Need a break? Here’s how to get more vacation time

SELF-FINANCING

According to Robinson, mentioning to your boss that you are willing to go on vacation without any pay can often be a very effective way to get some time off.

“OK, so it’s not ideal but if you want time off, it’s the easiest way,” he said. Robinson did this in his previous work in journalism and the music industry.

“If you can afford to do it, I’d recommend it. Unfortunately, many employees think it’s a bit strange if they don’t have their nose to the grindstone all the time, especially if they are funding the vacation themselves,” he said.

Robinson advocates a non-combatitive approach, explaining to the employer why it’s in his or her interests to give you a vacation.

TAKE WHAT YOU GET

It may seem obvious, but many people don’t check how much time they are entitled to take off. Many others are reluctant to take the average nine days of paid vacation to which they are entitled, often because they are afraid it was show weakness or lack of loyalty.

Joe Robinson says that there may be “ongoing subtle discouragement” in the work force, but employees should remember than they are but entitled to their vacation and should not be afraid to take it.

In 2005, US workers collectively turned down a staggering 1.6 million years of vacation time that was offered to them.

Imagine if one person had all that time – it would take them back to the Tertiary Epoch, when saber-toothed tigers roamed America and Homo Erectus was still evolving in Africa.

VACATION WISELY

If vacation time is limited and your boss won’t budge, then recharge in the best way possible.

Robinson is concerned about the rising popularity of “staycations” — lounging at home to offset rising fuel costs and the weak dollar. He believes those breaks are not as restful.

“Working the brain’s neurons by taking up a challenging activity will leave you far more refreshed than sitting a resort doing nothing,” he said.

He recommends activity vacations: hiking, canoeing, chess or some other activity that challenges the brain in new ways.