In the Details: No-Vacation Nation?

Lately, I've been reading more and more articles (some of which are mentioned in this post) regarding the "No-Vacation Nation," which is America.

I was sitting at my desk a few days back while a young man, probably in his late 20's, was being interviewed in the next room. When the Employer began talking about the paid time off that he would get if he was hired (which was much more than most companies offer), he quickly interrupted and said "Oh, I definitely won't be using that time off. In the past year, I have taken one day of vacation time." He said it like it was a good thing. I was sitting here in disbelief. Why would that be a good thing?

There are very few companies these days that offer paid vacation, so why shun it when it's available? Perhaps this guy was just trying to get the job by impressing the boss with a motivated attitude. I just don't get it though. When I was told how much vacation time I would be getting at my current job, I said, "That's great! I will take the job, but I want to let you know I will be heading to Seattle for 10 days a week after I start!"

Of course, we need to be mindful of our futures and saving money is vital, especially if a family is involved. I don't have to worry about a family, so traveling/vacationing/spending my time and money doing things I love are always at the front of my mind.

Here are a few reasons why America is the No-vacation nation:

1. "Employers in the United States are not obligated under federal law to offer any paid vacation, so about a quarter of all American workers don't have access to it, government figures show." That makes the U.S. the only advanced nation in the world that doesn't guarantee its workers annual leave, according to a report titled "No-Vacation Nation" by the Center for Economic and Policy Research, a liberal policy group.

2. Americans are obsessed with work! Obviously, there are plenty of people who do know how to enjoy their lives while balancing their workload but clearly, America is doing something wrong.
"Only 57% of U.S. workers use up all of the days they're entitled to, compared with 89% of workers in France, a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found."

I don't like to admit it but I am a "The Real Housewives of (fill in the blank)" fan.  The reality show follows the lives of housewives in different cities throughout the US. Within each show, you will usually find at least one housewife that is obsessed with her job. If you're a fan, I'm sure the first person that comes to your mind is Vicki. It's a running theme throughout "The Real Housewives of Orange County" that Vicki is obsessed with her job. She cannot go anywhere without her laptop.  She is the perfect example of what has happened to a lot of Americans.

3. Ok, as is noted in the article referenced above, perhaps one of the reasons for the daily grind obsession is the fear of layoffs. Understandable. People don't want to appear like they are slacking because they don't want to lose their jobs. Point taken. This doesn't mean you can't use up your paid time off! Use it! 

4. Last reason is, a lot of people are lazy or fearful. They don't want to take the time to plan a trip. Maybe the thought of planning a trip is too stressful. Well, if that's the case, check out my "Planning a Trip" post that will soon be up and use that as a guide. It's easy, fun and rewarding to plan a trip! You will come back to your office refreshed and maybe even inspired.

So, here's my point. You can't do anything about the paid vacation your Employer gives you, but whatever you do get, use! If you don't get any paid vacation time, consider looking for a new job. Instead of buying the patio furniture, a jacuzzi or a new hairdo, put that money aside and plan a trip! I do not advise going into debt because of a vacation. Instead, just save a little at a time and before you know it, you'll have enough for the trip of your dreams. Well, maybe not the trip of your dreams, but a nice vacation somewhere far away from your office. If you feel the itch, don't ignore it. You deserve a vacation!

"Often people get into a mindless routine at work and home, which is broken only when they travel." - Cnn.com

“The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are.” – Samuel Johnson