Some say the French live for their vacations. They spend several months contemplating and planning, then enjoying their time off; and finally they spend the month after talking about their adventures. In a country where everyone receives by law a minimum of six weeks paid leave per year, there's reason to ponder and plan for leisure time.
I wish I could say that Americans have the same attitude and verve for vacations, but we do not by a long shot. Even with vacation benefits averaging one-third the French, research now shows that we are not even taking the meager time off that we're allotted. In fact, some studies reveal that some Americans are actually losing vacation time because they are not using it within a year to two. The average number of consecutive days off that Americans take is a paltry three to four. In my mind, that's hardly time to do a few of the chores that have been waiting for a year and pack the suitcases, let alone provide anyone with a respite from work and daily demands.
After a busy summer tourist season in the South of France, it is common at this time of year to see signs in local shops that say: "Fermeture Annuelle", or "Annual Closing" along with the date they'll reopen. While on one hand I may be disappointed that my favorite restaurant, wine cellar or pottery studio is not at my disposal, I am also glad to see that even the small business owners here succumb to several weeks of R&R.
Americans fall short of this curve as well, especially when it comes to entrepreneurs taking a well-deserved break from work. At U.S. conferences and seminars for small business owners, I see workshops and keynotes with titles like "work/life balance" and "having a life while you succeed in your business" included in the offerings to participants. While there may be an awareness of an "overdoing it" problem in our workplaces, there does not seem to be much of a change toward more moderated work patterns.
Stress-related symptoms account for 9 out of 10 visits to the doctor in our country. I think there is a connection here. I'm curious now about what physical maladies confront the French—perhaps the stress of reentry from a month in the country or at the seaside? But, then, they have so many details to recount that keep their memories alive for at least a month after their return to work…
Makes you want to move! I mostly don't understand why computers with all their efficient programs that help everyone save so much time can't allow Americans to vacation like the French. I suppose it really comes down to our country's obsession with money- if we have an extra ten minutes a day to either relax with our family or make a buck- we'll chose to make a buck- how sad. We end up with lots of stuff and no memories.
Posted by CSActually, I work to travel! It's a big world and I've got a LONG list of places to visit. The trip takes place as soon as I've built up the vacation time to cover it. I just got back from China, and Africa before that. I've come to realize that no matter what is happening at the office.... It will be waiting for you when you get back. Life is simply too short to let work get in the way of one's personal interests.
Posted by MHThe only differences to me in this country are
" Work to Live" or "Live to work?" I think too many americans live to work, however, it seems no matter how hard one tries, in this country there is a large limit on working to live. I lived in Boston, money was great, no time to enjoy it. I moved back to Maine, get paid much less, need to work harder to have money to enjoy. Where is the balance??
Finding the right balance in our country is indeed a challenge--especially at the entry to mid-career levels. But, I say "bravo" to those who make attempts at it--your health will benefit fom any effort.
Posted by Barbara BabkirkWe in the great USA only get on average 2-3 weeks per year for vacation time. It's no wonder we don't take 3-4 days at a time. If we used 10 days in April for example, then we wouldn't have any more time to take later in the year.
I, for one, take my "personal time" seriously. I am lucky and have 25 days per year. Let me tell you, I do NOT loose any of these days...I use them ALL up.
Today, I work to live. I need to get my kids through college and save for retirement. Once I accomplish those goals then I will live to live.......
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