Vacation time! …and you’ve just packed your work laptop.

Sure, we may check personal email, Facebook and Twitter accounts when we’re on vacation lest we suffer from hideous withdrawal symptoms, but what about work email? Do you find yourself sneaking in “just an hour” of office catch-up when you should be cashing in on some much-needed relaxation time? 

If so, you’re not alone. Our Twitter #careerchat discussed these questions and more.

Takeaways from the chat:

• Define your vacation priorities first: Do you want to spend more time with family, or have quiet time to work on a project?
• If you take time off to relax, you will be more efficient and refreshed when you return.
• If you’re constantly checking in at the office, what does that say about your team? Trust your colleagues to support you.
• Leave emergency contact information in case something comes up—and define what an “emergency” really is!
• As an entrepreneur, it’s hard to “switch off” when you’re always thinking about your business. But you still need a break to stay fresh and creative.

Resources:

• @TECMidwest: Our CEOs need to make sure they unplug for a successful business. Priscilla Kemp says it well.
• @DrWoody: “Attention is the holy grail”. When we are connected are we paying attention?
• @Jelfster: Right Management survey: Two thirds of Americans didn’t use all their alloted vacation time in 2009.
• @Careerbright: Fewer travelers unplug while on vacation:  77 percent of Americans stay connected for social reasons.
• 7 Ways Not to Work On Your Vacation

Special thanks to: @MaggieMistal, @PaigeHolden, @Kblennon, @Austin_Curtis, @SaleStart, @CaSuPe15, @buona_vita, @DrWoody, @Careerbright and @KyleMcShane.

rethinkhr.org

Job seeker? Just want to get ahead in your career?

Join our Twitter #careerchat Tuesdays @ 12 PM CT to talk about everything from friending your boss on Facebook to personal branding to how to get a call back from recruiter.

How to join: Go to Tweetchat.com and follow the hashtag “careerchat” at noon CT every Tuesday!

Adapted from my post on MyPath.