Should we take a few long holidays, or lots of short ones?
timharford.com
timharford.com
I've had 2 week vacations that consisted of some small important event like a family get together, but otherwise were largely spent on the computer. These usually fly by and suddenly I'm right back at work feeling exactly as I left.
Most long weekends of the year wind up more or less the same. With the extra day off barely even being noticed.
One time though, I saw and bought a cheap day of ticket to Puerto Rico over labor day. Left the laptop behind, found the first cheap place to stay once I landed, met some cool people while hiking and spent the whole weekend with them. It was by far the best vacation I've ever had, and the relaxation stuck with me for months.
I suppose I agree with the article, that length largely doesn't change your perception of the experience. So if taking shorter vacations means more experiences then it may be better. I think the important thing to note though is, at least for me to get anything out of it, it has to be an experience outside the norm and off the computer.
When I take weeks or months off, it's between jobs, though obviously that's not an option for everyone. Those are the times when I have interesting ideas for side projects, books, etc.
I'm part of a small team, and my bus factor is one for some tasks (purchasing hardware for example). I make sure that won't be necessary if I'm to be away for three weeks. For most tasks the factor is >1.
This wasn't the case when I took the job, but by improving documentation, automation (DevOps) and sharing work, there are far fewer tasks that only "Fred" knows how to do.
I take some short and some longer breaks, over the year perhaps one holiday of three weeks, one of two weeks, and three of 2-3 days.
For others who have never heard it expressed as a factor.
Amongst other responsibilities I am also a hardware purchasing manager, but as a robotics firm we purchase many things daily.