The Sales Professional’s “Vacation”

Anyone who thinks salespeople can just switch off and disappear for a week clearly doesn’t understand how this business works. We’re not just employees—we’re the conductors of an orchestra that never stops playing. The music of commerce keeps going whether we’re there or not, and sometimes we need to step back in to keep everything in harmony.

I’ve stopped pretending I can take “real” vacations. Instead, I’ve learned to take working breaks—times when I can slow down the pace without completely stepping away. And honestly? That’s okay. I’ve made peace with it.

The truth is, I do check my emails every day when I’m supposed to be relaxing. Not because I’m addicted to work, but because real situations come up that genuinely can’t wait. When that happens, it doesn’t just affect my downtime—it ripples through my family’s vacation too. That’s the part that used to frustrate me most.

What Actually Works for Me

I’ve found a rhythm that feels sustainable rather than stressful:

My Daily Check-In Every day, I spend exactly 30 minutes staying connected. My family knows about this time, and when I explain why it matters, they get it. It’s not about being unable to disconnect—it’s about being responsible to the people who count on me. During this window, I scan what’s happening and handle only what truly needs my attention right now.

Setting Expectations The game-changer has been clear communication. When my clients understand my approach and respect it by only reaching out for genuine emergencies, it creates a professional relationship built on mutual respect. My family appreciates the transparency too—no more mysterious phone calls or secretive email checking.

Handling the Boundary-Pushers There will always be clients who don’t respect limits. They’ll send you everything that crosses their mind, regardless of timing. Learning to handle these situations with calm assertiveness has become part of my professional skill set. It’s not personal—it’s just part of the territory.