How to take vacation during a recession and NOT lose your job

With economists now forecasting the possibility of a double dip recession many people are hesitant to take a vacation. The anxiety is more than understandable with the unemployment rate still hovering around 8%. Business productivity has skyrocketed, mainly do to less hands doing more work. Unfortunately, were not machines. Even during a recession people need, yes need, vacations. If youre head is about to explode from too much work and not enough relaxing, read on.

Go through this checklist to make sure you secure your position before you leave:

• Make sure youre leaving during low productivity

If summer is your busiest time dont let your boss or your team down during that time by requesting a relaxing week of vacation in the Bahamas. Leaving your company shorthanded when theyre getting swamped could spell trouble. Instead, try to plan on requesting your vacation during your low season; if your company doesnt have a predictable low season ask your boss when business is usually the slowest.

• Tie up loose ends

Get any serious disagreements or tension out of the way before you leave. A serious problem with a co-worker thats left un-resolved could boil over and become the front-page story at your job. Not to mention, rumors will spread like cancer if youre not there to quell them. Its best to make sure youre on good terms with any problem co-workers or at least come to a mutual understanding before you leave.

• Talk to your boss

This seems like common sense but make sure you discuss your vacation plans with your boss. Try to think about your vacation time from your boss point of view. How long will you be gone for? How will your time-off affect company productivity? Whats the reason for requesting your vacation when you have? Once youve answered these questions then youll be ready to approach your boss for vacation approval.

• Talk to your boss boss

Its even better if you have a chance to speak with your boss boss. This is assuming you have a decent rapport with him or her. If you do, mention your vacation plans in normal conversation and let them know how excited you and your family are. Its best to have as many people in your corner as possible, the higher up the better.

• Get approval in writing

Its always a good idea to get approval for your vacation before you leave. Most employers even require it. A simple verbal approval these days isnt always sufficient. Your boss may forget she told you and wonder where in the world you went. Ask for something in writing, whether its an e-mail or a hand written note verifying your request has been approved, its important that you have documentation.

• Last Resorts

If youre employer wont give you approval for vacation when youve requested, ask when would be a better time and re-submit your time off request. If youre really reaching for straws you might try to persuade your employer with some factoids courtesy of the TIA. Here are some impressive benefits of vacation that you might consider bringing up the next time youre negotiating time off with your boss.

Vacationers under 45 experience a 25% increase on vigilance tests, over 45 there is a 50% performance enhancement.

Burn out decreases significantly during two-week vacations.

Not taking a vacation can lead to an increased likelihood of stress and burn-out.

A vacation friendly company policy can lead to higher morale and decreased turn-over. "The essential to budget travel is to prepare in advance. When it occurs to family trips, globetrotting, well-deserved holidays and/or going to see new locations we have never been before, the truth of expense and budgeting is often in the back of our heads. Considering and expending our travel budget correctly is a consideration for most families. Lowering expending and prices, while still taking pleasure in your vacation to its fullest, is the key to assured achievements and fiscal responsibility. Your pocketbook and family will thank you! The thinking regarding saving money while travelling is simple: Even if your personal budget is extremely small, you can still take a break and enjoy life! Simply put, life is just too short to never step out of the door or leaving the homestead! Also remembering that while traveling, whether on a budget or not, even the smallest of things can all add op to a large vacation or travel bill!..".

No one knows your work environment better than you. One or more of my tips may not apply to your situation. For example, if you know that your boss boss doesnt like people taking their vacations it wouldnt be a good idea to mention your upcoming trip to him or her. Or maybe productivity this year has been especially slow and no one is taking their vacation due to rumors of lay-off. If that were the case it would be better to fall in line and play it by ear. The bottom line, be intelligent about how and when you take your vacations depending on the context of your unique work environment.

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