Unused vacation days are unused benefits. Can you imagine turning down a year-end bonus, premium health insurance, or a boost in salary? Why do so many fail to see the advantage of vacation time each year?
For me, I had no idea how to plan for vacation until I worked for a large organization. I assumed that I would take vacation when I needed it... and I never did! One of the benefits of working at a larger church or company is that the human resource department NEEDS your vacation time planned in advance and coordinate vacation time for the entire company. But many in ministry work in haphazard workplaces who are led by entrepreneur leadership. Here are a few practical ideas to help plan for successful vacationing in 2019.
- Plan NOW - December may seem like an incredible risk to plan your time for the following year, especially if you're new to an organization, but failing to plan is planning to fail.
- Understand the busy season. You may be thinking... EVERY season is the busy season and you're probably right. That's why you need to PLAN for vacation!
- Foresee when you need to recharge. I have find that taking time after a busy time of ministry is what I need to survive. Those seasons are already predetermined. My wife and I have also found that I need to take a day away every quarter.
- Bundle your days. Are you planning to be at a conference or a wedding? Maybe you can take a few days after... especially if you are away from home! Just be aware that if you take your vacation DIRECTLY after an extended time away from the church, makes it SEEM like you've been away from the office for too long. Plan wisely!
- Announce your vacation time. Do not take for granted that YOUR plans are remembered by other people. Post your vacation time - put it on the organizational calendar, share the event via digital calendar and set reminders at 4 weeks & 2 weeks to remind coworkers that you will be away... whatever mode you need to remind everyone that you are not available.
- Buy a burner phone. Seriously, one of the coolest things that I've done while away is shut off my phone. Can't go without a phone because of family communication? Buy a burner phone and only give the number to the people who matter most and someone who will protect your time away.
It doesn't matter if you work for a company who protects your time or you are working with a workaholic entrepreneur, you need to be proactive about your soul care. Vacation may seem unspiritual but it's not - don't forget that God puts intentional rest in his top ten commands!
Wayne is the Northeast Coordinator for NNYM and is a tall, skinny, white, guy who loves Jesus. His mission is to encourage and support people to follow Jesus better.