Can We Really Be Unplugged From it All While on Vacation?

Today is my first day back from vacation and yesterday before leaving Charleston, South Carolina I reflected on the past week. There are many blogs and articles about being “unplugged” during vacation to use this time to relax. The break allows the time to regroup to better focused upon return. I admire those who can allow themselves to become totally “unplugged”, which includes not checking work emails, no texting clients, no conference calls or sending presentations. Some companies encourage their employees to take a break from their work and discourage connecting to the office. Others take a passive approach and do not discourage their employees to connect while away.

I spoke to a colleague today who returned from a week-long vacation camping in the Arizona wilderness. She mentioned there was no cell phone coverage or Internet or even the basic living comfort during her vacation. This is being “unplugged” to the extreme, in my opinion. However, she added that not being connected enabled her to feel recharged upon returning to work and grateful for the week spent away from her “normal” routine. This approach has its advantages.

Although being “unplugged” remains an option I view being partially “unplugged” as a viable alternative. This does not include staying 100% connected to the office but, in my opinion, includes checking emails and responding if urgent? For me sleeping later than usual or doing absolutely nothing, which is an alternative from moving at 80 miles per hour to growing a business, was definitely needed. The break from no early morning client conference calls was refreshing!

While on vacation, I chose not to create anything work related but to maintain. Does this include being partially “unplugged”? I spoke to some while vacationing about whether they are checking work emails or voice mails while out of the office. The responses ranged from not connecting at all to some partially staying connected. The responses seemed to be based on the type of company and the position held.

Clients can be informed, in advance, that for one week that they should do not expect an email or telephone call, while you are out of the office, but follow up will occur upon return. This is reasonable for sure. Sometimes whether we stay connected or choose to remain "unplugged" with our work; it is based on our internal fear. Our work can create us to be paranoid that if we are not engaged we will miss something that can impact our job business or career. This creates a sense of helplessness that we want to avoid.

Vacations allow us time to focus on our real life, to connect with our family, friends, hobbies and ourselves. By being partially “unplugged” are we compromising? The boundaries are blurred at times between balancing work and the personal life. No matter how many blogs, articles or podcasts I review; my comfort zone is to remain partially plugged in.

I was informed by one colleague and entrepreneur that scheduling a day off in advance can have a real benefit and using this day to be "unplugged" is invigorating. I think I am going to try this starting next month. The concept of being totally “unplugged” remains something I will work to achieve but for me it is harder to achieve than I realize.

This September marks a milestone for me. It is the ten year anniversary of my founding The Walker Group. During this time I have met so many interesting people and enjoyed sharing their accomplishments, defeats, challenges and opportunities. So whether, being partially or totally plugged into work, I have a commitment to my colleagues and clients. But today, I still have memories of the time spent along the South Carolina coast. Seeing the waves rush against the beach and experiencing the southern heat was change of pace for me. Being partially “unplugged” provided a well deserved break and I am returning to work feeling that I was able to get away.

About The Walker Group provides business development and advisory services to FinTech companies. Their varied market segments enables them to identify synergies and opportunities to stimulate growth as they partner with companies to build their business. Through their one-on-one CEO Advisory Services they helped companies to navigate through the key business problems, increase sales, build new revenue streams and gain new customers. The Walker Group has recently launched the Executive Resource Hub to help executives connect with new opportunities. For more information contact wbrown@walkergroupnyc.com.