Americans need just as much vacation time as Europeans. If we all had six weeks vacation (I'm talking entry-level jobs and hourly jobs, not just the Mit Romneys of America) then we could do so many things.
1. {Focus on our health}
This country is in a bad state of health. If we had some time off, or if we changed the idea that's it's "bad" to call in sick two days in a row, we could rest, exercise, reduce stress. You know, all those things those people called "scientists" say are good for our health. Healthier people equals more output in the long run.
2. {Travel}
Many people may think America is the best country in the world, but there are other countries and cultures out there that are awesome in their own way. Americans need more time off so that they can travel more and get to know other cultures. Read more about how travel is good for your health here.
3. {Find hobbies}
It's a common problem that when people retire from work, they get depressed because they don't know what to do with themselves. Kudos to those who know they love quilting, crocheting, traveling, reading or anything else. But some people just haven't had the time to find their hobby because they were busy with work and family. Which brings me to my last point...
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| Animal Planet suggests taking your most important family member on vacation with you! |
I feel silly even wording it like that, because it's such a cliche now. But whoever your family may be - spouse, kids, parents, siblings, crazy cousins - you want to spend more time with them. And that's OK. You should. They want to spend more time with you.
Time is one important aspect of life that we can never get back. We shouldn't feel ashamed by those we work with because we want to spend our time outside of work. Work is only part of our life, not the whole thing.
I actually overheard (Ok, I eavesdropped. I love eavesdropping.) a young woman gloat over the fact that she was in a roll-over car accident one day and then returned to work the next day. She was making her coworker feel bad for calling in one day for taking care of his sick child.
That is a whole lot of wrong.
There are a lot of great aspects of the American culture. One of which is (or maybe was) our independent thinking. When everyone is moving one way, we stop and ask, "What if we went this way?".
I hope others will agree with me that we need to move away from over-exhaustion and move towards finding a way to balance many important aspects in our lives.
Now, who wants to draft up the petition!?
3 comments:
I completely agree! The US is a way too work-centered culture in many ways. I think we need maternity leave like the Europeans too. I know a lot of women that had to go back after 6-8 weeks, which is just nuts.
Now, who's going to pay the taxes so we can get these nice benefits? lol.
Maternity! I'm glad you brought that up. I totally agree with you. Going back to work when you have a little 6-week old sounds scary and not good. Thanks for commenting! xo
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