How To Work On Vacation

By Lev Novak

Working on vacation sounds like an oxymoron, and in some ways, it is. If you’re going somewhere or taking time off, of course you’re taking a break. It’s implied, expected, and a good idea. Recharge the body and mind, recharge the working body and mind as well, right? After all, it works for weekends.

The challenge, of course, is that our world is no longer so neatly divided. People work all the time– on email, you’re expected to be available at a moments notice. Your cell phone goes with you everywhere. And while that can be awesome and helpful, it can also make it more difficult to plan an uninterrupted break with confidence.

Plus what if you’re on break from one job but have a little errand? How are you supposed to unwind knowing full well that you have (something) lingering on the back of your mind? That’s going to make that lemonade by the pool more stressful.

1. Set Reasonable Limits

Tell yourself in advance what you’re going to get done, and think carefully. Set your goals too high and you might collapse your vacation from too much working. Work too little and you might undo your vacation with too much anxiety about unprepared work, not to mention losing productivity.

So, aim for the middle. Think of something that won’t ruin your vacation vibe that will also make you feel like you accomplished a little something along the way. If you’re a musician, practice enough that you won’t get rusty. If you’re a writer, do the same thing. You’re allowed to work more, but don’t feel compelled to put in that extra effort. Recharging and not going stale can work together, but don’t go too far in either direction.

2. Find Time (Don’t Make It)

If you’re making time to work on vacation, chances are it’s not vacation.

If you’re interrupting your scenic getaway, for example, because you have a scheduled conference call, this isn’t exactly the dreamy paradise time you’d hoped it could be.

So, instead of making time to work, find time. Are you lazing about after a wonderful lunch and hike, waiting for a wonderful dinner and party? Some of that lazy time could be productive, if you’re in the mood. Wake up before your friend and want to let them sleep in more? A perfect time to check your work email.

There’s a lot of time in the day but if you plan around working, your vacation has been compromised. Instead, find time when you can.

3. Take It Easy

Hey, it’s vacation. If you really can’t work for whatever reason, take that as a sign of a vacation that’s being enjoyed at the maximum and proper vacation levels. Why not? You deserve it.

Why stress about work if you really can’t do it?

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