Should You Work on a Family Vacation?

Family Vacation. To work, or not to work: that is the question. When planning or taking a vacation, we all assume we will relax and play. It’s supposed to be our time away to unplug and just recharge. However, that isn’t the case with most people. I know I’ve caught myself working on vacation more than once.

It is easy to get sucked into work when you are supposed to be relaxing.

For instance, you are at your resort, the kids are at the pool, and you think “I’m going to take a quick peek at my emails.” Next thing you know, an hour has passed and you have not only checked your emails, but you have also answered and scheduled appointments for several of them. It’s that simple.

Should You Work on a Family Vacation?

Do You Need to Work on Vacation?

The answer may be surprising. Like will the office fall apart if you don’t? Will work pile up? Can someone cover for you? Would time management throughout the year help prevent working on vacation? these are things to consider when planning a vacation.

For many self-employed people, like myself, there is no one else to watch the shop while on vacation. And so, a working vacation is necessary. Some of us may choose only to do a limited amount of work while others will work more. This work-fun balance is especially important if the choice is between a working vacation and no vacation. But don’t let self-employment be an excuse for overworking.

How Will It Affect Your Family?

Consider this your vacation isn’t just about you but your family. So much like working from home set ground rules. Instead of slipping work in here and there which can seem like you always working and take away from family fun. Set up work times. Maybe get up early before the family and do an hour of work or after the kids go to bed. But setting up work time allows for more family time.

After all, if you are having to spend hours at a cafe or in the business center at a hotel instead of at the beach with your family or hiking is it really worth it?

What Is the Benefit Versus the Cost?

This is where you have to get real with yourself. Does the benefit that your company or business receives from you working on vacation outweigh the benefit you and your family get from a vacation? And what is it costing you in terms of lost fun and family memories?

If there some special reasons to work such as your vacation is your job like for travel writers or your office is short-handed. Then that is something to consider or is this a reoccurring habit that could be fixed by better time management by you or your office.

These are things you must think about when scheduling your next family vacation. Be honest with yourself when you consider whats involved with taking a vacation.

Do you work on family vacations? What are your tips for making it easier for you and your family?

As a Qualified Independent Travel Agent Affiliated With Academy Travel And Mickey Vacations. I Specialize In Planning Disney Vacations. Contact Me HERE For Your FREE No-obligation Quote. Plus as a mobility expert who has visited Disney multiple times, I can help you with most questions.