English
Many people feel frustrated when they can't take a summer vacation for some reason.
It's especially hard when colleagues are off to the seaside, children are on school break asking for more time together, and the weather outside is perfect for a walk-or it's so hot you just want to lie on the couch surrounded by ice packs. Unfortunately, that's reality. Not everyone can afford a summer vacation, but it's not as tragic as it seems! In fact, summer is actually an ideal time for office work… Or even for quitting and changing careers. Here's why!
Why Working in the Office During the Summer is Great: 7 Reasons
Let's start with why you shouldn't be upset if you couldn't plan a vacation during the summer months. This isn't just baseless comfort-these are facts!
Get to Work Without Traffic Jams and Crowds
No matter how you get to work. If you use a car, you've likely noticed less traffic because others are on vacation. The same goes for subways: the number of people on public transport decreases in the summer as students and schoolchildren-who often take up 30% of the seats-are on break. This means your everyday life will be more comfortable. Plus, summer is a great time to try new ways to get around! Consider taking an electric scooter from the subway to the office or trying rollerblades, a skateboard, or a bicycle.
Wake Up Easier and Get Ready Faster
In summer, melatonin levels-the hormone that regulates sleep-decrease because darkness is needed for its production, and in summer, the sun is especially active. There's a phenomenon known as "summer insomnia" that occurs when people sleep poorly during the summer. However, this also means we wake up easily at dawn, full of energy for the workday.
In the summer, you can even enjoy breakfast on the go, like munching on a donut and sipping coffee. In winter, this is not only inconvenient but can also lead to catching a cold.
Enjoy Reduced Workload
While this doesn't apply everywhere and always, it's often the case. Even managers tend to slow down in the summer, wanting to relax and work at a more leisurely pace, enjoying the weather. Moreover, the numerous vacations that everyone takes can also slow down work processes. This allows you to work at your own pace and not rush. Large projects rarely launch in the summer; usually, it's a time for preparation and concept development.
Escape to the Office from the Heat
Straight to the air conditioner! Let's face it, during the scorching summer heat, air conditioning is essential, but not everyone has it at home. However, offices are typically equipped with air conditioning, making work a real lifesaver. Additionally, offices tend to be less crowded in the summer, allowing you to switch desks and sit closer or further away from the air conditioning or window. Take advantage of the free coffee machine, comfortable couches, planning boards, and more. Especially if you haven't done so before, add a little more enjoyment to your routine by making the most of your office amenities in the summer!
Save on Travel Costs
In the summer, all tickets and tours tend to be more expensive due to high demand. On top of that, unfairly high "summer rates" are applied to all trips, beaches are packed, intercity transportation and hotels are crowded. Don't forget that temperatures in southern countries can be extremely high! The so-called velvet season, which starts in September, is much more comfortable: the seas are still warm, the sun isn't as harsh, and most people are back at work, getting their kids ready for school. You'll not only save money but also enjoy a more comfortable and pleasant vacation.
Plan Your Vacation for a Period When Everyone Else is Working
Continuing from the previous point, you can enjoy your vacation at any other time of the year, even during the most unpleasant times, like early winter when you have to get to work through slush or traffic jams caused by snow. In tropical countries, summer is often the rainy season, while winter is considered the ideal time to visit. Countries like Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka, and India fall into this category. This way, you can spend a portion of the less favorable or colder seasons in a more pleasant and comfortable place, while enjoying the summer period in the city.
Use Summer to Address Career Goals
If you have any career ambitions or issues (like wanting a promotion or considering a career change), summer is the perfect time to tackle them. Due to the reasons mentioned above, there are usually fewer obstacles to having a candid conversation with your boss or making important decisions. Don't waste this opportunity.
Summer is especially suitable for quitting your job and looking for a new one for the coming year, which we'll discuss in more detail!
Why Summer is the Best Time to Change Jobs: 3 Reasons
If you've been hesitant about changing your job, you have a reason to be glad you're not on vacation. Here are a few reasons why summer is a great time to quit your current job and transition to a new one:
Lower Job Market Competition and Easier Interviews During the Summer
Few people want to spend their summer reading job postings and attending interviews. Most prefer to relax and postpone important tasks. This is your chance! While summer is often considered a slow season for hiring in many sectors, this is not the case: the job market doesn't take a vacation, so job openings will still appear. Companies will try to fill these vacancies as quickly as possible, knowing that they won't receive as many applicants as they might in the fall or spring. Since summer is vacation season, a company may find itself in a difficult position when losing an employee during this time. You could be a lifesaver for them! There's even a good chance that the number of tests and interviews will be reduced for you.
Opportunity for Seasonal Work
Summer sees an increased demand for professionals in construction (as most people prefer to renovate in the summer), agriculture, health and wellness services, transportation, tourism, and even education (as new teaching staff are often hired and prepared during the summer). There are also unique seasonal positions like animators, beach instructors, lifeguards, and internships for students. This is a great chance to try something completely new, even if just for a few months, which can provide a change of scenery and the opportunity to develop new skills.
Faster Adaptation to a New Role
The factors we mentioned earlier contribute to an easier adaptation when changing jobs. These factors include good weather that lifts your spirits, a slower work pace without challenging projects, and a more spacious office due to fewer employees. You'll have the chance to get acquainted with your new surroundings properly, integrate into the team, and understand the work. By fall, you can start taking on new projects and actively building your career alongside everyone else.
Important! Keep in mind that when you change jobs, your vacation days reset, so you may need to work for about six more months at your new job before you can finally take a well-deserved break. If your next vacation is already planned for this September and you urgently need it, it might be better to postpone quitting your job in the summer.
You certainly shouldn't feel upset or anxious if, for some reason, you didn't take a vacation this summer. It might actually be a good thing, as it allows you to change your career, plan a more vibrant vacation during a less busy time of year, or even switch fields if that's something you've been wanting to do. After all, you can enjoy the summer anywhere, even in the office! As for your vacation... well, you'll definitely have one another time!
