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.

Tiara Lyn

“Yes, I absolutely take vacations! As a business owner, I believe in working smart, not just hard. Before traveling, I make sure to assist my clients in advance and keep new clients informed about my availability. While I’m away, I still communicate and check in, but I set a manageable workload at the end of the day to avoid feeling overwhelmed. My advice to entrepreneurs who feel like they can’t step away is to plan ahead, set boundaries, and trust the systems you put in place—your business should work for you, not the other way around.” Read more>>

Carrie Willink

We believe you can travel while maintaining your life at home. It is all about balance and planning ahead of time. You can stay productive on the road if possible. We aren’t saying it’s easy, we are saying it’s possible! Regular check-ins as a family and keeping up your relationships will help so your home life continues smoothly while you enjoy your adventures! Read more>>

Kathleen Riley

I joke about my vacations at the dog shows, and yes, that is a thing.

Yes, I take vacations, but they require careful planning. As a business owner, stepping away is tough, but it’s also necessary to recharge and avoid burnout. The key is building a business that can function without you for short periods and having team members and colleagues available to assist as needed. Read more>>

Bridget Johns

Travel, and vacations in general, have always been the place that I am most grounded. It’s a time for creativity, deep thinking and restoration. Of course it is always hard to step away from the day to day, but as a founder and as a mom and wife, I think it’s a non-negotiable. That time to connect with my family is something I am not willing to sacrifice. My advice to entrepreneurs is to find a way to step away without disconnecting. I like to tell my team that I am working reactively – definitely call me if there is a question or issue, but don’t expect me to respond to mundane tasks or non urgent issues. I also do a “send later” for any thoughts or ideas that are not urgent, so they get a vacation from me as well! Read more>>