IF YOU OWN YOUR OWN BUSINESS WHEN IS A VACATION A VACATION?

I’m not sure, actually. I haven’t been on a real one for so long. Even when I was the VP of another firm I just couldn’t break away. I think it’s my fault for a number of reasons—the most important one being that I am addicted to my work on some deep level (and that’s probably not good). Also, there is a lingering sense of guilt when I go away, that somehow I am leaving people in the lurch (I’m not, my top management has things in hand and my absence only gives them an opportunity to stretch).

So, how can I get rid of this sinking feeling when I haven’t checked my blackberry for an hour, or see that I have a missed call from the office? Is this just an inflated sense of self worth? Not sure. But I do know this is something I’m going to need to work out, especially as we grow. Just like anyone else who is expanding a career, we business owners need to recognize when our role is shifting. It’s a bit of a struggle since we’re so used to being “in the mix,” but re-engineering our focus is critical for any kind of growth. So, vacations. Hmmm… Maybe I’ll actually have one, one day.