Making the Most of Your Vacation: Career Development Without Sacrificing Rest

Vacations are meant for relaxation, adventure, and quality time with loved ones—but they can also be a golden opportunity to invest in your career development. The key? Finding a balance between using this downtime for reflection and growth while still recharging your batteries and enjoying time with your family.

Let’s dive into how you can make the most of your vacation to advance your career without feeling like you’re “working” during your break.

Step 1: Start with Reflection

Vacations offer a rare chance to step back from the hustle of everyday life and take a bird’s-eye view of your career. Use this time to reflect on where you are and where you want to go.

Reflection Questions to Ask Yourself:

• What do I enjoy most about my current role? What’s draining my energy?
• Am I aligned with my long-term career goals, or is it time for a change?
• What skills or experiences do I need to grow in my career?
• How do I feel about my work-life balance?

Sarah, a marketing manager, spent the first morning of her vacation journaling about her career. She realized she felt stagnant and needed a new challenge. This clarity motivated her to set goals for learning new skills and networking when she returned.

Step 2: Focus on Personal Growth

Your vacation isn’t just a break—it’s a chance to nourish your mind and soul. Instead of diving into emails or LinkedIn updates, focus on activities that align with your career goals in a relaxed and enjoyable way.

Ideas for Personal Growth on Vacation:

• Read a book on leadership, productivity, or a skill you want to develop.
• Listen to podcasts that inspire or educate you on industry trends.
• Explore a hobby that sharpens your creativity or problem-solving skills (painting, photography, or even baking can spark new ideas!).

Monica, a graphic designer, brought a sketchbook on her family beach trip. While her kids built sandcastles, she doodled ideas for her portfolio. This playful creativity not only relaxed her but gave her a fresh perspective for upcoming projects.

Step 3: Set a Mini Career Development Goal

Your vacation isn’t the time for massive career overhauls, but setting a small, manageable goal can keep you inspired.

Examples of Mini Goals:

• Update your LinkedIn profile with recent achievements.
• Research one online course to take when you’re back.
• Reach out to one industry contact for a coffee chat post-vacation.
• Reflect on your resume or portfolio and note areas to refresh later.

While sipping coffee on her balcony during a staycation, Emma spent 20 minutes updating her LinkedIn profile with recent accomplishments. She ended her break feeling productive without overdoing it.

Step 4: Plan for Networking in a Natural Way

Networking doesn’t have to be a formal affair. Use your vacation to connect with people casually.

How to Network During Vacation:

• Attend local meetups or community events if you’re travelling.
• Share insights from your trip on LinkedIn to spark conversations.
• Send a quick “thinking of you” message to a mentor or colleague.

Rachel, a chef exploring new cuisine on her vacation, struck up a conversation with a local chef. This connection later led to a collaboration for a special event at her restaurant.

Step 5: Schedule Time for Rest and Family

Career development is important, but so is rest. To truly recharge, make sure you’re carving out time to connect with loved ones and unplug.

Tips for Balancing Rest and Productivity:

• Set aside specific blocks of time for career reflection (e.g., one morning or evening).
• Plan activities that help you bond with family—movie nights, game days, or outdoor adventures.
• Disconnect from work emails completely; use your “Out of Office” notification to set boundaries.

Lisa spent her mornings journaling and brainstorming career goals, then turned off her phone to enjoy afternoons hiking with her kids. She returned to work feeling clear-headed and reconnected with her family.

Step 6: End with an Action Plan

Before your vacation ends, jot down a few takeaways or steps to follow through on once you’re back.

Post-Vacation Action Plan Ideas:

• Enroll in the online course you researched.
• Schedule a meeting with your manager to discuss growth opportunities.
• Block time on your calendar for regular reflection or skill-building.

Taylor wrapped up her holiday with a clear to-do list: sign up for a negotiation workshop and schedule a networking coffee date. This gave her a sense of direction and motivation as she returned to work.

Why Vacations Are Perfect for Career Growth

Vacations aren’t just a pause—they’re an opportunity to gain perspective, re-energize, and align your professional life with your personal values. By combining rest, reflection, and a sprinkle of career development, you’ll return feeling refreshed and ready to take on new challenges.

What’s one small step you’ll take during your next vacation to work on your career? Let me know—I’d love to cheer you on!

Here’s to meaningful breaks and bold next steps,
Jess
Career Coach | Acorn Avenue