Vacations: For Some Sacred, For Others ...

 Caveman might have stolen a few hours from survival to paint animals on the walls of their habitat. But, back then, there was no concept of taking a week or two off from the routine and do art. 

The notion of a "vacation" didn't kick in for the mainstream until the late 1900s. Growing labor rights and accessible transportation facilitated the trend. Eventually the majority not only felt entitled to a week or two away, not just a day trip, but became determined to follow through annually on their wanderlust.

So, here we are. Carnival Cruise head Josh Weinstein can document with the corporation's revenue numbers two things:

1) Americans consider a real vacation sarcosanct, and

2) They will do at least one of those during the year in bad times as well as good. 

Given that cruise demand is way up even in this inflationary period, so is Carnival's stock price. Right now (3:00 PM ET), it's increased almost 13%.

It was interesting to pick up at a community meeting last night that even the unemployed didn't miss out on a vacation that had been planned before the layoff. Guess they figured the unwinding might perform like a magic force field in finding their way back to employment.

But for others in America, particularly in those high-paying but increasingly insecure jobs in professional services, vacation is something to try to duck. It's not hyperbolic to describe that paid time away from the job as, well, a potential nightmare. This isn't new with the reality of widespread job loss. Way back in less-volatile times - 2021 - Paul, Weiss partner Brad Karp told Bloomberg Law the firm had to encourage associates to go on vacation.

SHRM explains the reluctance this way:

"Research suggests that employees use fewer vacation days when they think they can't detach from work while they're off, don't expect good outcomes from a vacation—such as feeling relaxed or connecting with loved ones—or fear repercussions, e.g., experiencing stress, feeling guilty or spending too much money."

In these AI-driven times in which office politics has spiraled during uncertainty, we would add to possible outcomes this: decisions being made while you're away which could have negative impacts on your ability to hold onto your power, influence or even the job. You weren't there to argue or block. Meanwhile, not being there in the loop means you could be falling behind on billing hours for your client quota.

And, how about the recent 69% surge in the number of entrepreneurs. Take it from me, who went self-employed in 1987, try to get away from the business. That's especially if you're a solopreneur. A half a day trip, with your phone always-on, is about the most relief you can grab.

So, America has bifurcated into two cultures. There are those who, no matter what, approach a vacation as a right. There are also those too wary of labor realities to be out of the loop. They have created the always-on workforce. 

Careers. Forget all that. It’s about earning a good living, no matter what.

Complimentary consultation with Jane Genova, StreetSmart Coaching (janegenova374@gmail.com)