Checking Out

I’m going on a much-needed vacation from August 8-12. We’ll be going up to New Hampshire and plan to cross a few things off our own summer bucket list. Thanks to COVID, I couldn’t escape for a few days in July. Between work, MuseumTastic, and some lingering COVID effects with my stepson, July has been a journey.

When you go on vacation do you check out?

In this day and age of interconnected living, it’s *really* difficult to fully check out even on planned time off. We’re connected by our mobile devices, hotspots, smartwatches, and laptops. For many, the away message is merely a suggestion. I work closely with our German team in my full-time job and I’ve been watching with envy as they embrace the European holiday season!

Even though it’s challenging, I think we have something to learn from that mindset. When the laptop closes, the work day should end. If you are a manager and have a day off, another manager should be able to fill in the gaps and take care of day-to-day issues without a string of text messages. If we are with our family, friends, or even enjoying solitude, our time off is our time off.

Paid time off should be as important as health and wellness benefits. The opportunity to break from routine and relax is so important for all ages and income levels and industries. Even if travel isn’t in someone’s budget, time off can be spent completing tasks at home or as an opportunity for self-care.

Check out challenge

Our recommendation for you this month is to check out. It may seem radical. Maybe you can’t bring yourself to do it for a full day. Even if it’s an hour that’s all yours and only yours, it’s a start! Busy museum and nonprofit professionals deserve a reset!