American companies give their employees an average of 10 days of paid time off per year.
Compared with European companies, who give roughly 20 days, this doesn’t quite seem like enough. Although things are changing with regard to work-life balance, the prospect of more PTO, let alone unlimited PTO, seems unlikely.
For this reason, it’s so important to use PTO when you have it. Some businesses will roll employees’ vacation days into the next year, but most don’t. Keep reading and we’ll tell you why you should be using your PTO and how to do it the right way.
For Your Health
As we mentioned, work-life balance is becoming more and more important for workers in the US. This is the result of greater concern for and understanding of the mental health issues that affect the population. When people are overworked, they become stressed out and it affects their mental health.
Even if you’ve only got 10 days off per year, using them strategically to get away from work and relax is hugely beneficial. It’s only going to help to boost your morale and make you a better employee in the long run.
You Earn It
When you don’t use your PTO, there’s a good chance you’re going to lose it and it’ll go to waste. If for no other reason, you should take a vacation simply because you’ve worked hard to earn these days off.
You can’t be afraid to take time off, as this attitude creates an unhealthy relationship with your job. Trust that the work will continue without you and that it’ll be waiting for you when you get back.
Memories with Friends and Family
Taking time off from work gives you the chance to create memories with your friends and family. Whether you use all of your PTO to take a long vacation or you split it up into a few smaller breaks is your choice, but try to spend it with people you love.
Ways to Use PTO
There are plenty of great ways to use your time off. If you love exploring, one of the best things you can do is rent an RV and start exploring the country. There are plenty of RV campgrounds that allow you to stay for cheap and see some of the amazing scenery our country has to offer.
Here are 9 of the best RV destinations to visit while you’re on your paid time off. After a few years, you may even decide to purchase your own RV and make great use of your PTO every time.
Don’t Take Paid Time Off for Granted
Paid time off should be used in full whenever you have it. Don’t let it pass you by because you think you’ll fall behind at work or that you don’t need it. Everyone can use a break from time to time, so use your PTO to take a vacation and spend time with loved ones.
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