Yeah, I've got the Go-Go's running in my head because I'm going on vacation tomorrow (holiday for you UK types).

I've been slogging through a really dense book, War in Human Civilization. Total recommendation. Get it. Read it. However, I'm right near the end and there's been a lot of discussion about the impact of prosperity on warfare. Which means a lot of discussion about prosperity itself. Most importantly, the factors that make prosperity possible. It's multifactored, way beyond my ability, or the amount of space, to discuss it here. However, what it brings up in my mind is the fact that I get to go on vacation.

The vast majority of us working in IT get to take paid time off. Sure, maybe you can't take all your time off this year because of work deadlines or whatever. Maybe you don't like taking time off for whatever reason and you sell it back to the organization (assuming you can do that). And yes, some of us will still be on call, even while on holiday. I get all that. Still, we are privileged to live in a time and place where that opportunity exists. What's more, we work in an industry where it's possible to take that time.

My advice is simple. Take it.

I know, seems silly. Of course we want to take that time. Yet, a lot of people don't. I suggest you do it for two reasons. First, it just gives your brain a chance to reset. You don't have to got so some vacation spot. Visit a local museum. Take in a show. Go for a long walk in the woods. Break up your routine and orient your mind on something besides tech. Second, you get the chance to be with those you love. Take some time to go see that Aunt you haven't seen in a few years (my own personal objective). Play games with the kids like you've been meaning to do. Focus on others as well as yourself.

We do live in an age of prosperity and it has given us opportunities that our ancestors didn't even bother to dream about because they were utterly unimaginable, even less than a hundred years ago. Don't squander it. Appreciate it. Take advantage of it. Why not?

Now, I'm off to the beach.