Yes, you can work while on vacation and have a relaxing time!
As people move more and more to remote work, a major downside is that work seems to follow you wherever you go. Whether you have an overbearing boss or are just a work-a-holic trying to maximize your income, you may find yourself working even when you are trying to relax. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of a vacation without compromising your work.
1: Prepare for your vacation
Plan the location where you are going on vacation. Ensure that the room/hotel/suite/home you book has a workspace. You will also want to make sure you have internet access. In addition, having enough outlets for your work needs is also important. Feel free to contact the location to find out these needs. You may need a desk and chair as well. If you are going with a group or your family, make sure you find a place that is quiet and away from everyone else.
2: Do work early
When you wake up, have a routine, and get your work done early. If you can get it out of the way, you can relax the rest of the day. Schedule excursions after your work hours so you can be sure to be focused. You can even treat the excursions as a reward for a job well done.
3: Explain it to others
Let others who are with you know that you will be working and are not to be disturbed. Let your employer know what to expect. Try to be accommodating to both your family’s and your employer’s needs without neglecting either. If you set expectations with both prior to the vacation, you can more easily manage this.
4: Be present
You have to unplug for periods of time, so be present in those periods. Don’t look at your phone or talk about needing to work. Your work may be important to both you and your family’s well-being, but it’s also essential to spend time with them without being distracted by work.
5: Relax
Manage time for relaxation. Put it in the schedule. Have space away from it all just to be with yourself. Spending time on yourself and relaxing will help you focus more when you have to work and reinvigorate yourself mentally.
Working on vacation is extremely doable. It can be the best of both worlds, and you can find it enjoyable if you plan it right.
It is possible to have a working vacation that is both relaxing and productive, but you have to manage your time well, which can be difficult. As many of us move to remote work, we will have to learn how to navigate family and work simultaneously, with careful planning and realistic expectations.
