As a typical 9-5 worker, we bust our butts sticking to our daily routines of coffees, meetings, reports, and emails.
The fast-paced and demanding nature of corporate life can have us itching for an escape. However, some might think that in order to travel you need to cash in those PTO days and prepare to set your out-of-office auto replies for weeks on end.
But what if I told you, you could explore this incredible world without having to have that “Hey, I’m taking a long vacation, is that okay?” talk with your boss?
Trust me; it’s possible!
In this blog, we will explore how corporate professionals can make the most of their limited time off and take advantage of unforgettable adventures while maintaining that sought-after work-life balance.
1. Find a Short Getaway
One of the major challenges we deal with as corporate professionals is our limited time off. However, by strategizing, you can make the most of your weekends, holidays, and paid time off work.
Research surrounding cities and locations and you will be surprised at the adventures you can plan in your own backyard. Booking a short flight to a neighboring state and doing a day trip is possible as well. Road trips are also an option to make the most of your time away. Remember, even a couple of days spent in a new location can leave a lasting impression and there are always opportunities to do so in your current location or neighboring location.
2. Make the Most of Work Travel or Working Remote
If you have the luxury of working remotely or if your role involves business travel, you can make the most of your trips.
If you work from home, pack your bags (and your laptop!) and head to another state and work from your hotel room or a coffee shop. You can log off at 5pm and explore a new location all while still knocking out your daily work activities.
Or, if you travel for your job, schedule some time to see the place you are visiting. It could be as simple as lunch at a trendy restaurant, exploring a museum during your lunch break, or taking a stroll in a famous park. Who says it’s wrong to mix business with pleasure?
3. Balance Work & Travel
While it may be difficult to balance the teeter-totter between work and travel, it’s essential to find a happy-medium in order to avoid burnout. You can do so by planning your trips well in advance, giving your team ample notice of your time off, and really allowing yourself to disconnect while traveling.
No one knows your work schedule better than you do, so plan your trips during down periods in your work seasons such as summertime or first quarters. Delegate your tasks to trustworthy employees and communicate effectively what you need covered while you are out.
Be firm with your out of office replies, and state that you will not have access to email during your paid time off. My favorite thing to do on vacation is delete my Outlook and Teams apps from my phone so I am not tempted to catch up on emails in between excursions. You are entitled to rest and enjoy yourself; trust me, the office will survive without you for a few days.
Being a corporate professional shouldn’t mean you have to sacrifice your passion for travel. By adopting a strategic approach, you can enjoy incredible adventures and find the perfect balance between work and play. Traveling is not only good for the soul, but it also resets and rejuvenates your brain and allows for much-needed rest that can propel you in your career endeavors. Work hard, play harder is the only way to build a life that truly counts!
If you need help planning your next trip or need more tips to establish your own personal work-life balance, message me today!
Bon voyage!
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