[worrist]

How do you separate from work when you're on vacation? I've been off for a week now but i still feel the need to read my email to make sure everything is ok. I feel that when something goes wrong while I'm out, it means that I'm a terrible planner. I'm curious as to what others do. I have a very understanding manager that encourages people to take vacation. But even then, I feel like I need to stay abreast of what is happening.

[seesaw]

Worrist, this is a huge question for all of us, for sure. I have learned to do a couple of things. One, I'm never really off because of the nature of my work, but I do a couple of things. One: I turn off email notifications. Two: I ask my colleagues to text me on my cell if there is an emergency or if they have a question. Because I can quickly answer that and don't have to worry about a slew of emails. Third: If I must check email, I set aside a time of day to do it, and only do it during that time.

If you have a major project in the works, find a trusted colleague to update on it before you leave and ask that they text you directly if anything major develops so you can be abreast of it.

This way you aren't constantly thinking about work, and can trust that if an emergency does arise, they will let you know directly.

Hope that helps.

Seesaw

[worrist]

Originally Posted by seesaw

This way you aren't constantly thinking about work, and can trust that if an emergency does arise, they will let you know directly.

Hope that helps.

Seesaw

I think it's the trust part that I'm struggling. Sometimes (ok, most of the time) I don't trust that someone will contact me and that i always have to be on the lookout to make sure things are still running smoothly.

[hvert]

I check my email all the time, too. Sometimes I vacation in spots where my cell phone gets no reception.

[Ukny96]

My wife constantly reminds me that I don't "let go" on vacation and the more anxious and depressed I feel, the more regularly I'm checking work emails and ruminating about work. I try and keep busy during the day--exercise, be with other people, do anything to distract myself. Early morning is the worst for me, even on vacation. Thank goodness for BBC World Service in the early hours, which I listen to to 'escape' from my whirring, negative thoughts. Can't say I've had a "fun" and relaxing vacation for a while.

I hope your situation improves.

[worrist]

I kept IM on during the first few days of my vacation. When I answered a few IMs, my boss replied back and told me to disconnect. It was hard and I kept wanting to peek at IM but I didn't. Email is still a different issue. I still feel like I need to check that. Like Ukny96, the ruminating about work sucks.

I have set some goals for myself such as only allowing myself to check email every 5 hours but I'm pushing myself to an even longer interval.

I know I am out sick and I can't tell if it is worse to log on and check or worst to think about it like every 5 minutes. I think this happens because there is no one in the workplace you can rely on to step in when your out. Of course I feel that every organization should cross train but they don't. Forcing consequences for you when you return. I will come back tomorrow to 500 e-mails and all kinds of problems.