For many people, a summer vacation is the perfect time to completely ignore what is happening at work. Time spent with family on the beach, visiting exciting new locations and simply getting away from the rat race rejuvenates and replenishes the soul. However, for others, like small business owners and gig workers, it may be difficult to put the phone and computer aside for a week. These tips can help those who simply cannot walk away from the office strike a balance between life and work on vacation.
Before leaving on the trip, establish clear goals, not just with yourself but with your family. Take time before you travel to determine what can be pushed to the back burner and what you will need to stay on top of while you are away. By setting tangible goals, it will be easier to plan small portions of time for you to deal with those tasks and then sit it aside for later.
Create a to-do list that prioritizes what you will need to deal with while you are away but be sure that the tasks are not going to keep you from enjoying your vacation. Be honest with yourself about what can wait and what must be addressed. For instance, if you have a report due the day you get home, consider what steps need to be taken ahead of time and plan an hour or two a day to work on those tasks.
Even though vacation sounds like something without structure, there is nothing wrong with actually establishing a structure to keep you on task. If you are the first one up every day, plan that as your “work” time with a cup of coffee while everyone else sleeps. Working is more enjoyable if you are doing it on a tropical beach or overlooking a foreign town square.
Use time blocking which involves dividing your day into blocks of time for activities. Set an hour or two each day to respond to emails, return calls or work on documents that need to be completed, but once that time is up, put away the work and get back to enjoying your vacation.
Set boundaries with your boss and co-workers. Provide them with details on when you will be available and when you will not. When possible, assign someone to handle urgent matters for you with instructions to call only when necessary. Once you establish your schedule, stick to it. If a colleague calls during a time you have told them you will not be available, do not answer the phone but call them back during the time you provided. This will make it clear immediately that you are only available during that time.
If you know you will have to work while traveling, be sure to choose a location with reliable internet and workspace availability. Remember to take into consideration time zone differences and how that could impact your ability to work.
Although it is important to create a good work-life balance, forcing yourself to avoid all work during a trip could actually be less relaxing than dealing with it in small bursts. These tips can help you manage your work requirements while still giving you the time you need to relax and enjoy your vacation.
