For clients of Erick Conway, please CLICK HERE to see important details related to the Strong Valley transition.
Call Our Office
(559) 384-2900 | Fresno
(619) 480-1413 | San Diego
Your Money
Your Life
Your Way
Article

Investing in Your Vacation

Investing in Your Vacation

Taking a vacation is an investment in your own well-being, in your career, and in the company you work for. Are vacations a priority to you or do you avoid this important investment?  This article takes a look at some of the reasons for skipping vacations, as well as the benefit you might not have considered.

July 1, 2023
Investing in Your Vacation
Important Disclosure: Content on our website and in our newsletters is for informational purposes only. The information provided may (or may not) directly apply to your situation. We recommend that readers work directly with a professional advisor when making decisions in the context of their specific situation.

Why do so many of us not use our vacation days?  Salespeople talk about “leaving money on the table.”  Well, employees often leave vacation on the table.

When we discuss investing, we talk about putting money aside in order to make a profit.  We discuss putting money into stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and so forth.  People also discuss investing in your career, like investing in an education or in a certification.  Maybe we should talk about another investment that could pay dividends in your career, which is, of course, the place where you make your money.  Is investing in vacation a good idea or just hokey, happy idea?

Reasons People Skip Vacations

Why do employees avoid vacation?  There are several reasons people give for missing out on vacation days:

  • The idea that your boss expects constant work and looks down on those “snivelers” who dare to take a break.
  • Allegiance to the idea that hard work is the key, over-arching purpose of life.
  • People worry about not getting that promotion if they take time away from the office.

These reasons are largely self-imposed.  Most managers understand the benefits of vacation to their employees, not only for employee morale but also for his or her performance on the job.  They recognize the benefits of taking time off from work because their employees will be more productive, have better workplace morale, and are more likely to stay. 

Benefits

What are the benefits of taking a vacation?  There are, of course, personal benefits to going on vacation or taking a “staycation,” where you stay at home during your time off.  You can enjoy your life more and become closer to your partner, your kids, and your friends.  You may become physically healthier, too.

However, taking time off can provide substantial benefits for you in your job or career.  To summarize, taking vacations can:

  • Reduce stress, which helps in so many ways.
  • Increase productivity at work, after you return.  Taking a break from work and doing what some have called a “digital detox” refreshes you.
  • Increase creativity, for those times when a better approach or new idea is needed.
  • Improve your relationships with other workers, so that you’re more positive about projects and less likely to be irritable or say things that you regret later.

Of course, things that help you at work also help your company.  Many employers know this, from their experience with other workers and managers who take vacations and then perform better.  So, vacations are not only beneficial to you, but they also benefit your company.

Conclusion

Using your vacation time, and using it wisely, helps you to become a better employee, which can only help your company.  And most managers understand this.  Being a better employee will result, naturally, in a higher salary or a better job. 

Investing in vacation, therefore, is both an investment in your own well-being and in your career and salary.  Remember to invest in your vacation, just as you invest in your retirement, your education, or your house.

Other content you may like

  • Boost Your Family's Savings

    A Budget Can Help Boost Your Family’s Savings

    March 30, 2021
    In difficult economic times, many young couples and families may find themselves wondering where their money goes. Faced with income constraints and competing demands for their money, many people simply spend what they must on necessities and save whatever happens to be left over. Or they spend all of their wages trying to make ends […]
    Read this Article
  • Examining Your Ghosts of Christmas Past

    Examining Your Ghosts of Christmas Past

    December 15, 2023
    Analyzing your past financial decisions is essential to changing behaviors. Once you take that difficult but transformational journey into the past, you can begin to see reality with new clarity through the help of others. Take a lesson from Scrooge’s transformation.
    Read this Article
  • Is Your Retirement Ship Stuck in the Suez Canal?

    Is Your Retirement-Ship Stuck in the Suez Canal?

    August 18, 2021
    Do you aspire to retirement goals that are so big you feel stuck? You might be able to relate to one of the largest container ships in the world that was stuck in the Suez Canal, costing $15 million a day in lost revenues. Here’s a basic list of must-dos for 40 and 50 year old captains to help unstick your Retirement-Ship so that you might see smoother sailing.
    Read this Article
  • Signs You Need a Financial Planner

    5 Signs You Need a Financial Planner

    October 11, 2023
    You may have questions about your finances that you consider silly or stupid and feel that you should handle alone so you don’t seek help. As happens often in life, not reaching out to a professional can delay you reaching your goals and cause you to incur more out-of-pocket expenses.
    Read this Article
  • The link you have selected is located on another server. The linked site contains information that has been created, published, maintained, or otherwise posted by institutions or organizations independent of this organization. We do not endorse, approve, certify, or control any linked websites, their sponsors, or any of their policies, activities, products, or services. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information contained therein. Visitors to any linked websites should not use or rely on the information contained therein until they have consulted with an independent financial professional. Please click “Continue to Link” to leave this website and proceed to the selected site.
    phone-handset