You can feel the tension building as the final days of your vacation get closer. You know there is a backlog of things to do and people waiting for you to do their requests first. You’ve even justified that you often look at emails while on vacation as it is easier to know what is coming than to be surprised when you return, and you realize that you need a vacation before you’ve even finished the one you are on!
As you get into the office, the feelings get worse as you explain you were on vacation “again,” and the guilt starts to creep in. People were waiting for you because you were on vacation again. Others had to do things for themselves because you were on vacation again. Those depending on you had to find alternatives because you were on vacation, again.
Returning to work after a vacation often brings a mix of emotions. On the one hand, there’s the relaxation and rejuvenation you’ve just experienced; on the other hand, there’s a nagging sense of guilt as people had to find alternative ways to get things done while you were away.
Vacation causes guilt because we feel a strong responsibility to our colleagues and our companies, and even though we know that taking time away from work is not only deserved it is necessary, we still often come back to work apologetic for taking time away.
According to Fortune.com, almost 80% of workers feel guilty about taking time off. The same survey found that people feel guilty because they fear a lack of job security, a heavier workload when they return, or colleagues having to shoulder the burden.
Here are this week’s tips to help you overcome your post-vacation guilt.
Recognize the Importance of Self-Care
First and foremost, it’s essential to acknowledge that self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. As an administrative professional, you are often the backbone of your office, juggling multiple tasks, managing schedules, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. This role can be incredibly demanding. Without regular breaks, you risk burnout, which can lead to decreased productivity, increased errors, and even health issues.
By taking a vacation, you’re investing in yourself. It’s a time to recharge, reset, and return to work with renewed energy and focus. Rather than feeling guilty, remind yourself that your time away contributes to your overall effectiveness at work. A well-rested you is a more capable and efficient professional, benefiting you and your entire team.
Don’t look at your vacation as entitled or that you prioritize your needs over the needs of the office. Before you can focus on your job, you have to take care of yourself.
Plan and Communicate Effectively
One of the main reasons guilt sets in after a vacation is the fear that while you were away, you may have inconvenienced a colleague or disrupted workflow. Even though we know better, we often say that without us, the office would “fall apart,” and we are afraid that while gone, this will be true!
Before leaving, ensure that your responsibilities are covered as much as is reasonable. You may be able to trade off vacation time coverage with another colleague, potentially delegating the responsibility of some tasks to others or providing clear instructions. Discussing that some of the lower priorities won’t be done while you are away is okay. Use technology to let others know you are gone, who they should contact, or when they can expect to hear back from you.
When I first started traveling as a speaker, my children were little. Their father could take care of them, but I still left a long list of what to do, what meals were ready in the freezer, and instructions for things he could figure out for himself. I over-prepared for my trips away as it made me feel less guilty while I was gone. He used to remind me that I didn’t need to do those things and that he was capable, but it helped me feel better. I planned and communicated to help me.
Trust Your Team
In hindsight, I recognized that my overplanning and communication might have indicated to my ex-husband that I didn’t trust him to manage the family the way I would. Accidentally, we can do the same at work, and while you think it is nice to plan and communicate, others may interpret your actions as micro-managing, and you lack trust.
Trust that your colleagues can handle things while you are on vacation. Often, guilt stems from the belief that no one else can manage your tasks as effectively as you can. This mindset can be both unrealistic and unfair to your team.
Your teams are adults and professionals who understand teamwork’s importance. Trusting them to manage your responsibilities empowers them and creates a healthy work environment. Remember, just as you cover for others when they take time off, they can do the same for you.
Reframe Your Perspective on Guilt
Guilt is often the result of the unrealistic expectations we place on ourselves. You may feel that you need to be constantly available to support them, even while on vacation. You may choose to leave your cell number in case of emergency (optional, of course), but you should be on vacation and not feel guilty. It’s crucial to reframe this perspective.
Instead of viewing time off as a disruption, see it as a necessary part of your overall productivity. Understand that rest and relaxation are integral to maintaining a high level of performance. By taking care of yourself, you’re better equipped to handle the demands of your job when you return. Rather than feeling guilty when you return, feel proud that you’ve prioritized your well-being, which ultimately benefits your work.
Focus on the Positive Outcomes of Your Vacation
When you start to feel guilty about your time away, shift your focus to the positive outcomes of your vacation. Think about the times you could sleep in, take a leisurely walk, or read a book from cover to cover in one day. Reflect on how the break has positively impacted your mood, energy levels, and overall well-being. Consider how this break will help you focus more when you return to work.
Keep Booking Vacations
We must remind ourselves that we are not put on this earth to work and only work. Your work and personal life should be balanced; taking time off is fundamental to maintaining that balance.
Make it a habit to schedule regular vacations or breaks, even if they’re just long weekends. My schedule starts with me blocking time off for vacation, and I book them far in advance. I’m writing this article in August 2024, and I already have November 2025 booked for a week on the beach in Cancun. They never happen if I don’t book them that far in advance. I am forever looking ahead to see what vacation is next!
Feeling guilty after returning from a vacation is very common. However, it’s important to remember that taking time off is essential for your well-being and productivity. Your time away is not only deserved but necessary, and it’s something to be celebrated, not regretted.
This article was written by Rhonda Scharf and not by artificial intelligence. The stories are mine to tell!
