. Read more>>

Kierstan Craft

Yes! Vacations are vital! The amount of times I leave the city and come back revitalized and ready to paint are astronomical. I come back inspired most of the time. Sometimes I’ll be energized from the people I meet you give me ideas! Vacations definitely help keep me going! Read more>>