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#1
06-05-2008, 05:12 PM
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Why it pays to work less
Tom Musbach, Yahoo! HotJobs
The slowdown in the U.S. economy is threatening a necessity for workers: vacations. According to the annual Yahoo! HotJobs vacation survey, 51% of respondents said they plan to skip taking a vacation this year, opting to save money instead. Not a Frivolous Matter"Vacations are usually the first thing to go when people feel job or economic pressure," says Joe Robinson, a trainer in work-life balance and author of "Work to Live." He continues, "We're programmed to believe that free time is worthless, a frill to shove aside, but vacations are as important as watching your cholesterol or getting exercise." Skipping a vacation can also be bad for your employer. Milo and Thuy Sindell, founders of Hit the Ground Running and authors of "Job Spa," say, "You are not helpful to the company and your coworkers when you are not operating at full capacity. Vacations help you to get rejuvenated to come back to work at full capacity." Make It Work With LessFor those tempted to skip vacation this year due to financial worries, experts recommend the following tips: Remind yourself: Vacation is not a luxury. "You owe it to yourself, your family, and your company to take care of yourself by stepping out of the office for at least a few days at a time," says Liz Bywater, president of the Bywater Consulting Group, which helps improve organizational performance. Put aside some funds each week. "Even $50 a week [or less] can add up and make your trip happen," says Robinson. Plan leisure activities near home. "Stay at home and read, garden, hike, jog, bike, or whatever you like to do but never have enough time for during the weekends," say the Sindells. "Or be a tourist in your own city." Try home-swapping. You can swap with someone you know in another city, or use an online service, such as homexchange.com or even vrbo.com (Vacation Rentals by Owner). "It can have the look and feel of a vacation at a much more affordable housing cost than paying for hotel or resort lodging," says Michael Haubrich, president of Financial Service Group and an expert in financial planning for career issues. Keep the itinerary simple. Travel columnist Donald D. Groff recommends selecting a destination within 200 miles (a three-hour drive) from your home. If you're traveling by plane, fly nonstop whenever possible. "The sooner you get to your destination, the sooner your relaxation begins," Groff says. Stress-Busting StrategiesThe economic downturn is also adding to workers' stress levels. Nearly a third of the respondents (31%) are worried by how the economy is affecting their workplaces, and 34% said they feel pressure to improve their performance for fear of being laid off. With 55% of respondents admitted to being "burned out" by work, stress and fatigue add another threat to vacations. Experts say you can prevent the threat in the following ways: Start small. "Start with an afternoon off to do something you really enjoy, even if it's just a walk at the beach or a visit to a farmer's market," says Beth A. Levin, author of "Making a Richer, More Fulfilling Life a Reality." If planning is a burden, don't. "Instead of planning a vacation, just take time off to be at home and figure it out each day as you go," the Sindells suggest. Enlist back-up support. Ask a trusted coworker to back you up while you're away and offer to return the favor, Bywater suggests. "It's much easier to relax when you know someone's got you covered." Choose according to what you need. You may need a peaceful retreat from stress, or you may benefit from something more active and exciting. "Avoid the kind of vacation that will leave you even more exhausted than before," she adds. Give yourself a deadline. "Stop thinking about it and just do it," says Bywater. "Think of it as 'doctor's orders.'" http://hotjobs.promotions.yahoo.com/...e_article.html
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Keep your distance, let's not meet by accident! 
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#2
06-05-2008, 05:14 PM
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Vacations FTW!!! So far this year I've been to New Orleans and I'm planning vacations to run some cool races
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Ginger ;-) 2006 G35 Sedan 6MT | DG / G Premium | Aero | Nav | Sirius  Modded.
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#3
06-06-2008, 02:05 AM
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I agree... even just going to the next town or a weekend getaway, it's a vacation. 
__________________
Keep your distance, let's not meet by accident!
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#4
06-06-2008, 02:20 AM
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Agreed...but unfortunately weekend getaways leave you starved for more 
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#6
06-06-2008, 03:28 AM
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LOL yeah, I can understand wanting more after a weekend get-a-way... I have been known @ work to give "forced" vacation. I believe we all need to get away from it all and when someone comes back refreshed, we'd all benefit from it.
__________________
Keep your distance, let's not meet by accident!
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#7
06-06-2008, 11:42 PM
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I've taken 1 vacation in 4 years
 I'm hourly, and earn very little time off (about 20 hours/year) which I use during finals so I can use that time to study. I def. plan on using my vacations when I get a FT position, even if its just to have a day off and kick it @ the house.
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#8
06-06-2008, 11:55 PM
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Interesting article Gerry, and one that I agree with for sure. My career is far from my life.....it's just a means to supplement my lifestyle is all. My life is all about family and traveling.
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2007 G35 Sport Garnet Ember Premium|Navi|3M 35% Tint|Bat's GTR Headlight Overlays "Do, or do not. There is no try!" 
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#10
06-07-2008, 12:31 AM
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 True! Oh, when the dollar gets stronger, I'm going to Europe!
__________________
Keep your distance, let's not meet by accident!
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#11
06-07-2008, 12:33 AM
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Two years? My vacation plans extend to the next 4 years.
__________________
2007 G35 Sport Garnet Ember Premium|Navi|3M 35% Tint|Bat's GTR Headlight Overlays "Do, or do not. There is no try!"
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#12
06-07-2008, 12:35 AM
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 Where else are you planning to go Shane?
__________________
Keep your distance, let's not meet by accident!
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#14
06-07-2008, 12:42 AM
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For major trips, my plans are to go to Greece this fall with just my wife and I. In April, 2009, we are going back to Portugal/Spain/Morocco for 3 weeks with my Parents. 2010 is my one month trip to Italy with my wife and daughter. And 2011 we plan on going to Hawaii for the first time. Hey, without plans you get stuck on "someday island".
__________________
2007 G35 Sport Garnet Ember Premium|Navi|3M 35% Tint|Bat's GTR Headlight Overlays "Do, or do not. There is no try!"
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#15
06-07-2008, 12:49 AM
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True... I only have the next 2 years planned for vacation. This year will be Bali for Christmas... I was going to go to New Mexico for the summer, but my best friend is short on cash.  Then next year after I move down to L.A. and before starting a new job, I'm planning to go to Australia for a month.
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Keep your distance, let's not meet by accident!
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