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.

Bethany Reid

I believe that being a creator is similar to being a parent, or a person of faith. I am a writer. I write. I do take vacations, but mMy husband and other travel companions — including my three daughters — learned long ago that no matter where I am, I am going to get up in the morning and write. If I get a chance, I’ll sneak in some notebook time later in the day, too. Read more>>

Candice Lee

Yes, I take vacations. As a Realtor, I have the flexibility to schedule time off each year. For employees, I suggest negotiating for more vacation time as part of your benefits package when discussing terms with an employer. A vacation doesn’t have to involve international travel; even small changes, like taking a different route home or spending a weekend at a nearby state park, can count as a refreshing getaway. As we say in Taiwan, “Travel means leaving a place you’re tired of for another place where the locals are tired of living.” Read more>>

Cait Brennan

For me, it’s the airplane analogy of “put your own mask on before helping others”. Being an entrepreneur is so different than any hourly job, because the work hours are set for you by your employer if you are hourly. As an entrepreneur, it can feel like any time not spent working on your business is a lost opportunity to be making money. I have had that problem as a real estate agent; not knowing when to put the work down and take moments for myself. Through a lot of personal work I have found that if I am the best version of myself, energized mentally, healthy and well rested, I do my very best work, and this is reflected in the experience my clients get from me. I always make sure to hustle hard and play hard, because without those breaks to enjoy life and reset, I will burn out. Read more>>

Nicole Chan

I do take vacations, for both mental breaks, family bonding time, and to get inspired. I have a wonderful team that I trust to take care of my businesses while I’m away. Setting up those systems and the people in place didn’t happen overnight, but it was important for my mental health to be able to have the businesses not rely on me 100%. Read more>>

Kamoni Anderson

Vacation is my life style! I take vacations all the time, Daycation, staycation and Mid-day getaway. I even have my own vacation hashtag #Kamkamcation. We was not placed on earth to be a work horse, life work balance is very paramount. Vacations are like a reset button for the body mentally and physically. I keep it going because it selfcare like you have to get your oil changed every three months. At minimum you should have a vacation every 3 months as well, It may vary depending on stress levels. If you feel like you don’t have the time to step away for a short vacation, its time to revaluate some areas in your life. You wont be much service to others if you fail to take care of yourself. You can start off small just getaway for the weekend to start. Then increase your time off as you see fit. Its a beautiful world that awaits us all don’t let life pass you by! Read more>>