I previously worked for a professional sports team and it was one of the greatest jobs of my life. I do enjoy taking time off, and my boss would try to accommodate vacation requests during the season, but there were days where I just had to be there for the coaches. As the team became more entrenched in technology, my off-season became shorter and shorter and my window for a week's vacation shortened. Everyone else's window also became shortened and we competed for that time.

It became stressful trying to find time for a family vacation as I felt guilty for trying to extend my days off with my family. Much of that guilt arose from leaving my co-workers with a shortened window in which they could try and cram their vacations into. There was also the stress of work piling up, putting out the fires and more importantly being with the family while trying to do everything else.

Having left the organization, my work time is now as close to being regular as it ever will be. I get time off when needed or requested. I find that time off much more relaxing now that my days off aren't so hard to obtain and also knowing that if I need another one or two or three... I can get them without restriction.

My family and I recently took a short family vacation and it was all family time. I regret that I missed that earlier in life, but I know I won't miss out on that anymore!