The Pleasure Principle: How To Avoid Mixing Business And Pleasure

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

I remember visiting Europe on several occasions as a child and thinking that even in the big cities, how much their lifestyle differed from ours. Even our immediate neighbour to the North, at least up until recently, enjoyed a bit more “luxury”, when it came to leisure than us, though they are steadily catching up.

In fact, despite the public’s cries and pleas for not enough retail and business assistance, recent reports suggest that North America is notorious for working too much and too hard, and resting and relaxing too little. In fact, many may even forego their well-deserved and earned vacations in favor of the funds to help out with life and living.

Yet, according to experts, while this strategy may seem financially savvy, it may, according to experts taking its toll on our mental and physical health. Yet, they say that most of us fear setting time aside for fun because not only do many of us need (or want) the extra cash, but also don’t want to fall behind at work or lose our jobs. In fact, most of us only use on average about 10 vacation days a year and even then, many are checking into work, checking cell phones, voice mails, laptops and their BlackBerry.

But, in order to get any necessary R & R, experts highly recommend (unless it’s a dire emergency) leaving your work and all related responsibilities at the office. And, they add to get the most our of your getaway you need to properly prepare.

· Think Ahead: Plan things out well in advance so you have the opportunity to get caught up with most of your work and fill in co-workers with current projects. You’ll also want to have a meeting with your boss and touch base with clients. Taking all these precautions is the best way to let others know your plans, help you out, and avoid coming back to unexpected work. You’ll also want to priorities so that you don’t overlook anything the MUST get done before you go, and so that you don’t stress over something that can “obviously” wait.

· Practice Self-Restraint: Even if your hotel, room or cruise ship offers online access, try to avoid logging into work related sites, or checking messages, especially if you’re doing it every day. Even if you’re the boss or one of the head honchos, try to limit checking in or plugging into work only a few days while you’re away. Instead ask people who you work with or for to contact you if there’s a need and bosses and supervisors should give specific times when they will and won’t accept calls and when they will be checking emails.

· Give Yourself Ample Time For Enjoyment: While dh and I are KNOWN to sojourn several hours just to be with friends and family for only a day or two, it mostly to share in holidays or special occasions. And, we certainly don’t consider this jaunt a getaway or vacation. It is what it is, a visit and a way to keep in touch. Still, whether you’re going to an exotic Island or visiting relatives nearby as part of your main holiday plans, plan for no less than four or five days to get the maximum benefits from your getaway; and that’s according to studies. Allow for time to get their, unwind, and actually enjoy a few experiences, before having to head back home, otherwise you may be doing yourself a “disservice” by setting yourself up for (more), possibly un-necessary stress.

Long Island Money & Careers Articles > The Pleasure Principle: How To Avoid Mixing Business And Pleasure