I’ve been working pretty hard since I got laid off last year (over 15 months) and haven’t really taken a “vacation.” And for the three years before that, because of my roles and responsibilities I hadn’t taken my vacation time (I thought I was rolling it over, but when I got laid off they informed me that since I didn’t use it, I lost it).
It was interesting to meet with Dave Perry this week at Kennedy’s Recruiting 2007 conference in Las Vegas where we talked a little about running hard. He said that he is enforcing a personal policy of taking regular vacations.
Man that sounded good! Especially now, as I write this post – I am running on 3 hours of sleep (very early flight to Chicago) and not much food – I’m very tired, physically and mentally!
This summer I’m going to force myself to take two vacations – one campout and one something else (haven’t figured it out yet). But I think it’s healthy – for you (as my reader or JibberJobber user), for me, for my wife and kids, etc. I just can’t run and run and run.
I know it’s hard to slow down, or do something different. But I hope that you too can make sure that you get the proper balance of things – for you and those around you. I don’t think I’ve ever brought bible scripture into my blog but this is one of my favorites, and it is a good starting-point for figuring out what your balance could/should be:
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
This shows four areas to consider for having a balanced life:
- wisdom – knowledge, mental, etc.
- stature – physical fitness, health
- favour with God – spirituality
- favour with man – social skills
This scripture has had a profound effect on my life for a long time – not that I’m good at balance but it gives me a starting point to think about with. Hopefully it’s good food for thought for you, too!
Before you take your vacation, make sure you read my entry on how to take a stress-free vacation:
https://www.starling-travel.com/2007/05/08/how-to-make-your-vacation-stress-free/
When you haven’t gone on a vacation for a while, it’s easy to overload. Sounds like you need a rest, so don’t come home from your vacation more tired than when you left.
Nice post. Very succinct and is a nice case study from a [the] master.
My wife and I attend a young adult group focused on establishing a life/work balance. I think it is also important to note the first word in the phrase “life/work balance.” That enough should illustrate where our emphasis should lie.
Laura – Great post, I’m going to go over that again when I go on vacation next!
David – Thank you… it’s funny how this one little verse is so powerful.
Brandon – that’s excellent! I don’t think I have ever heard “Life/Work” before, but it’s true!
I’ve never thought of that Scripture in that way before. Very cool. Very insightful.
And you do need a break. Everyone does.
Here, here! I liked this post.
Having come back from vacation very recently, I’d like to know how to ramp back up into productive work again, though.