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.

Sophia Early

Vacations and traveling are key elements that drive my creativity and productivity. I love the inspiration of the incredible architecture of a city and the unique landscapes of the countryside. The energy of a particular place can spark new ideas, and refresh me mentally and spiritually. Read more>>

Jessica Collier

These days, yes! If you had asked me that in my first eight or so years of opening this business, I would have said no. Or, they would have been very few and far between the years. As a business owner, you are never truly “off”. There is always something that can steal your attention, time and otherwise. I have learned that you have to take time for you. You have to be intentional about it. And you have to defend it! By that I mean, don’t let anything sway you from it or change it. Read more>>

Franziska Contreras

I try to! As a serial entrepreneur it’s hard to not work all the time. But I do my best to take even the smallest vacation regularly to help give my mind a break and allow myself to find new inspiration for my creative process. On top of giving me inspiration, vacations help me have a better work/life balance. When you are your own boss it’s easy to overwork yourself so taking regular vacations is key. Read more>>

Andrea Pender

This is such a great question! Yes, I take vacations and I think everyone needs to use their PTO (paid time off). There are statistics that show you come back a better performer after a vacation. Take the time off – rest, recharge, and come back stronger! We live in a world where work/life balance is a new buzz word and many people are realizing it is something we need to prioritize. Vacations help with our work performance and our mental health. Read more>>

Casey Droege

I love vacations. Who doesn’t really? Don’t get me wrong, it’s always a struggle to figure out when and to actually not check my email. But when I make it happen, it makes me a whole new person. My brain relaxes, my shoulders drop, those bags under my eyes get slightly smaller. We all need time to just be human and get back to our core selves (the part of us that isn’t about what we do). Read more>>

Donna Royston

Do I take vacations? Of course I do, everyone should. Let’s, however, think of vacationing in the literal and figurative sense. Close your eyes and take a trip with me if you will. We’re sitting on the beach looking at the sunset and a frozen rum punch. At that moment for me I am one with myself and my thoughts. No distractions, just me. Now, if you’re like my husband, who doesn’t like to take trips imagine being in your fully equipped man garage working on your 69 Camaro without a care in the world…just you and the Camaro. That’s his idea of a vacation. Read more>>

DAKENYA DOUGLAS

Why do I take vacations? Simply put because I find joy when I can disconnect and fully experience whatever I have chosen to do for my vacation. Did I always feel this way, no? I was the employee, plugging away day in and day out who left time on the books every year. My philosophy, vacation time should not be taken frivolously, because you never know what may happen and you will need time. What changed? I realized that things good or bad will happen regardless. I also learned that prioritizing myself by taking vacations, gives me renewed energy and boosts my creativity, making me a better employee. Read more>>

Seth Levine

TL;DR – YES! And you should too. Longer answer: By “vacation” I’m referring to actually taking time off. Like email off, phone shut off, off-line, totally out vacation. Everyone can do this, but so many people believe that they simply have too much going on really get off-line so they take these half-hearted vacations where they work a few hours a day. That’s an easy workday, but it’s not vacation. You can and should do better. I’ve even gone so far, on some of my vacations, as to leave an OOO on that says I’m archiving all incoming email and to write me back when I return (and I really do this – I set up a filter on my email to archive everything that comes in). Read more>>

Bekah Wriedt

I think vacations are one of the best things a creative or business owner can do for themselves, for their business, and for their friends, families, and clients. Taking space away from the hustle rejuvenates the soul, and sparks fresh vision. Without being refreshed and re-inspired, burnout is inevitable. In my opinion, burnout is much harder to recover from and takes more away from a creative than a couple weeks away from work. Read more>>