Dear Haikusue:
I spent the better part of my 20's and 30's working at a well paid but soul sucking job that I had no passion for, but allowed me to do what I loved most travel! I've been to 5 continents and 35 countries and have tons of happy memories to show for it, but each trip came after 6-months slaving at a job I didn't, and like living for the minute I could go on vacation again. But last year I decided it was time to find my passion career wise and commit to getting out of the dead-end job life, and start loving all of my life not just the vacations. Believe it or not, in this bad economy I actually found a job I love, and have been happily submerged in work ever since. The problem, well although my day to day is fantastic, I have a lot less free time for travel. None in fact, and now I feel like you can't have a great career and see the world at the same time. It feels like if I ask for even a normal vacation I will be risking my dream job! Is there a way to balance working/vacation into one life, or do I have to chose between the two?
Signed,
No-vacay in Novato
Dear Novacay:
Need to plan ahead
Choose just one big trip per year
Put in for time off