Why using all your PTO is good for you (and your career)

As a writer, author and podcaster, the good news is that I am my own boss. The bad news is that my boss is a jerk. He won’t let me take vacations, even though—in theory—I could take as many days as I like. But I feel guilty: I should be knocking out client work, or growing my podcast, or finally starting that screenplay. Then there’s the fact that since freelancers aren’t on salary, literally every vacation is an unpaid vacation. Even though this means I see less of my friends and family—and risk missing key moments I’ll regret—every year I take less than two weeks off.

And I’m not alone. This is a global problem: 62% of people worldwide feel vacation deprived, according to a new report from Expedia, and less than half plan to use all of their time off. It’s especially grim in the United States, where the average American receives fewer vacation days than almost any other country (12), and also uses the fewest (11). Even when employees are given “unlimited” time off, they often choose to leave it on the table. (I’m guilty.)

What explains this madness? Why are we so eager to choose spreadsheets over sunsets at the beach, conference calls over cocktails by the pool?

One big reason is a (flawed) cultural standard. “Particularly in America, there’s an ‘ideal worker’ norm, and we feel pressure to look committed to the job at all times,” says Dr. Mindy Shoss, a professor of psychology at the University of Central Florida, who has a focus on worker stress. Shoss also says many worry that work will pile up, or that it will unfairly fall to coworkers, which compounds the guilt; or even that there won’t be a job when they get back.

All of this creates a fear of vacation. And if you’re a parent? You have all of this guilt plus extra responsibilities to juggle, which might explain why 68% of parents feel vacation deprived compared to 56% of non-parents.

But here’s the irony: Skipping vacations can backfire, both at home and at work. Burnout is real. “Human beings are not machines. We can’t keep running at full speed indefinitely,” says Shoss, who adds that vacations have tangible benefits besides the obvious role of recharging our batteries.

“Vacations give you a chance to take a step back and get perspective on what you’re doing,” says Shoss. “They allow you to see new things. To see new ways of approaching problems.” Exploring new cultures and new parts of the world can unlock your creativity, she adds. Maybe as you daydream in a kayak, your subconscious finally cracks that nagging problem at work.

In other words, taking vacation doesn’t make you a slacker. It makes you a better employee. One study found that when people took more than 10 vacation days, they had a 65.4% likelihood of receiving a raise or bonus in a three-year period. Ernst & Young found that for every 10 days of vacation an employee took, their year-end performance jumped by 8%. Plenty of research links vacations to better mental and physical health; one study found that vacations improved sleep even after you return. So how do we solve this global vacation deprivation? 

There are two solutions. First, we need a cultural shift. We need to encourage and inspire “PTO for All.” If you’re a boss, encourage your team to take a vacation: Look them in the eyes and really mean it. We need to think of our vacations proudly, confidently, and unapologetically—think of it like going to the gym. It’s good for us. 

The second solution? Simple: Just book that trip. And if you’re after some inspiration, I’ve got just the thing…