Unfortunately, it’s almost like we are ingrained by society to feel guilty if we schedule time off in advance to take a break, vacation, attend a wedding, etc. Like, does it matter why I am asking for PTO? No, it does not, other than the fact that it’s probably going to help you, the department, and the people you are working with and for.
For this reason, I personally zero out my PTO by the end of the calendar year. I do not roll over any hours unless I know I have a vacation planned that requires me to roll some of those hours over. However, I am also the person who has gone on leave without pay. Surprisingly, it’s not common, and most of my coworkers were confused and made snarky comments about how they could never do that—but life is not about slaving away for someone else’s bottom line. It’s about living, and there are some things more important than missing out on part of a paycheck. After all, in ten years, are you really going to sit there and be like, “Damn, good thing I didn’t go to the family reunion and stayed at work?” No, you’re going to regret it.
I also do not believe that you need anything planned to take time off from work. If you want to stay at home and do absolutely nothing, then do it. Just recently, I had this conversation with a coworker who stated she was feeling burnt out, and when I suggested she take some time off, she responded with, “Well, there is nothing for me to do at home.” — GIRL, that’s the whole point—DO NOTHING. Take a break. In my experience, every time I take a break, I come back better and refreshed.
If you’ve ever hesitated to take a break because you think it’ll hurt your career or cost you that promotion, think again. Research shows that stepping away from work actually makes you a better employee.
A study by the U.S. Travel Association (2018) found that employees who use all their vacation days are more likely to receive promotions and raises than those who leave PTO unused. Why? Because well-rested employees return to work with higher energy, better focus, and increased productivity. Similarly, the American Psychological Association (APA) emphasizes that regular breaks lower stress, prevent burnout, and improve overall job performance.
Despite all this, many of us still hesitate to take the breaks we’re entitled to, fearing it will make us seem uncommitted to our employers. It took me years to get out of this mindset- so I get it, change does not happen overnight.
And honestly, this mindset of taking breaks applies to every aspect of life. Recently, I realized I’d been spending too much time on my phone and social media, so I put strategies in place to cut back. At the same time, I unintentionally stepped away from reading, working out, being outside, and even hanging out with friends. Why? Because I needed to refill my cup—to reset, recharge, and come back healthier and more present in all my relationships.
So if you need a break, take one. No justification is required.
When was the last time you took a guilt-free break? If it’s been a while, what’s stopping you?