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.

Destiny Campbell

I am an advocate for vacations, whether its a week or just a weekend getaway. I believe that it’s important to unplug and refuel. If you burn yourself out, you jeopardize your ability to fully show up 100%. As a service provider, it is imperative that I make time for myself as well. Vacations are also a great opportunity to network and spread your brand. Read more>>

Kimberly Dela Cruz

Yes, I do take vacations. I feel like I should take more time off but it’s hard since I’m a workaholic. I used to be very bad at this but I’ve been learning how to actually relax. It’s really important to take vacations and to take breaks from work because you need that time to rest and reset so that you can continue doing the best work. I know how hard it could be to take time off work, but just know that you need to rest every now and then. Even a short break would be super beneficial and prevent burnout. Read more>>

Lindsay Ridenour

This is an interesting question for someone who has made it her job travel. Taking vacations is what got me into this; my business partner, Sarah Driggs, and I bonded over our shard love for travel and the fact that friends and family often asked our advice or for our help when planning their own vacations. Our website started as a place to share inspiration by writing about places we’d been and sharing our photos. Read more>>

Keeton Robinson

I do like vacations. I feel like that’s important because the grind can burn you out, and that vacation is the best thing you can do yourself. It’s an investment just as much as investing in your equipment because the time and energy you poured into your company will be the same way toward vacation. I know it can be difficult not to work while you’re on vacation, but it’s worth it not working so you can get recharged and get back to work once the vacation is over. Read more>>

Adam Itayem

Memphis has given me incredible opportunities but going out of town, regardless of where, never fails to produce some of my favorite photos. I love that I get to bring my business with me anywhere in the world. There’s Kodak moments everywhere and getting a fresh perspective on a new destination usually sparks a wave of creativity in me. I feel like a fly on the wall going out alone and exploring a new city with my camera capturing moments that otherwise would pass. Read more>>

Aden Eyob

Absolutely. Vacations are a lifeline for well-being and innovative thinking, whether you are a business owner, employee, or freelancer. We all need time to rest to reset, see new possibilities, and have fun. The adage that a leader’s job is never done is not a reason to deplete your mind, body, and spirit and spiral into burnout. A Harvard University survey on CEOs and how they spend their free time showed that most CEOs worked 9.7 hours per day, 48.5 hours per week, with most working weekends (3.6 hours a day) and, sadly, vacation (2.4 hours a day). Read more>>

Joshua Womack

Sometimes money or time won’t allow you to take an out-of-state or overnight vacation. That being said, I’m a big fan of building mini-vacations into my day. Reading a good book in the bathtub is a mini-vacation. So is sitting in a steam room or sauna for 20 minutes. If you build these small breaks in your day it goes a long way in keeping you fresh for the long haul. Read more>>

Bianca Martinez

As a business owner, I absolutely recommend taking time off to relax and reset. Previously, I was always on call, always available to everyone. I felt that if I didn’t answer that call or respond to that email right away I would lose that customer, lose out on that money, and never advance my business. I absolutely felt that I couldn’t take a step away from my business. It resulted in me becoming burnt out very quickly. Read more>>

Regina Welch

Yes, I take vacations, but PAYCATIONS are my favorite. Taking vacations are very mandatory rather you are an entrepreneur or work for someone else. Always have someone that you trust to run your business while you’re away.. Read more>>

Alejandra Marqués Méndez

Yes, yes, and yes! Taking vacations is non-negotiable for me, and it is one of those things I highly encourage all my clients (and everyone) to take more of! As a business owner, there’s this common guilt of taking time off, and most of my clients have come to me feeling anxious when they think about taking a vacation because they feel if they stop, their business will stop and that everything they’ve worked for will crumble. Read more>>

Daniel Cylkowski

Hahaha if you ask some people, they might say, “He’s always on vacation!” But honestly- I work every day. I’m fortunate to be in a place of business in my life that allows me to work anywhere in the world! As a business owner I think it’s extremely important (if you’re able) to carve out a couple days every other month. Either some place warm, away from your regular day to day or take a short drive somewhere. For me, places that include warm weather and a beach always rejuvenates me. Read more>>

Macy Grier

Absolutely yes to vacations. Family time and your home life should always be your top priority. I’ve learned this the HARD way. I spent the first several years of my career skipping out on family time, missing events, and prioritizing clients and work over my home life. My mindset was that my family would always be there. Read more>>

Lauren “LEB” Brady

I live for vacations & time off. Although I don’t consider my travels as “a vacation” it is still a time to decompress, leave any stress behind and time to fully reset mentally. I quit my day job to travel full time. This was definitely a scary decision but I don’t regret it at all. As a young adult, I don’t want to work my entire life just to be able to do a little bit of traveling once I’m retired. I want to be able to experience everything through out my life rather than at just one point in my life. Read more>>