The Art of Disconnecting: Benefits and Challenges of a Month-long Holiday
In our always-connected world, the idea of stepping away from work for an entire month might seem radical. Yet, extended breaks offer unique benefits that shorter vacations simply can't match. As someone who recently returned from a month-long holiday, I want to share my experience navigating both the rejuvenating benefits and practical challenges of an extended break.
The Transformative Benefits of a Month-Long Break
True Mental Disconnection
The first week of vacation often feels like a decompression period—you're physically away but mentally still processing work concerns. It's typically only in the second week that you begin to truly unwind. With a month away, you experience what few modern employees do: genuine psychological distance from work.
By week three, I found myself thinking about new personal projects not with stress or guilt at having not yet started, but with refreshed energy, excitement, and perspective. This mental reset isn't possible with standard one-week breaks.
Deeper Cultural Immersion
A month allows you to experience destinations as more than just a tourist. You can establish routines, discover local favorites, and develop a sense of place that brief visits never permit. I spent my month in South Korea, and by the third week, I was fully immersed in the food, pace of life (luckily I wasn’t in Seoul!) and nature. South Korea is 70% mountainous, after all!
Perspective Shift
Extended time away provides the space to reflect on broader life questions: Are you satisfied with your career direction? Is your work-life balance sustainable? What aspects of your routine actually serve you? These insights often lead to meaningful changes upon return.
The Practical Challenges
Requesting Extended Leave
Perhaps the most daunting aspect is actually asking for a full month off. Here's how I approached it:
- I planned my request months in advance, giving my manager and team ample time to prepare
- I ensured we had enough team coverage before presenting my request
- I selected a typically slower period in our business cycle (April)
- I offered flexible arrangements like checking email once weekly if absolutely necessary (it wasn’t)
Financial Considerations
A month away comes with significant costs beyond just accommodation and flights:
- Lost income if your leave is partially unpaid
- Extended accommodations (though monthly rates are often discounted)
- Ongoing expenses at home (rent, utilities, etc.)
- Potential house/pet sitter costs
I saved specifically for this trip, depositing money monthly into a savings pot (using Monzo), as well as rounding up all my transactions. Flights were booked well in advance, meaning I only then had to save for travel and accommodation costs.
Preparing Your Workload
Stepping away for a month requires substantial preparation:
- Document your processes thoroughly
- Cross-train colleagues on critical responsibilities
- Complete any time-sensitive projects before departure
- Set explicit expectations about emergencies versus routine matters
The Re-entry Challenge
The return can be jarring. After disconnecting so completely, facing hundreds of emails (turned out to be over 2,000) and project updates can trigger immediate stress. I scheduled two buffer days between my return flight and first workday to manage this transition. I also started back on a Friday, so it wasn’t straight back into work on a Monday morning!
Is a Month-Long Holiday Right for You?
Extended breaks aren't suitable for every career stage or position. Consider whether:
- Your role allows for complete coverage by others
- Your company culture supports extended time off
- You have sufficient leave accrued or unpaid leave options
- You're at a career stage where temporary absence won't impact progression
Final Thoughts
A month-long holiday represents more than just extended relaxation—it's a radical act of prioritising wellbeing in a culture that often celebrates constant productivity. The challenges are real, but so are the transformative benefits.
If you're considering taking the plunge, start planning well in advance, have transparent conversations with your employer, and set yourself up for a smooth departure and re-entry. The perspective and renewal you gain might just change your relationship with work forever. Or even your work!
Have you taken an extended break from work? I’d love to hear from you if you have!