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Where Did Americans Leave the Most PTO on the Table? (And Why You Should Stop Doing That) 

Let’s talk about vacation days. You know, those things you earn, plan for, and then… never actually use? Yeah, those. According to a recent study by Solitaire, Americans left a staggering amount of paid time off (PTO) unused in 2022. And no, this isn’t just an “oh, I forgot to take a day off” situation. We’re talking about billions of dollars worth of unused vacation time. Billions. 

So, where are people leaving the most PTO on the table? More importantly, why are we doing this to ourselves? Let’s dive in. If there’s one thing I know, leadership starts with taking care of yourself, including taking a vacation. 

The PTO Paradox: We Love It, But We Don’t Use It 

First, let’s break down the numbers. Solitaired’s study found that Americans left 768 million days of PTO unused in 2022. That’s enough time to send everyone in the U.S. on a three-day weekend. And if you’re thinking, “Well, maybe people just don’t have that much PTO,” think again. The average American worker earns about 11 days of PTO per year but only uses 8 

Here’s where it gets interesting: Some states are much worse than others regarding hoarding PTO. Who are the top offenders? 

1. Washington, D.C.: Workers here left an average of 5.6 days unused. 

2. Colorado: Close behind with 5.5 days unused. 

3. Washington State: Not far off with 5.4 days unused. 

Conversely, states like Mississippi and Hawaii were better at using their PTO, with workers leaving only about 3.5 days unused. But even that’s still too much. 

Why Are We Doing This to Ourselves? 

We all know vacations are good for us. They reduce stress, boost creativity, and improve our jobs. So why are we so bad at taking them? 

1. The “Too Busy” Trap: This is the most common excuse. “I’m too busy at work.” “I can’t leave my team hanging.” Sound familiar? But here’s the truth: if you’re too busy to take a break, you’re too busy to be effective. Burnout is accurate, and it’s costing companies billions in lost productivity. 

2. The Guilt Factor: Some people feel guilty taking time off, especially if their coworkers aren’t. But guess what? Your PTO is part of your compensation. You’ve earned it. Would you feel guilty cashing your paycheck? Exactly. 

3. The Fear of Falling Behind: This one’s a doozy. Many workers worry that if they take time off, they’ll come back to a mountain of work. And sure, that might happen. But here’s the thing: if your workplace can’t function without you for a week, that’s a leadership problem—not a you problem. 

What’s the Cost of Unused PTO? 

Let’s talk dollars and cents. Unused PTO isn’t just bad for your mental health; it’s terrible for your wallet. When you leave PTO on the table, you essentially give your employer an interest-free loan. Depending on your state’s laws, you might not even get paid for those unused days when you leave your job. 

However, the actual cost is more complicated to quantify. It’s the missed memories with your family. The adventures you didn’t take. The chance to recharge and come back to work with a fresh perspective. That’s the stuff you can’t get back. 

How to Break the Cycle 

Okay, so we’ve established that hoarding PTO is a bad idea. But how do we start using it? Here are a few tips: 

1. Plan Ahead: Don’t wait until December to realize you still have 10 days left. Block off your vacation time at the beginning of the year and treat it like any other necessary appointment. 

2. Start Small: If taking a week off feels overwhelming, start with a long weekend. Even a short break can make a big difference. 

3. Set Boundaries: When you’re on vacation, be on vacation. Turn off your work email, silence notifications, and resist the urge to check-in. Trust me, the world won’t end. 

4. Lead by Example: If you’re in a leadership position, take your PTO—and encourage your team to do the same. Show them that it’s not only okay to take time off, it’s necessary. 

Conclusion

Unused PTO isn’t a badge of honor. It’s a sign that we’re not prioritizing our well-being. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of leadership coaching, you can’t pour from an empty cup. 

So, here’s your challenge: Look at your PTO balance right now. How many days do you have left? Pick one—just one—and schedule it. Go to the beach. Read a book. Take a nap. Whatever you do, make it count. 

Because at the end of the day, life isn’t about how many days you work. It’s about how many days you truly live. And those vacation days? They’re your chance to make every day count. 

Now, go book that trip. You’ve earned it. 

Inspired by the data from Solitaired’s study on unused PTO. For more insights, check out the full article.

Discover insights and strategies for success with Breakfast Leadership — your go-to source for leadership articles, shows, and more. Subscribe today to stay informed and inspired! 



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How To Ensure Your Vacation Rental Business Succeeds

Image via DALL-E

There are many benefits associated with running a vacation rental business. After all, with the average American taking 2.5 trips per year, there’s always a demand for this kind of service, which means it can be a particularly lucrative venture! Furthermore, it can also allow you to pursue a career you are genuinely interested in! 

However, specific challenges are associated with running this kind of business - or any business, for that matter. Fortunately, there are many steps that you can take to ensure that you succeed in this regard. Read on to find out more!

Target a specific niche. Suppose you’re running a vacation rental business in a particularly popular area. In that case, securing bookings can sometimes be challenging due to the large volume of properties listed in the area. However, you could remedy this by focusing on a specific niche instead. For example, you could cater to the needs of large families by allowing children to stay for free or for a discounted price. Alternatively, you could set up a home office and cater to those on business trips instead.

Partner with a management company. Partnering with a vacation rental management company is another excellent way to ensure your business succeeds, especially if you’re finding it difficult to manage multiple listings simultaneously. By assigning them tasks such as listing management and housekeeping, you can focus on other crucial tasks and grow your business.

Pay attention to the feedback that you receive. When working within the vacation sector, your primary goal should always be creating a positive customer experience. This increases their chances of reusing your company, even if they do not return to the same rental. Not only that, but it also means that they are much more likely to leave a positive review, which can help you earn more customers moving forward. This is because renters are more likely to trust companies well-reviewed companies that their vacation is in safe hands.

Surprisingly, you can increase the positive reviews you receive from customers by paying close attention to negative feedback. After all, this provides insight into what you may be doing that detracts from the customer experience, such as not responding quickly to inquiries during the trip or bringing attention to the things missing from your property, such as amenities like hairdryers and irons. The more receptive you are to this feedback, the better, as it means that you can make changes accordingly that will improve the experience for future guests.

If your guests do not tend to leave reviews, try asking them directly at check-out or giving them an incentive. For example, you may want to offer them a discount on a future rental. This is a worthwhile expense when you consider how beneficial this feedback can be.

Discover insights and strategies for success with Breakfast Leadership — your go-to source for leadership articles, shows, and more. Subscribe today to stay informed and inspired! 

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Where to Stay In San Diego

San Diego, the second largest city in California, is a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. With its picturesque beaches, vibrant nightlife, world-class restaurants, and diverse cultural and entertainment options, it's no wonder San Diego is a must-see destination for anyone traveling to Southern California. If you're planning a trip to San Diego, one of the most important decisions you'll have to make is where to stay. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the best neighborhoods and lodging options to help you make the most of your vacation in San Diego.

Downtown San Diego

Downtown San Diego is a bustling neighborhood that offers easy access to some of the city's most popular attractions, including the Gaslamp Quarter, the San Diego Convention Center, and the USS Midway Museum. There are plenty of hotels in the area, from budget options like Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego / Downtown / Convention Center to luxury hotels like Pendry San Diego and Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. If you're looking for a lively atmosphere and easy access to the best nightlife in San Diego, Downtown is a perfect choice.

La Jolla

If you are looking for a more relaxed and luxurious atmosphere, La Jolla is a great choice. Located just a few miles north of downtown, this neighborhood is home to some of San Diego's most picturesque beaches, including La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores. There are plenty of luxury hotels in the area, including Hotel La Valencia, Grande Colonial La Jolla, and Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa. La Jolla is also home to a number of high-end restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques.

Shelter Island

Shelter Island is a beautiful peninsula in San Diego. This stunning island offers breathtaking views of San Diego Bay and the downtown skyline. Visitors can stroll along the island's scenic boardwalk with beautiful public art installations and sculptures, or take a leisurely bike ride to explore the area. The island also boasts several parks, including Shoreline Park, which offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and beautiful hiking trails. Shelter Island is home to several hotels and resorts including Kona Kai, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The island also offers a variety of restaurants and shops, providing visitors with plenty of dining and entertainment options. Overall, Shelter Island is a beautiful and relaxing destination that offers visitors a taste of San Diego's natural beauty and coastal charm.

Mission Bay

Mission Bay is another great neighborhood for those who love the water. The area is home to a variety of water sports, including sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, and is also home to several popular attractions, including SeaWorld San Diego and Belmont Park. There are a variety of hotels in the area, from budget options like the Holiday Inn Express San Diego SeaWorld - Beach Area to more luxurious options like the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina.

Coronado

Coronado is a charming island neighborhood just a short drive or ferry ride from downtown San Diego. The area is home to the famous Hotel del Coronado, which has been a popular destination for celebrities and dignitaries since it first opened in 1888. In addition to the Hotel del Coronado, there are a number of other hotels in the area, including the Loews Coronado Bay Resort and the Glorietta Bay Inn. Coronado is also home to some of San Diego's most beautiful beaches and is a great place to relax and enjoy the California sun.

In conclusion, San Diego has something to offer every traveler. Whether you're looking for a lively atmosphere or a quieter holiday, there are plenty of neighborhoods and accommodation options to choose from. When planning your San Diego vacation, be sure to consider these four neighborhoods to help you find the perfect place to stay.

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