Aaaaaaaand I’m Back from Vacation!

Hey there, Parker here. Vacation – if you haven’t taken one, start planning now! Did you know that the US only has 10 public holidays where as Denmark, Portugal and South Korea get as many as 15? And that doesn't include additional vacation days provided by individual employers!


I’m not saying renounce your citizenship and head overseas just for the time off, but there are benefits to getting away from your daily commute and work. You are:

• Less stressed
• More relaxed
• More manageable

But as this is my first day back into my physical office, I offer this bit of advice for those who are also returning from their week-long Thanksgiving cruise to the Bahamas (shameless bragging, I know).

Norwegian Sky Cruiseline

1 – Smile. That’s right, smile at everyone who crosses your path. They will feel the positive energy you are radiating and they too will look forward to their time in the sun.


2 – Stick to your To-Do List. You’ve been gone for 10 days and there is a lot of ground to cover, but you cannot get it all done in a single day. If you did, you should seriously question your chosen career.


3 – Carefully check email, voicemail, regular mail (say hi to the fellas in the mailroom) before responding. You might reply to an email that was already addressed while you were away. Or, you might respond with outdated or irrelevant information. Check everything so that you are in the loop.


4 – DO NOT schedule important meetings or reports for your first day back after a 10-day vacation on the warm, sunny beaches of the islands! Not only will you spend your well-earned vacation preparing for the meeting or report, but you rob yourself and colleagues of your full attention. The first day back should be spent getting acclimated to your change in environment – gone are the mid-day pina coladas, midnight pool parties and all you can eat filet mignon, clams casino and lobster buffet. You are in the real world and your best work-oriented thought processes are required. Allow a day for this transition to take full effect.

5 – Start planning your next getaway, right away. Do it now! Once you are fully entrenched with your daily schedule of deadlines, reports, meetings and tasks, you will think to yourself “I’m too busy to take a vacation.” You will forget how much more productive you are when you have recharged your mind and enjoyed the fruits of your labor. So get on the phone with your travel agent (Charles Twitty, Travel Around The World was fantastic!) and book your vacation for next year!


Best,
Parker