209? Really?
I am a hoarder. I hoard.
I just looked at my paycheck. I have 209 hours of vacation time accrued. 209. There is something seriously wrong with that. Granted I have been at my job for 5 years and they give me three weeks of vacation a year. But, honestly, I have not taken a week long vacation in 8 years. It was my honeymoon. I’m now divorced, which is probably partly caused by never taking vacation time.
Yes, folks 2001. When I came to this realization I was none too pleased. I know how it happened. Got married. Husband changed careers. Husband hated taking time off because he get paid out for time he doesn’t take. I had a kid. I changed jobs. I got divorced. I had no one to vacation with. Do you feel sad for me? Don’t. It’s my fault. I could have taken time off. I culd have just taken a whole week each summer and not even gone anywhere. Just stayed home and played with my kid, but I didn’t.
I am not a model to be followed, people. I will have you know, though, that I have changed my ways! I realized that life is too short. Add to that the fact that I met a very adorable man last year and now have an adult traveling companion! Score!
In 9 short days, I will be on the road. Heading to Napa. We’re taking the long way and driving all the way up the coast of California. I have always wanted to do that. I simply cannot wait.
If you’re hoarding your vacation time, stop it. I command you. If you have more than two weeks stored up pick a damn date on the calendar and take off. Who cares if you go anywhere. Stay at home in your pajamas all day. Doesn’t matter. Work will survivie without you. They can wait. Your life can’t.
Wow, I don’t have quite that much accrued but you’re right. I took a week off this year and hung out at home. Can’t remember the last time i took a full week. It was usually a Friday to give me a long weekend.
Have a FABULOUS time!!
You’ll have such a great time. There is nothing like waking up day after day and knowing tomorrow isn’t a work day.
Try this for added separation. Buy one of those pay as you go cell phones. Only give the # to family, those on the trip with you, and your closest friends…as long as they don’t work with you. It’s nice when no one can make one of those “I’ll just call and ask one work question” calls.
Yeah, I checked my accrued hours of sick leave and I’m over a thousand. Since I work as a school principal I get plenty of time off anyway, but it’s nice to know it’s there.
Good for you. You sure do NEED a vacation. I never saved up any time off, as soon as I had any paid time off, I always took vacations, EVEN ALONE! I just need my down and free time!
i thought when i read that you are a hoarder that you hoard stuff – i watched an A&E program on monday about hoarders who don’t throw anything away.
but you are holding on to your vacation time. oh wow, i need to borrow some of your time. if anything i don’t have enough of vacation time. 209 hours, wow. i hope you take some time off soon.
Wow! 209 hours?
That’s some sort of record I believe…
Enjoy Napa! What a great way to use some of that hoarded time.
Can’t wait to hear about it.
Sounds wonderful! Excellent advice – work can always wait!