That vacation that saved my career

The year was 1992. I had been a manager for about a year. I love my job and the company I was with. I’d put in many long hours at the office so at the end of this year I was exhausted. I started to resent my job; I felt it was the wrong job for me and made the decision to quit.

I called my direct supervisor and announced my intent to relinquish the position. My manager, being the great leader he was, listened to me carefully and in an unexpected turn of events said, “Murtaza, I want you to go on a one-week, all-expenses-paid vacation. But before you do, I want you to promise me that you’ll postpone your decision until after you’ve returned from vacation”.

I took his advice and went on vacation. It was so good that I extended it to two weeks, my company obliged my request. It was blissful to say the least!

My two-week vacation was up and Monday came; the day I had to report back to work. I walked in to the building happily, went straight to my office and got to work diligently. And the next day came, Tuesday, and I fully intended to go about the same routine. That morning however my manager called me to his office as I had not checked in with him upon my return the previous day. There were two conditions to the vacation I took and In my eagerness to return to work, I forgot to check in with him when I reported back.

My manager, kind as ever, enquired on my wellbeing and how the vacation went. We chitchatted about that a little before it got the point where we had to address the elephant in the room; my resignation. With a very understanding look and a firm voice he asked, “Has your decision changed following your vacation?” ”Yes”, I replied, “Yes it has. I’d like to continue with my job. I’m okay with it.”

Before we parted, my manager gave me a great piece of advice; to plan my leave first and then my work around it. He added, “Every 3 months, take a few days off. Get out of your normal routine, have fun and let loose. When you return, you’ll be filled with new energy”. That was 27 years ago. To this day, I practise this and teach it to everyone else as well. Try it for yourself or if you already are, you’ll agree how much of a game changer it is.

“Every 3 months, take a few days off. Get out of your normal routine, have fun and let loose. When you return, you’ll be filled with new energy”.

But it was more than the simple act of going on vacation that changed my mind. My manager, through this simple and engaging act, made me feel like I was a part of the company rather than just being in it. It showed me that my wellbeing was valued and how vital it was to the life force of the company. When I am at my best, I can give my best and because I love giving my best, I should always take care of me the best I can.

I stay at this company for 17 years because my manager empowered me and understood the importance of building successful leaders who emulate company values. If you were my manager, presented with the same odds, what would your reaction be?

As an employee, are you cautious about being burnt out?

Do you think that a vacation can positively impact the performance of a team?

Sound off in the comments below. Asante sana!