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.

Nicole Miazgowicz

I am an avid vacationer! Taking vacations, whether that is visiting out-of-state family and friends, going overseas, or shorter trips has always been an aspect of my life I’ve placed priority on no matter my financial or work situation. I’m lucky to have a bit of freedom in my schedule by splitting my time between freelance work and a part-time day job that is very flexible in letting me take time off. I don’t have paid time-off with either job, so I do have to create a balance of when and how long I can vacation at any given time. For me, that often looks like working extra hours on the weeks around a vacation to make up for time and income lost. If I’m really busy and need to bring my work with me, I’ll build in some coffee shop/work time – it can be really fun and inspiring to do that in a new city! Read more>>

Molly Sanchez

You should definitely do it. Corporations aren’t your friends, you owe them hard work for the hours they pay you for and if they offer vacation time they owe you that time. There aren’t any prizes at the end of your life for how much of your personal well being you sacrificed for the altar of commerce. But there are rewards for stepping back for a sec, getting rest or inspiration and coming back fresh. Read more>>

Jennifer Armstrong

Yes, I do take vacations—and I believe they’re essential for long-term sustainability and creativity as a business owner. It wasn’t always easy to step away, especially in the early stages of building my business. But I’ve learned that burnout helps no one—not my clients, not my team, and certainly not me. Read more>>