It’s easy to joke about millennial and Gen Z workers who “quietly vacation” by slacking off in July and August (sometimes even simulating keyboard activity to give the appearance of effort) without their managers knowing.
And who can blame them? In summer, life feels more flexible and less structured, and you know there’s great weather somewhere, if you can only find it.
So, if they can’t get away in reality, their brains will go on break through daydreams.
They’re in the right place, but took the wrong train to get there.
My clients share one characteristic with quiet vacationers, summer’s still calling to them.
The difference? Their success means they no longer have to postpone the freedom and flexibility they have earned.
Planned or Spontaneous?
Some people book vacations way in advance, scheduling cruises and tours a year (or more) ahead.
Others can’t see that far into the future, so they arrange vacations in the last few weeks or days before departure.
One couple I know once went to the airport and THEN selected their destination. Talk about spontaneity!
Embrace This Summer
As May begins, I want to remind you to make the most of the upcoming summer.
You must have a plan to be away from your restaurants and create your own extended summer break – without having to worry about whether your business can survive without you.
Can’t stop worrying? That shows you haven’t set up your business properly to accommodate your life.
Two Different Generational Approaches
I have clients with vacation homes they live in for long periods of time – or grandchildren they visit in other states frequently – and people who get a steady diet of incredible travel experiences around the world, with tons of rounds of golf or tennis or motorcycle riding between trips.
They tend to be industry veterans who have learned that working all the time shows up as a mistake rather than a badge of honor.
And they’re proven right once they come back – because their clear-headedness gives them new ideas that would never have occurred to them otherwise.
I have younger clients who put great value on time with their school-age children. Not only being able to go to their games and events during the school year, but just taking them to the playground every day and having extended summertime vacations.
They create self-esteem, safety, security, and memories that will imprint a lifetime of good feelings for their kids.
They tend to be at their first or second rung of success and – unlike my generation mistakenly did – they remain unwilling to postpone their freedom.
One of my biggest joys? Seeing and hearing about the freedom my clients have after we intentionally organize their business to succeed without relying on their constant presence.
What do your summer plans look like? How will you take advantage of the freedom and flexibility you created in your life this summer?
And what have you done to make sure your company succeeds during your time away?
