by AnnMarie

Created on: August 02, 2008

Everyone I think would like to be guaranteed more vacation time, but we all know that this is just a pipe dream. We see it everyday how companies are all tightening their belts and we workers are the ones to suffer. I have worked all my life and have never been able to accumulate more than 3 weeks vacation, and then I was handed my pink slip.

I believe that this nation is on its way to burning out their best workers and performers. Vacation seems to be a dirty word these days. And, its funny because I am a travel agent! How envious I am when I book a two week vacation for a visiting international client. I haven't had two weeks off at one time, except when I was in grade school or unemployed!

Ah...travel it was one of the reasons I entered the industry. It was glamourous and exciting and I have been places, but never for more than a few days at a time. Not enough time to really relax and unwind. My company won't allow me to take more than one week off at a time and no time off in the winter, our busy season. I hear similar stories from every American who books vacations with me.

In the past I have used vacation days to fix my car, go to court, the doctor, stay home with a sick child, etc. I'm sure that everyone else has done the same. All I can think of these days is that I am tired of working and would like to retire (fat chance). I enjoy my job, but there are many other things I would like to do with my life. The work day seems to get longer and longer with less benefits and pay and many people are even afraid to take their alloted vacation time if things are shakey at work.

I believe that many people like myself will suffer more illnesses due to the stressful demands of work and no time off: such as depression, anxiety, sleep issues, weight problems, heart problems, etc. Does the government and these companies realize that we are becoming an unhealthy nation because we are being worked to death and have no time to take care of ourselves. And, during a day off or weekend how many of us spend that time running errands, repairing our homes and catching up on everything we can't do during the week.

No wonder why the Europeans I know seem so much happier with their lives and content. They are healthier and have more time to travel and with their families. They work to live, they don't live to work. They are here on earth to have time to enjoy the fruits of their labor: something Americans aren't allowed to do. Their companies place very much importance on the quality

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