Vacations: We always want one, but sometimes we actually need one. Here’s our rundown of telltale signs that you’re in need of some well-deserved time off.
You are less productive.
This may come as no surprise, but many Type A personalities tend to work without vacation — and without realizing that it can affect their productivity. “If you notice that you need to take a lot of breaks to accomplish work, that is a sign that the current demands on you are exceeding your resources,” says Amy Przeworski, assistant professor in psychology at Case Western Reserve University.
Your attitude is poor.
“Do you find yourself getting short-tempered with the nicest person in the office?” asks Marc Cenedella, CEO of job-matching site The Ladders. If so, ask yourself if those people deserve to put up with that.
You dream about quitting.
“This is obviously a sign that you are dissatisfied with your job,” says Przeworski. “But before you jump ship, try taking a vacation or a day off to see if maybe you just needed a break and some self-care instead of a new position.” The last thing you want is a permanent vacation.
Your time off
Kerry Patterson, co-author of “Crucial Conversations,” reminds us that we must “define vacation” to ourselves and to our bosses.
“Talk about what it truly means to take time off. If you are required to take the office with you in the form of e-mails and conference calls, you never truly leave the office.” After you get the time off, don’t spend it answering e-mails from a beach.
