If You Have Paid Time Off, Use It.

Good lord did I need it.

If you follow this page and/or my social media platforms you know that I can be a pretty busy guy.  Full time job, part time student, part time photographer, and part time Uber/Postmates carrier.  And I have social life.  Someone beer me.

This week I decided to take a little mid week getaway.  The stars seemed to align right.  I had the time, the shore was still in the off season making hotel prices dirt cheap, and my friends and family were available to see down there.

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So I said “fuck yeah let’s do it.”  I grabbed the pup, met up with my girlfriend, stocked a cooler full of cold ones, charged the bluetooth speaker, and we headed east.  Long Beach Island has been my happy place ever since I was a kid.  I am fortunate enough to have an amazing Aunt and Uncle who introduced me to the island over two decades ago and have welcomed me back ever since.

In that time I’ve made amazing friends down there and experience my favorite spots to visit and drain. (Drinking reference)

But what this is really about is, not being afraid to just take a random mid-week trip.  I knew my work would be waiting for me when I got back and I know it sounds crazy to come back on a Friday after just taking two days off but I’m happy to be here and I’m energized in a way I didn’t know I needed.  Plus the weekend is just 6 hours away.

We’re all hard workers in one way or another but I don’t think we treat ourselves enough.  Life is short and at some points we stop earning paid time off or can’t take it with us.  So when those stars align you have to run with it!  And don’t worry about planning so much.  Sometimes the best experiences happen when you just roll with the punches when you’re in your happy place.

Published by Jared

Founder of Days Away Creative LLC, The Growing Photographer, and more!

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