Originally Posted by
runarut
I'm surprised that there hasn't been any mention of how being accessible to work creates vacation interruptions.
(...)
I often observe coworkers participating (from home) on multiple long conference calls while they are taking vacation days. They are also constantly on the in-house IM system and answering emails. All day long.
I agree. ^ I am definitely not available when on vacation, wherever I am. I could be across the street or even in the building, for all I care - I will NOT answer the phone, emails or anything. Period. I've read an article which had an interesting theory about people and work. It basically said that lots of people LIKE to be burried in work because it makes them feel important. (Whether they'll actually admit to that is a different story.) Something along the lines of... being busy and needed often gives people a feeling a gratification; being important feel nice. I've lived in Franced for a while an it was an eye opener. People there really value their off time (and we're talking 5-6 weeks of vacation/year) and as appalled as I was at first, I've come to appreciate that. My time off is MINE and mine alone.
