Would You Give Back Part of Your Salary?

How many times have I sat on the balcony of a hotel room on vacation working late into the night?

Too many to count, and far more than I’d care to admit.

Last month, my husband and I celebrated our 20th anniversary in Italy. It was the trip of a lifetime, and I’m grateful we could mark this meaningful milestone in such an incredible place.

For the first time in as long as I can remember, I left my laptop at home. I didn’t even bring it on the plane to write this newsletter — something that would have been convenient, but would have quietly signaled the end of the vacation before it was actually over.

Instead, I read a book. I binged a series. I slept.

And it was lovely.

I’ve said it before, and it’s worth repeating: rest is a performance strategy, not a luxury.

If you know me personally, you also know this is advice I have to actively practice myself (ironic, right?). But it’s true. I came back from Italy genuinely refreshed and more intentional about how I spend my time — instead of squeezing in work during evenings or train rides to “get ahead” on emails that, in reality, could wait behind a clear out-of-office message.

And I’m not alone in the struggle. A 2025 survey from Dayforce found that the line between work and personal time is getting blurrier:

• The number of employees who fully disconnect on vacation dropped from 47% to 37% over three years
• 16% say they’ve missed time with family or friends because they had to work
• 20% say they don’t take vacations at all because they’re too busy

Yikes.

Let me ask you this: when was the last time you told your employer to keep part of your salary? Never, right?

So why give up another important part of your total compensation — your time off?

I get it. Some roles are harder to step away from than others. You might be a team of one. There may not be a clear backup. And yes, some work is (or feels) urgent.

But with summer on the horizon, here are three strategies to make unplugging a little more doable:

1. Normalize actually taking a break.
   Start talking about how you plan to unplug before your trip. Set the tone early — and model it for your team so they feel permission to do the same.
2. Set clear boundaries.
   If something falls during your time away, try: “I won’t be available while on vacation, but I’ll share an update in advance and review notes when I return.” Even better? Delegate attendance so your work is represented while you practice disconnecting.
3. Have a hard conversation.
   Let your manager know you need a real break to show up at your best. A strong leader will help you make that possible — and might even challenge whether it’s the job itself, or your relationship to it, that’s keeping you tethered in the first place.

Because here’s the real question:

What’s actually stopping you from setting an out-of-office message and meaning it? 

If this question made you twitch a little, let’s chat. Until then, ciao! 

Brain Food

One of the biggest shifts that leaders can make is to listen actively. Not just to respond — but to understand what’s really being asked, and be mindful of body language and what’s not being said. Other than not interrupting and talking over people, how can you actually become a better listener? On the Coaching for Leaders podcast, Bill Mayo shares a few simple shifts that can transform how others experience you in conversation, at home and at work.

Real Talk 

ICYMI: Hogan just released new research that caught my attention: there is no overlap between the top traits leaders demonstrate and the traits employees actually want. ZERO. This explains a lot about what leaders and teams are experiencing globally right now. It's also a huge leadership wake-up call. Here’s my take — be sure to leave your thoughts, too!

In the Spotlight

Interview Prep

Is your teen prepping for summer interviews or college visits? I’m offering a limited number coaching sessions for students to boost confidence, build professional presence, and practice answers. Each hourlong session includes real-time feedback, recorded segments, and a custom checklist. 

I’ll be holding a handful of weekend sessions in May and June. Message me for availability. 

OOO: A Work in Progress

Here’s the part I’m still working on: trusting that stepping away doesn’t set me back — it actually moves me forward. If you’re someone who feels the pull to stay “just a little connected,” you’re not alone. But you might be more ready to unplug than you think. No matter what your next vacation holds, I’m always in your corner.