Last week, I took a family vacation and the only work I did was write my column.
I brought my computer and fully intended to cross things off my list and be productive, but spending time in the lake, and being with my daughter and friends, took priority and I am glad that it did.
This week, I jumped back into my work, replying to emails and phone calls and sending deliverables to clients. Many of my emails started with: “Sorry for the delay. I was on vacation last week.”
As I sent these emails, I mentally noted that the people I was connecting with could be taking time off to spend with their families. Every email I sent I knew there was a good chance that I might not get a prompt response and fully envisioned hearing back in a week or two.
I had some people reach out from emails I sent prior to my trip, apologizing for their delayed response due to vacation. Not once did I have any negative thoughts about waiting a week for a reply.
Nothing on my list was time-sensitive, and a five-day hiatus from work helped me feel refreshed and energized. My productivity this week was far greater than it was the week before my trip.
I am not someone who ever references “work-life balance” when speaking of myself. I am known to work long hours and enjoy it.
It’s interesting that in the summer there’s more flexibility and acceptance when we don’t receive immediate responses. It’s a cultural norm that people take vacation in the summer, and we adjust our expectations accordingly.
When I hear someone took time off and didn’t bring their work with them, I am happy for them. Taking time to rest, play, and enjoy people you love is so important.
Imagine what it would be like if we had that same attitude in terms of our expectations throughout the year, and held the same space and respect for people’s private lives all year long.
This week, there was a news story on Elizabeth May, leader of the Green Party, being hospitalized as a result of overwork. Stress, burnout, and fatigue are real things, and they can catch up with you.
I pride myself on being dependable and it makes me feel bad when people are waiting on me for a response. I am not perfect and there are times when things aren’t always done promptly, but it is my goal.
It can be tough when there are many demands and deadlines. It’s not easy to balance sometimes. I know for myself there have been many times when I’ve prioritized my work over my health and wellness.
When I am in an overworked situation, I notice that my expectations for others unconsciously mirror my actions.
I find that the more patient I can be waiting for a response and knowing that people have other commitments, professionally and personally, the easier I am on myself.
Even with a busy schedule of work demands and deliverables, I enjoy working in the summer because somehow the pressure lessens. My workload and quality of my work don’t waiver, but knowing that the expectations on all of us are loosened a bit can ease the pressure.
If you are working this summer and enjoying vacations and time off in between work weeks, enjoy your time.
The more you enjoy your time, the more you will allow other people to enjoy their time.
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