Going on vacation.

Anonymous

November 5,2022 at 5:16PM UTC

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Going on vacation.

Boss says no need to stay in touch. I feel guilty because there are many loose ends and I know I could do more if I gave about 25-30 more hours a week.

I'm less than ten years from retirement and am hesitant about "promotion" if there is any possibility IDK! Also, I've never learned how to relax.

Any suggestions on keeping unplugged?

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AnonymousNovember 5,2022 at 6:48PM UTC
Try meditation ...even if you can't unwind your minde, you can at least slow it down a bit. Also get out in nature. A walk on the beach, a hike on a beginner's trail, a bike ride on back roads.
Try and remove yourself from the familiar. I live in the city, so on weekends I map out a farmers market, apple orchard or fish market in a more rural setting and take a drive on Saturday to visit. I go to swap meets outside my city and explore.
You need to change your surroundings to change your rhythm. Engage your mind with things that don't have anything to do with work.
Kathryn MontbriandNovember 6,2022 at 3:24PM UTC
If you are able to commit to the idea of unplugging on a vacation, my best tip is to make a new folder on your phone and move all the 'work' apps into that folder while you are gone. Work email, slack, google docs. Any of the places that work pops up and people try to get in touch with you.
For the duration of your leave, turn the notifications off for these apps so you don't get distracted by things popping up and just taking a moment to read that note or slack. Actually ignore it.
For peace of mind, you can tell someone: if you must get in touch with me for something urgent - call my cell phone. Most people don't want to pick up the phone and make a call so they will think twice about taking that step (vs. sending a quick text or IM).
Of course, these tips are most helpful if you can keep your mind away from wondering what is going on back in the office :) good luck!
Melissa NobileNovember 6,2022 at 6:49PM UTC
Turn off the tech. Enjoy your time away.
Just do it!
Monika SimondsNovember 6,2022 at 11:19PM UTC
My former boss had a great solution for this. Delete your password from your email. Do you still know it? Yes, but the point is, that email stream is not coming in in a constant flow and you can finally relax.
Debra SesholtzNovember 7,2022 at 9:20PM UTC
I too have trouble totally unplugging while on vacation, despite my boss saying to leave the work phone at home. I've learned to check email only once per day while on vacation. This works for me and is just enough connectivity to give me peace of mind. Enjoy your vacation!
AnonymousNovember 8,2022 at 2:58AM UTC
OP.
Keeping off work email. Yay!
Orlagh CostelloNovember 9,2022 at 1:56PM UTC
If you're on vacation, be on vacation!! let the battery on the work phone and laptop run out. Lock them in a drawer or in a room you don't use much. Shove them under the bed.