The Dangers of Taking Your Vacation: Zohran Mamdani and More

 In a 2021 interview with Bloomberg Law, Paul Weiss chair Brad Karp noted that the firm was nudging the lawyers to take their vacations. 

To those outside the loop we know as the working world that might seem peculiar. Isn't part of getting out there and earning a living looking forward to a vacation? And aren't posh vacations a brand enhancer?

The realities are more complex. As one client in the public relations sector quipped: I was afraid that when I returned from vacation my desk wouldn't be there.

Lots can take place while you're away and it could be directed to lessening your influence, power and even basic job security. Your competitors/enemies at the office could be waiting for the moment you're away.

In addition, what about all those assignments which should be getting done? In the legal sector, there's the critical matter of not adding to your billable hours when you're not there at the firm. That could negatively impact everything from if you'll be kept on to the annual bonus. Officially or unofficially there's a kind of quota for billable hours.

Another issue is the new expectation of 24/7 availability, even when on vacation. You better bring your phone and laptop to the beach or on the hiking trail. So, it can make sense not to spend the money on taking a vacation. Just don't do vacations anymore.

For Zohran Mamdani, who's running for mayor of New York, his two-week vacation to Uganda could play out to be a serious hit to his image as being for the people. After yesterday's massacre in Midtown Manhattan so much is in upheaval. At the top of list is what's needed for public safety. 

Obviously, Mamdani is not on the scene to address those issues. He is accused as not being in communications about the crisis. At least not enough.

In addition, his stance at one time in his campaign had been to defund the police. One of those front lines in public safety had been murdered during the shooting. There will be a public funeral. Mamdani could be made to look very bad. That's even though he softened his position.

No slouch in turning this NYC crisis to his advantage, Andrew Cuomo, Mamdani's opponent, noted that he never took a two-week vacation when he was in public service. In serving executive clients, I have never encountered any who was off-duty for more than a few days. 

Since 1987, I have been self-employed, operating a number of boutiques. Instead of "taking vacations," that is, not being accessible to clients, I had bought a small cottage on the Jersey shore. Fully equipped with electronic devices, it facilitated handling client emergencies seamlessly. If I hadn't done that, competitors would have jumped right in.

In this era of the demand to be always-available vacations might be reset as the ability to just detach emotionally and spiritually to clear the channels. Not physically leave the scene. I tutor my coaching/tarot-reading clients that they can stop their day at any time and just meditate for about three minutes. Then they can begin the day over again.

UPDATE:

Mamdani has returned to NYC.

Thrown off your game, maybe the first time since you started working? You made all the right moves and then the world moved in another direction.

Intuitive Coaching. Special expertise with transitions, reskilling and aging. Psychic/tarot readings, upon request. Complimentary consultation with Jane Genova (Text 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com). Yes, test out the chemistry. There’s no risk.