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.

Allegra Gast

I think implementing more white space in someone’s calendar is so beneficial for the long run of their business and success. I often see entrepreneurs, and even myself in my early years, spending every second of the day ON and IN the business that they eventually get burned out and therefore have to take several weeks off and they feel like they’re in a rut in their business. When you can be intentional with your white space and take time off, put boundaries up, take a vacation and truly take off, this will help your mental health, physical health, emotional health, which will benefit your business. Read more>>

Danielle Adams

vacationing is essential. traveling inspires and rejuvenates me. i leave each place with fresh ideas, creativity and a new outlook that bleeds into my work. it’s necessary to take time to take time off and travel, and prevent burnout and fatigue. Read more>>

Steve Limones

I do take vacations! I know it may seem somewhat excessive, but I try to take at least one international holiday a year. Not only is the time away from work beneficial for a mental and emotional reset, but I find spending time immersing myself in another culture really allows me the opportunity to expand my worldview and give me a fresh perspective on life – particularly a healthier approach to work/life balance. Read more>>

Mark Camperell

Time away from my business is precious. Figuring out how to do that can sometimes be an exercise in futility. You’ll have plans to get out of town for a few days and a client will emerge from the woodwork with a project that must be completed in that same timeframe. It never fails. Murphy’s Law right? I think the key to surviving these scenarios is to have a crew you can delegate tasks to, that can be trusted by your clients, and that doesn’t need to be micromanaged. Building this type of crew takes time and effort. Ultimately, I still travel with a Pro Tools rig and project materials, just in case I need to step in on something. It’s not that I don’t trust my people, it’s just that you never know what could go wrong. A good vacation is one where I don’t need to use my gear, despite being prepared. This preparation has saved us a couple of times for sure. Read more>>

Aaron Brown

I take a trip whenever I get the opportunity. Big or small its important for me to step away from the daily routines so I make the most of any time I have to travel. Treat yourself/family to one planned vacation a year at the least and let the rest be spontaneous. Read more>>

Isaiah Passe

As an owner of an automotive repair shop, taking time to disconnect from my day-to-day is crucial to maintain a heathy balance. Going on vacation is something that I enjoy doing and my goal is to take 2 vacations a year. Achieving this is difficult, but doable. I have some great employees that I fully trust and they keep the business running successfully while I am away. Closing my business when I’m on vacation is not an option since I need the revenue coming in to keep my business open and I also run the risk of losing clients since they could go somewhere else. Finding employees that you can trust with your business is a must. Treating your employees with respect and compensating them fairly is a necessity and it will go a long way to build that trust. Read more>>