Why A Vacation Is Good For Everyone

It’s good for the boss to go on vacation!

As the owner of a small business, going on a vacation and not going away on “vacation” just to do more work, was actually a challenge. I always felt like “everyone needed me” and “I had to do everything.” Others were allowed to take off, but “I couldn’t.”

But as the years passed, I realized how untrue that was and how important it was for me to go on vacation just like how it’s good for everyone to go on vacation. We all need rest and refreshment. We all should spend time with family and friends and have fun!

The time away also allows for three things that actually help with the work/business!

1. It shows you where your weak spots are.

If you are away, what happens? What doesn’t happen? This will show you if the rest of your team is equipped and has the resources to carry on the day to day without you and if not, will show you your blind spots. That way you know where you need pay better attention and train.

2. It allows others a chance to shine.

If the boss is always there to call the shots and shine, then sometimes other leaders never have the chance to step it up and show what they’re capable of. This time allows them an opportunity to grow in their confidence and allows the boss to see who might have been flying under the radar unnoticed with potential for more investment and growth.

3. It provides time to work on the business and not in the business.

When we’re busy doing the day-to-day things on our to do lists, we don’t get to step back and see a bigger picture, think at a different level, or even let creativity flow with no interruptions. Just like flying on an airplane, we get a completely different view from above when we’re not on the ground “doing the work” and can see missed opportunities, challenges up ahead, or untapped potential. And when traveling and seeing other artisans at work, it can spark ideas, creativity, or inspiration to get back and improve or dare to try something never done before.

On another note, we all know that before people go on vacation, they are most productive and when they return, they usually are also grateful to come back to a familiar routine after some time away to play!

“So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.” -Ecclesiastes 8:15