Business Insight Zone

Your devoted host is signing off for the next week, heading for the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming to do some trout fishing and Olympic-class loafing. Meanwhile, my Hoover’s colleague Peter Partheymuller will be sharing some of his observations in this space. You’re in good hands.

Meanwhile, are you in good shape, vacation-wise? My father, one of the most conscientious people who ever lived, worked himself too hard as a young man, to the point that he temporarily lost his voice. The doctor told him that he must start taking his vacations, and for many years after that our family of four enjoyed some of the best driving-and-camping trips you could imagine. (Here’s a particular favorite. I look at the photos and it’s like Proust’s narrator eating that madeleine.)

Not convinced? Here’s more evidence that you should take a vacation:

Cutting Work Is Good for You,
And Skipping Vacation Can Kill

A growing body of research suggests the American trend toward skipping vacations is hazardous. In a nine-year study of 12,000 middle-age men at risk for coronary disease, researchers found those who failed to take vacations had a higher risk of death from any cause, but particularly from heart disease, than those who took regular vacations

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Take that vacation — it could help your career

Companies are beginning to realize the benefits of vacations for their weary workers — fewer sick days, smaller health care bills and a more motivated workforce.

Unfortunately, not all employers get this, and sometimes it’s the workers themselves that don’t get this, either. They have a perverted view that not taking time off and keeping their nose to the grindstone will advance their career, or keep their jobs from ending up on the chopping block.

But in fact, it could lead to burnout, emotional and physical illness, and end up jeopardizing their careers, their lives.

So, if you haven’t already, book some time off. (And if you need any recommendations for a Wyoming vacation, feel free drop me a line . . .)

See you on July 10th!