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.
Ruth Carter-Hickman
I love to travel and go on vacation. I’m currently looking for a remote job that will allow me to do just that, travel full-time! I want to find remote work that I enjoy and that pays well. Moreover, that will allow me the space to be financially free so that I can be free to create projects that inspire me and educate others. Read more>>
Rocío Diaz-Benjumea
I do! I am a mother of 3. Our life is as busy as it gets and I usually work late at night or early in the mornings to fit my work around my family’s schedule. Vacations not only work to change the routine a bit, but also to reconnect with each other and spend quality time that we lack during the busy school year. Read more>>
Chad Adams
I absolutely take vacations! I think with all the buzz around “work/life balance” these days, it’s starting to become more important to more people, but I’ve always placed a very high value on time off. I consider myself fortunate to have a very seasonal business model because it doesn’t take much to carve out a road trip or a camping adventure or a visit to see old friends in another state. Sure it’s a challenge to account for six weeks with no income, but it’s hard to describe how relaxed I feel after an extended period of time off. Read more>>
Jenny Siegwart
I take as many vacations as humanly possible! You’ve got to make time to reset and disconnect. Since I work from home, I find that I can’t truly “leave the office” unless I leave town. So even if it’s a little vacation up to LA for a few days to see friends, or a two week trip to Europe, it all counts and it’s all important to maintain that work/life balance. Read more>>
Vernessa Spratley
Yes, I do. I feel like it is important to reset and relax. Being an entrepreneur is draining at times. To be the best version of yourself for your customers breaks and vacations are vital to being successful. Read more>>
Marcus Fulinara
Yes, absolutely. Take as many vacations as you can is our motto! Burnout is real and we have definitely felt it these past few years. Taking time for yourself is 100% vital. Read more>>
Marissa Waiters
As a travel advisor, I have to take vacations! Not only is it a time for leisure, but it is also considered “market research” for my clients. When selecting resorts to provide to my clients, I have to ensure that I’m providing a property that I have knowledge of. Of course I haven’t had the opportunity to visit every property, but it definitely helps if I can suggest one that I’ve personally visited. Read more>>
Tisha Garcia
Yes I do take vacations. I get my next year’s calendar out 6-8 months ahead and start actually scheduling time off. I made the mistake of not doing that once and almost burned myself out. Read more>>
Nicolai McCrary
Every vacation is an opportunity to learn and be inspired—about people, food, design, etc…I think it’s extremely important to take them because they help broaden our scope and become more creative individuals. But vacations don’t have to be expensive—some of my most memorable trips have been to small nearby towns. Read more>>
Howard Ross
Rarely, but the older I get the more I realize the importance of vacation. Especially for a creative. It’s important to get away every now and then. Ive found that after a good vacation I always come back to my work with a new perspective. Read more>>
Sheleia Phillips
Yes, I do take vacations but honestly not as often as I should. I feel that oftentimes, small business owners are responsible for doing all of the things when it comes to operating their company. With that said, it becomes very challenging to shut down and unplug. As a remedy or strategy to help hold myself accountable for taking more breaks. Here is what works for me: 1. Schedule a specific day to be “off work” every week. This means computers are off and no meetings are scheduled. For me, it Wellness Wednesday which routinely starts with a swim and usually ends with a relaxing spa treatment. Read more>>
Breanna Powell
ABSOLUTELY! When I started my business, I was literally working 7 days a freakin week. I was burnt out and exhausted, and thought that was just the way it had to be. Now, I have it written it into my contract that me and my team will take a FULL WEEK off every other month in order to just REST. We are nothing when we give all of ourselves to everything and everybody – so I had to start being proactive for the benefit of everyone we work with. Read more>>