Why don’t we stop and take a break when we’re tired? Why do we tell ourselves just one more - one more project, one more mile, one more month until we allow ourselves the freedom to relax?
This has been weighing heavy on my mind lately because I do the same, I’m guilty. Here I am heading into the last quarter of the year with more than 20 days of vacation left to take, before the year is out. Why have I chosen to put off downtime for when it’s convenient? I read somewhere that’s it is imperative to allow yourself down time or your body will force you to take that downtime.
I’m sure other parents can relate to the idea of saving your vacation days at work just in case the kids need them - be it a sick call or routine appointment. I wonder though, if we could spend more intentional time getting the family out of the daily norm, in exchange for making new memories. But let’s be honest, those of us that struggle to step away, have been this way long before the requirements of parenthood.
So what is it? Why do those of us who struggle in this space, find it so difficult to stop and smell the roses more?
Societal Norms
Have you ever spent your entire weekend doing absolutely nothing and feeling lazy for it after? If so, you have our fast-paced, the lights are always on society to thank for that. Depending on where you reside in the world, will shape your views on whether you feel good about taking the appropriate downtime you need. For example, Europeans workers, by comparison to their American counterparts, are typically given more paid time off. It could be assumed that they place a higher importance on the life outside of the office in European countries.
On the other hand, some may not feel comfortable taking vacation days due to the corporate culture. While not all work environments are like this, management seemingly rewards the employees who place work above all else, with accolades and even increased chances at upward mobility.
Childhood Upbringing
Our childhood experiences have a large impact on our belief systems about ourselves, others and the world. Parents are signaling through their actions, how we should behave as adults. My Dad is one of the most hardworking people I know - from entering the Armed Forces just after high school, retiring and getting back into the workforce as a civilian, he won’t sit down. He’s a doer and has always been a great father and excellent provider for our family. I’ve likened myself after him in a lot of ways, even down to hoarding vacation days. Seeing him as my example, I picked up a strong work ethic and drive for success. However, the advantage I have over my Dad now, growing up in this era, is I have an increased chance to do more of what I want to do - opposed to what he had to do. The access to opportunity is vastly different now, qfrom what it used to be. While I am extremely grateful for his example and attribute a lot of my success to him, I can allow myself to go at a more steady pace - stopping to refresh and return better. Maybe you can identify with the same idea.
Despite the fact that being a workaholic has been glamorized and accepted for many years, we should pause and consider the pitfalls of always being ‘on’. Take your vacation days, and don’t check your emails while you’re gone. The work will most assuredly be there when you get back.
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