Lifestyle, Self Care

Why You Should Use Your PTO — Every Last Day

From a Former Silicon Valley Workaholic Turned Full-Time Traveler

Before launching my own travel company, I spent years working in the corporate world—specifically in Silicon Valley. Like many of my peers, I averaged 50–60 hours a week, sometimes ramping up to 80+ during high-pressure projects like mergers and acquisitions. I was all about the grind: early in, late out, constant deadlines, conference calls on weekends, and always chasing that next promotion or recognition.

Vacation? I barely took it. And when I did, I wasn’t really “off.”

According to Project: Time Off, I was one of the 50% of Americans who failed to take all of my earned paid vacation days each year. Even when I technically stepped away from the office, I was tethered to my inbox, sneaking into hotel rooms for conference calls, and feeling guilty for being “unavailable.”

Sound familiar?

The Reality of American Work Culture

Unlike many parts of the world, the United States does not legally mandate paid vacation time for non-governmental employees. Most full-time American workers receive at least 10 days of PTO plus six federal holidays. That sounds reasonable—until you compare it with Europe.

The European Union mandates a minimum of 20 paid vacation days, and many countries go far beyond that. France requires 30 paid days, and the UK offers 28. Not only do workers take their vacation—they’re encouraged to do so without fear of judgment or job insecurity.

In the U.S., it’s a different story. We work under the employment-at-will doctrine, which means our employers can let us go at any time, for almost any reason. That underlying fear—that we might lose our jobs if we unplug—has created a culture where people feel guilty for resting, for recharging, for being human.

I’ve been there. And now that I’m on the other side, I can confidently say: taking time off isn’t selfish or lazy—it’s essential.

Why You Should Use Every Day of PTO

1. It’s Good for Your Body and Mind

Taking vacation reduces stress, anxiety, and burnout—full stop. Whether you book a week at the beach or sign up for an adventurous cultural tour, time away from the grind helps restore your energy and overall well-being.

According to a University of Pittsburgh Mind-Body Center study, leisure activities like vacations contribute to more positive emotions, fewer negative feelings, and lower rates of depression. Stepping away from work—even briefly—can dramatically shift your mental state, improve sleep, and lower blood pressure.

I’ve seen it firsthand. After every trip, I come back feeling more energized, more focused, and more grounded.

2. It Strengthens Your Relationships

During my corporate years, work took priority over everything—including my relationships. I missed birthdays, anniversaries, and weekend plans. My loved ones felt it, and eventually, I did too.

But time away from the daily grind, especially when spent with your partner, family, or close friends, can restore those bonds. A study published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal found that women who take vacations at least twice a year are less likely to feel tense, depressed, or fatigued—and reported higher levels of marital satisfaction.

Vacations offer shared experiences, quality time, and a chance to reconnect without distractions. It’s not just good for you—it’s good for the people who matter most.

3. It Expands Your Perspective

Stepping into a new environment—whether it’s a different city or a different country—reshapes how you see the world. When you experience other cultures, cuisines, and ways of life, it broadens your mindset and builds empathy.

In short: travel makes you more interesting. It fuels creativity, improves cognitive flexibility, and sharpens problem-solving. And when you return to work, you often bring back a fresh perspective and renewed sense of purpose.

Whether you’re discovering street art in Lisbon or hiking volcanoes in Guatemala, real-world experiences offer insight no meeting or webinar ever could.

4. It Makes You a Better Employee

This might be the most surprising truth of all: taking vacation doesn’t make you less committed—it makes you more productive.

According to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) in partnership with Project: Time Off, employees who use their vacation time are:

  • More likely to be promoted

  • More engaged and loyal

  • Less likely to burn out or leave prematurely

  • More productive upon returning to work

In other words: resting makes you better at your job. When you operate from a place of balance instead of depletion, everyone wins.

5. You’re Not Paid to Work for Free

Here’s the bottom line: when you don’t take your vacation, you’re working for free. According to Project: Time Off, Americans collectively forfeit hundreds of millions of vacation days every year—equaling $61.4 billion in lost benefits.

You’re not just missing out on travel—you’re giving away your time and energy without compensation. And no job, no matter how prestigious, should require that sacrifice.

A Final Word from a Reformed Workaholic

If you’re still hesitant to take time off, I get it. I’ve lived it. I spent years grinding, saying yes to everything, and waiting for the perfect moment to take that vacation. But here’s the truth:

There is no perfect moment. You have to make the time, and you have to take it.

Now, as the founder of Nomoon Travel, I help others design meaningful getaways — whether they’re escaping to the beaches of Tulum or exploring the alleyways of Marrakesh. I’ve built a life around travel because I know the transformative power it holds.

So do yourself a favor. Book the trip. Use the PTO. Take the vacation.

You’ve earned it—and you need it more than you think.

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