Q. I hold an important position, and as a result I get a ton of e-mail, even when I’m on vacation. The pressure to demonstrate my commitment to my job while at the same time making time for my family is getting to me. Any tips?
A. As Don Corleone once said, “A man that doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man.” But the quality of the time is equally important. We’ve become so obsessed with instant communication that many people find it difficult to disconnect. But it’s not only possible to take a vacation without work consuming your downtime, it is necessary.
There are exceptions, of course. If your company is in the middle of a serious crunch, or if you’re in the first few months of a new job, where face time and getting into the rhythm of the company are crucial, I would avoid taking a vacation – or be in constant touch if you can’t. Otherwise, everyone needs to decompress. And don’t fear, if you take a break, the business won’t suffer, nor will your job. But if you don’t your mental health and your family just might – which will affect your career in the long run.
This doesn’t mean that when you’re away you have to stay out of touch completely. But you’ve got to set boundaries. Let the office know you should only be contacted on important matters. And checking e-mail once or twice a day at a convenient time is a fine balance, and a small price to pay for being a big shot earning the big bucks.
Got a question for Greg, or just want to give him props? Email [email protected]