Planning My Escape

While it may not be as good as taking a vacation, planning a vacation is a bit of a mental break from the daily grind. The very act of making plans and anticipating the fun and relaxation to come can create a sense of relief. My job as a professional truck driver has its rewards. But this job is also physically and mentally demanding. Knowing that I have some time off later in the year gives me something fun to look forward to experiencing. Particularly when I feel like a gear in a massive machine that is slowly and steadily getting worn down by the days (or nights) of work.

I am a big believer in the importance of downtime and taking time for yourself to recharge your batteries. There are people out there that are driven by the pursuit of money, prestige, and advancement in one's chosen career that either view taking time away from work for vacations to be an inconvenience or even an obstacle to achieving success. While I think that being driven and meeting your goals can be its own reward, I think that begrudging your time off from work or choosing to skip vacations is shortsighted. To each his own, I guess. You have to be true to yourself. Personally, I benefit from "getting out of the office" and spending some time with the Greg that isn't solely defined by his job. That is true whether it is a 34-hour restart, a 48-hour "weekend", or a weeklong vacation. That is true whether I am enjoying a "staycation" or a trip somewhere that I have never visited before or to a favorite, familiar location. 😃🏖️