Tips for Leaving Work Behind on Vacation

No Email - No Forwarding Address - No Forwarded Calls

Advice Seeker: Dear April,

The words "I need a vacation" have never rung so true to me. I cannot wait to get away from everyone, but the only problem is I don't feel like I can ever truly get away. No matter what, people will be sending me e-mails, calling my cell phone, and desperately trying to get in touch with me. Do you have any advice for how I can really get away and enjoy my vacation in peace and quiet?

Sincerely,

Need to Get Away

April Masini's advice:

Dear Need to Get Away,

Life today is much more layered than ever. Nobody is just one thing any more. People have jobs, relationships, children, spouses, ex-spouses, boyfriends, girlfriends, bosses, lawyers, etc. Those relationships often overlap. Sometimes the boss is the spouse -- or the boyfriend -- or the ex. All this is because communication technology has blossomed -- like a neutron bomb. People can communicate, multi-task, and be more places at one time (thanks to tele-communication technology), than ever before.

If you want to leave it all behind while you're on vacation:

1. Leave a message on your phone answering machines that you're on vacation and all calls will be taken by your secretary at the following number. If you don't have a secretary, say all messages left will be returned on -- whatever the date of your return is.

2. Do the same with your e-mail. Program you e-mail to send notes to anyone who e-mails you saying you're out until whatever the date is.

3. Don't take your laptop on vacation. It will be hard, but don't do it.

4. In fact, if you can do it, don't take your calendar or datebook.

5. Have subjects that are off limits -- like work, work and work. If you, your spouse, your partner, your kids or anyone start talking about stressful topics, just say, "Sorry -- I'm on vacation." It can become a fun tradition for future vacations.

6. Stay away from the news. Don't watch the news on TV. Don't read the newspapers. Stick to novels, non-fiction books, and magazines.

And when you come back from vacation, you WILL be rejuvenated and refreshed in a way that you weren't before. You can go full steam ahead, and you'll be surprised that you really didn't miss that much!