Use or Lose

Whenever we have coaching calls at the end of the year, we hear constantly that people struggle to schedule their time off. And not just because of work. Their battle is that they haven’t taken much (or any) time off during the year and there isn’t enough year remaining to take it all. They either take time off at inopportune times or lose it. They failed to build their work around their life.

This is a common practice, especially for those who have a couple of decades in the profession. There was a day when it was expected that you sacrifice your time off for the firm or for clients. Fortunately, we are no longer bound by such an archaic practice.

Purpose Of PTO

Remember: your firm gives you Paid Time Off in order to reboot and recharge. The work you do and the service you provide is extremely taxing on your health and wellbeing. Taking time off throughout the year prevents the inevitable risk of suffering from physical and mental health problems. As you well know, it’s miserable trying to work while suffering from a cold or flu; or worse, when feeling burned out. If you don’t take care of yourself, who will?

Schedule Your PTO

There’s a better way. Here are some practices that others have shared with us that may work for you. Some of these ideas won’t be possible for you; others are possible if you are determined enough to make them work.

1. Build your work around your life. You already know when your busy seasons occur and what you have to do before and after them. Get out your calendar and schedule away!
2. Align workload, expectations and deliverables. Schedule your deliverables to account for your life-schedule. Negotiate with clients, colleagues and other professionals so that you honor yourself and your family. Getting their information early isn’t too much to ask of them.
3. Hardwire some of the time off. Schedule vacations and other dedicated time away. One partner reminded me of the time he addended an international conference out of country, and took additional days with his wife—all at the beginning of his VERY busy season. Hooray for him.
4. Keep some days free to allow for some flexibility. Once a month I try to protect a day that is unscheduled with meetings, travel or calls. When requests come in, it try to fit them on other days. Most of the time, I get an open day.

It isn’t too late to make 2023 the year you didn’t have to cram or lose your PTO. Act now by taking out your calendar to X out dates that you just aren’t available. Let others know of your intentions and what you need from them AHEAD of time. And remember: YOU are the only one who can build your work around your life.