Is It Okay to Work on Vacation? Here's What a Burnout Coach Actually Thinks
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Is It Okay to Work on Vacation?
Yes, working on vacation can be okay—if it's intentional and bounded. Strategic, low-pressure work during time off can actually reduce stress by preventing inbox avalanches and maintaining momentum. The key isn't complete disconnection; it's designing rest that works for your energy, business model, and nervous system—not someone else's definition of "real" vacation.
You ever feel like the only "real" vacation is one where you completely disappear from your inbox, leave your laptop at home, and spend seven days sipping cocktails on a beach somewhere remote?
Yeah. That's a myth—and a toxic one at that.
As a solopreneur, I recently took a two-week "break," and spoiler alert: I worked on vacation. And you know what? It didn't ruin the rest. It actually made the whole thing better.
Whether you're running your own business or working a corporate job with PTO, let's dismantle some BS ideas about time off, rest, and what it actually means to prevent burnout.
What Does "Working on Vacation" Actually Mean?
Before we dive in, let's be clear about what we're talking about.
Strategic vacation work means:
Checking in briefly to prevent chaos when you return
Handling time-sensitive items that can't wait
Low-energy maintenance tasks that take 30-60 minutes max
Work that's planned, boundaried, and stress-free
What it's NOT:
Responding to every Slack message in real-time
Taking calls during family dinner
Working full 8-hour days by the pool
Letting work anxiety dominate your time off
The difference? Intentionality and boundaries.
Myth #1: Real Rest Means Complete Disconnection
Why Total Disconnection Isn't Always the Answer
Look, I love a fully unplugged beach week as much as the next high-achiever. But sometimes, checking out entirely just isn't realistic—and that's okay.
For solopreneurs: If you're still building your business, running client programs, or prepping for a major launch, a complete blackout might create more stress than it prevents.
For corporate employees: If you're in a leadership role, managing critical projects, or working in an industry where emergencies happen, being 100% unreachable for two weeks can backfire—both for your team and your own anxiety levels.
I brought my laptop to Hawaii. Yep. I worked by the pool. I met with my SAT students one day. I even cleaned out my inbox while watching Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives with my family. It wasn't hustle—it was intentional maintenance.
Burnout-proof truth: Sometimes strategic check-ins prevent the chaos avalanche that hits when you come back. A few low-energy work blocks kept me from drowning in hundreds of emails. And that helped me relax more—not less.
Myth #2: Vacations Have to Be Expensive or Exotic
Can You Recharge Without Going Far From Home?
Absolutely.
Sure, Hawaii was the first half of my time off. But the second half? It was a local staycation retreat about an hour from home—organized through a business group I'm part of. No flights. No elaborate logistics. Just a rejuvenating few days filled with yoga, quiet time, and meaningful connections.
You don't have to drain your bank account or your PTO balance to recharge. Sometimes the most restorative rest happens close to home—especially when you strip out the logistical chaos.
For corporate employees: Use a long weekend to stay local. Book a hotel in your own city, turn off notifications, and treat it like a real getaway. The lack of travel stress can actually make shorter breaks more restorative.
Burnout-proof tip: Try a local staycation. Cut the stress, keep the rest.
Myth #3: If You Work at All, You're "Doing Vacation Wrong"
What Is Strategic Rest and How Do You Do It?
This all-or-nothing mindset is everywhere. And it's just as toxic around vacation as it is around self-care or productivity.
Let me be clear: Strategic rest is not the same as complete disconnection.
I planned a few intentional work sessions—half-days, not marathons—that allowed me to be present the rest of the time. I worked with students on a set schedule, facilitated a retreat session, and hosted an implementation lab for my Burnout-Proof Business program.
What made it sustainable:
Clear boundaries: Work hours were scheduled and limited
Low-pressure tasks: No high-stakes deadlines or crisis management
No scrambling: Everything was planned in advance
Permission: I gave myself full permission to mix rest with light work in a way that supported me
How Corporate Employees Can Apply This
If you're in a corporate role, here's how to work strategically on vacation without letting it take over:
Set "office hours" on vacation:
Check email once per day at a set time (e.g., 9-9:30 AM)
Use an out-of-office message that sets expectations: "I'm checking email once daily. For urgent matters, contact [backup person]."
Turn off all notifications outside your designated work window
Delegate and document before you leave:
Brief your team on what can wait vs. what's urgent
Designate a backup person for true emergencies
Create a "while I'm out" doc with key info and decision-making authority
Communicate boundaries:
Tell your manager your check-in plan upfront
Be clear about what you will and won't be available for
Practice saying, "That can wait until I'm back" without guilt
The goal isn't to be "on call" 24/7—it's to reduce the anxiety of returning to complete chaos while still protecting your rest.
What Strategic Time Off Actually Looked Like (Real Example)
Here's how I structured my two weeks:
🔹 Hawaii (June 1–7): Beach, family, and a couple client calls. I gave students one specific day they could meet with me—take it or leave it. Total work time: 3 hours over 7 days.
🔹 Staycation Retreat (June 8–11): Nature walks, group sessions, paddleboarding, yoga, and yes—a little slide deck prep. Total work time: 2 hours over 4 days.
🔹 Speaking Engagement in New Orleans (June 12–15): A few sessions, one big keynote, then Bourbon Street, food, friends, and dancing. Work was part of the experience, not separate from it.
It wasn't two weeks of total chill—but it was two weeks of intentionality. I didn't feel like I lost momentum, and I still came back feeling refreshed.
Myth #4: Rest Only Counts If It's a Week or More
How Long Does a Vacation Need to Be to Help You Recharge?
Another BS belief: that if you're not taking full weeks off, it doesn't "count" as real rest. Not true.
That staycation retreat? Just three days. But honestly, it was the most rejuvenating part of my time off. Why? Because it was quiet. Intentional. And designed to help me reset without needing a full calendar purge to make it happen.
Try this instead:
Stack a long weekend (take Friday and Monday off for a 4-day break)
Block off a single midweek day to go completely analog
Use half-days strategically throughout the month
Take "focus Fridays" where you work on personal projects only
You don't need a week if you're intentional with your energy.
Why This Matters (Especially If You're Avoiding Burnout)
Can You Prevent Burnout and Still Take Vacations?
Yes—but only if your systems support it.
Most of us didn't leave corporate (or stay in corporate) just to recreate the same hustle culture with different branding. But here's the truth:
If your business can't survive unless you disappear for two weeks, you don't have a vacation problem—you've got a systems problem.
If your corporate role requires you to be constantly available on PTO, your company has a capacity problem—and you need boundaries.
Strategic rest is possible right now—even if you're still building, even if you're in a demanding role.
This isn't about working more. It's about building something sustainable enough (or setting boundaries strong enough) that you don't have to shut the whole system down just to breathe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Working on Vacation
Is it unprofessional to work on vacation?
No. What's unprofessional is letting work completely consume your time off or returning so burned out you can't perform. Brief, boundaried check-ins are a sign of good planning, not poor boundaries—as long as they're truly limited.
Should I tell my boss I'm planning to check email on vacation?
I would say no. Here’s why. I think it sets the expectation of availability and I think that blurs boundaries. People will reach out. Say something like: "I do not know if I will be available to check email, so please reach out to [Name], who is covering emergencies." This sets expectations and prevents misunderstandings about your availability. If you do check email because it gives you peace of mind, great. But I wouldn’t set the expectation with bosses or coworkers.
How do I stop feeling guilty about working on vacation?
Reframe it: you're not "ruining" your vacation—you're designing rest that actually works for you. Guilt often comes from comparing yourself to others' idea of vacation. Ask yourself: Does this serve my rest or sabotage it?
But, I also think this works the other way: how do you stop feeling guilty for taking a vacation? Plan ahead that way you’ve given clients and coworkers ample time to prepare for your vacation. Here’s another blog I wrote that might help >>
What if my employer expects me to be fully available on PTO?
That's a red flag about your company's culture, not your boundaries. Start documenting expectations, have a conversation with your manager about realistic availability, and consider whether this is a sustainable long-term environment.
Can working on vacation actually prevent burnout?
Unpopular opinion? Yes—if it prevents the massive stress spike of returning to chaos or it allows you to actually unplug when you are “off.” I think sometimes full disconnection freaks us out—talking to you my control freak high-achiever! So, if a little check-in to know what’s going on allows you to relax and unwind on the beach while you’re sipping your mai tai later? Do it. The key is keeping work minimal, bounded, and stress-free. Think: 30 minutes of inbox triage vs. 8 hours of crisis management.
How much work is "too much" on vacation?
If work is consuming more than 5-10% of your waking hours, it's too much. If you're feeling anxious about work tasks instead of relaxed, it's too much. If you're missing experiences with loved ones, it's too much. The line is different for everyone, but intentionality is key.
Want Support Building a Business (or Career) That Actually Lets You Breathe?
For solopreneurs: That's literally what Burnout-Proof Business is for.
✔️ Sustainable systems that run without you
✔️ Strategic support from people who get it
✔️ Real community that understands solopreneur life
You'll learn how to design your business around your energy—not some hustle-optimized version of "success" that leaves you exhausted and behind.
For corporate professionals: Consider working with a coach who understands burnout prevention in corporate environments. Learn to set boundaries, delegate effectively, and advocate for sustainable work practices.
TL;DR: Working on Vacation—What You Need to Know
✨ Your time off doesn't have to look like everyone else's
✨ Strategic rest is better than no rest
✨ It's okay to work a little—if it helps you rest more
✨ Staycations and long weekends count
✨ You don't need to earn your rest—you just need better systems
✨ Complete disconnection isn't always the answer
✨ Boundaries matter more than the destination
Ready to make your business work for you instead of the other way around?
Check out my Burnout-Proof Business program, where you'll learn how to design systems that allow you to take strategic time off—without losing momentum.
Are you a corporate employee? Check out Work Well HQ >>
