The spring season can spark up excitement for the activities that we’ll be getting ourselves into in the months to come, which definitely include vacations. Now is a great time to start thinking about making those plans, which means it’s also time to consider requesting some days off. How do you feel about asking for time away from work? What has your experience been?
For some people asking for days off is a real anxiety point. I had one work situation where it was a bit stressful going about requesting the time, especially when there were big projects in motion and I was the point person. I remember times when the request would be met with a blank stare for a few awkward seconds. It’s not that they didn’t want me to take time off—it’s more so that they were thinking about what my absence meant in terms of the operations of the business and the team. So I would practice what I was going to say and how I was going to say it. But then there were other work environments where it wasn’t even an issue and I wouldn’t even have to think twice about it. I’ve known people to have a month and a half of paid vacation and actually take it in chunks to travel the world or to visit their native country. My old co-worker at Whole Foods Market used to go to Africa for an entire month, and she made it known that this would happen annually. I was always so impressed with her for making no apologies about it. But for some other people, no matter how many weeks they have, they rarely use their time. Their vacation days sit there, neglected and waiting to be claimed month after month until someone makes them feel guilty about being a workaholic. Then they’ll take a day or two around the winter holidays.
I want to remind us all that throughout the year, we need time to refresh. Working 5 days a week for 40+ hours, week after week, causes wear and tear on the body and the mind. The days off belong to you, no matter how major the projects you’re working on are. So let’s get into how to ask for the time off as you start making plans for vacation in the coming months.
Look Into the Future
I know there will be those cases when things come up and you have to take vacation days to accommodate your kid’s school shows, doctor’s appointments etc., but things you know about in advance, request those days in advance. This is a courtesy to your leadership team and it shows your thoughtfulness about your work. It’s also a reflection of your good character. So start thinking of the things you’re obligated to attend like family reunions, weddings, and the places you want to visit. Lock in those dates in your calendar and officially make them known at work so it’s approved in advance.
Ask In an “Okay” Way
Don’t ask in a way that gives them the option to reject the request. See if you can tell the difference between these two statements. “I’ll be visiting my parents in Florida on July 1st through July 10th and I’ll be buying my flight in two days so I can get a good rate. Please let me know if there are any scheduling challenges to handle so I can add the requested dates to our calendars.” This is the other approach. “Would it be okay if I take 8 days off from July 1st to July 10th please?” See the difference? One is presenting your request with intention, and the other is a wimpy question. You want to present your request with confidence but also with respect. Ask in a way they’ll feel it’s only right to say “Okay.”
Set Them Up For Success
Although the business shouldn’t solely depend on your every decision and action you make, you are a valuable part of the team so there will be a gap that needs to be filled while you’re away. So set your team up for success in your absence. Be sure there are point people put in place to perform specific operations of the business, to address certain concerns and questions, and to provide approvals where needed. When all these things are established, it puts leadership and your team’s minds at ease. So they’re not only feeling good about you taking some time away from work, but you’ll feel good about it too–and not have to check in when you’re out!
When you’re submitting your request, I want you to remember that there’s nothing to be concerned about. You aren’t going to ruin the business by not being there for a week or so. Truth be told, sometimes we enjoy the feeling of being irreplaceable, but we shouldn’t be getting our sense of value, worth or validation from our jobs anyway. Also, if your job can’t run like a well-oiled machine without you, it’s time that they learn how to do that this year. The show must go on and leadership will (or will eventually) understand that.
What is an effective or unique way you prepare for time away from work? Comment below.
Brussels Sprouts Veggie Bowl
Ingredients
1 cups Brussels Sprouts
½ cup Carrots, sliced
1 cup Broccoli
3 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Sea Salt and Pepper, to taste
½ Tsp. Paprika
¼ Tsp. Cayenne Pepper
Sesame Seeds for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven at 375
In a bowl, toss all ingredients, except sesame seeds
Line a baking sheet pan with aluminum foil
Spread veggies on pan with no overlap
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until veggies are cooked and have some color
Remove veggies, place in bowl, drizzle some more Extra Virgin Olive Oil if you wish, and sprinkle with sesame seeds as a garnish
Enjoy!
Here’s to powerful workweeks and good morning eats!
Love,
Yardley
