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.

Katie Kottmeyer.

As one of the largest nonprofit rabbit rescues in the country, it’s impossible to take a vacation. We run 100% volunteer operated so that all the money benefits the bunnies which means everyone has full time jobs and I myself often work 120 hour weeks. Our team never intended to do more than help just a couple bunnies but the need in our area – and frankly all of them – is so great that we have well over 100 bunnies on our waitlist at all times. Read more>>

Emily Coleman.

I absolutely take vacations! I work hard so that my children can have the childhood I dreamed about. For years my husband and I were so worried about bills and expenses that we rarely traveled and never more than a weekend at a time. We were watching our children get older and older and wanted to experience the world while they’re young. Last year we bought a camper and make a point to take it out for longer vacations around our birthdays. Read more>>

Zach Wilson

I’m an avid bass fisherman. When I’m not working, I’m usually on the lake or traveling fishing tournaments. ​I think the best advice for business owners is to make the time to take time for yourself. Read more>>

Aaron Bertsch

Depends on how you define vacation. If you mean do you ever take time to go to far flung destinations to eat at fine restaurants and see the sights, the answer is no. If you mean taking time from a job or situation you don’t enjoy to do something you do, than every day is a vacation. Read more>>

Parris Balazs

Yes! Whether it is a vacation, a casual couple days away, or even a “staycation”, I do try to make sure I give myself time to recharge. Being an event planner and business owner, I work 30-40 hours a week behind the computer and then work in the field most weekends. I have experienced major burnout in former career avenues. I give myself time to recharge because the brides that have put their trust in me deserve better than burnt out Parris. Read more>>

Jennifer Low

One of the biggest challenges I face as a small business owner is the feeling of being tethered to the shop at all times. Particularly in this day and age of instant connectivity, it’s hard to turn off all the alerts and emails in order to get a break. I’ve learned that taking a vacation with my family once or twice a year gives me a valuable re-set to return to the shop with renewed focus. I’m a parent as well as a business owner, so when I am on vacation with my kids I want to be able to give them my full attention. Read more>>

Danielle Sallas

Owning my own business means that I never really stop working or turn my brain off, however it also gives me the flexibility to attend events for my children, travel with my family and take time off for holidays. My husband is also a business owner and there are times we are both working weekends, evenings or even while we are on a trip, however we both agree that the flexibility to make our own schedules is priceless to our family. Read more>>

Carol Vaillancourt.

Yes! In my opinion, there is no greater wealth than freedom of time. Time is our most valuable resource and, once spent, can’t be renewed. Money, on the other hand, is a renewable resource without limits. Working for myself, I have the unique opportunity to set my own pace for my business. Taking the time to explore the World with my family is worth more than the revenue we might sacrifice while we are away. Most of the time, no revenue is sacrificed as I have built my business to run for short periods of time without me. Being my own boss is not about owning a job. It’s about owning a business and my time. Read more>>

Merry Huerta

Yes I do take vacations. I believe it’s very good to work and run your business but also, we all need a break and a few days off to read and enjoy our family and friends. Read more>>

Tara Garrigan

Vacations of any kind are incredibly helpful for everyone’s mind, body, and soul. Over the years, I haven’t always felt that I could actually take vacations, but because I always notice such a difference in my abilities when I’ve had time away to refresh and reset, I’ve been making vacations a priority. What I’ve been starting to do in my business that I’ve been finding maybe more helpful is to take “planning weeks.” Twice a year, I set aside a week to solely focus on my business. Read more>>