Embracing Rest: The Toxic Paradox of Founder Vacations in Startup Culture

In the high-energy, fast-paced startup world, founders often find themselves caught in the relentless pursuit of growth. But what if the secret ingredient to a thriving startup ecosystem is something as simple, yet profound, as taking a step back? This article delves into why startup founders should embrace vacations, regular time off, and even sabbaticals, and explores the personal and business implications of rest in the breakneck startup culture. Drawing on insights from my recent experience on a remote work stint in San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua, followed by a two-week vacation, this piece aims to shed light on the transformative power of slowing down to speed up in the startup world.

The Founder's Dilemma: To Rest or Not to Rest?

A startling trend among startup founders is secrecy (and even shame) surrounding their time off. Many founders go to great lengths to conceal their vacations from customers, investors, and even their own teams. Hiding a vacation requires a deliberate effort to stay off the social media radar, sometimes implicating team members or family in the deceit and is often coupled with the anxiety of potentially being 'tagged' in posts by friends and family.

Despite technically being on vacation, these founders find themselves constantly tethered to their work. They're habitually responding to emails, Slack messages, and requests from customers and investors. It's a juggling act, where they're physically present in a relaxing setting but mentally anchored to their professional responsibilities.

This covert balancing act leads to a profound sense of guilt. On one hand, there's the feeling of dishonesty and betrayal towards their team, investors or other stakeholders – a sense of abandoning their responsibilities. On the other, there's the remorse and regret that comes from not fully engaging with friends and family. They find themselves sneaking around to complete work tasks, often at the cost of missing out on family activities and meaningful interactions during what is supposed to be a relaxing vacation.

One founder (who shall remain nameless), admitted to me that they’ve lied to their spouse (on more than one occasion) about being ill while on vacation so that they could stay in the hotel and catch up on work while their spouse took the kids on an outing.

This scenario highlights a deeper issue within startup culture – the guilt and pressure of balancing the demands of leadership with the need for personal time, rest, family time and critical to positive business outcomes - pausing to reflect, learn and think. It's a cycle that not only affects the well-being of the founders but also sets a concerning precedent for their teams and the broader organizational culture.

Recharging for Resilience: The Personal Benefits of Rest & Reflection

During my recent three-week remote working stint followed by a two-week vacation in San Juan Del Sur, the transformative power of disconnection was palpable for me and for my co-founder (who also happens to be my husband). 2023 was a challenging year for us both and away from our daily routine, we found clarity, focus and a renewed sense of purpose and determination. This time off is not a luxury; it's a strategic tool for self-preservation, mental rejuvenation and business outcomes. People who thrive, build companies that thrive.

Breaks like these can lead to so many benefits, here are just a few:

• Enhanced Creativity and Problem-Solving: Distance from work can foster new perspectives and innovative approaches. Especially when you couple them with a change in your day-to-day physical environment, exposure to new cultures and even changes in climate.
• Improved Mental and Physical Health: Regular disconnection from both work and technology reduces the ever-present “technostress” we’re all experiencing, alleviates anxiety and prevents burnout.
• Strengthened Relationships: Quality time with loved ones recharges your batteries (and your heart) and rejuvenates personal relationships, often sidelined by startup demands. (Take this one to heart from a founder who’s married to her co-founder)

Business Advantages: Cultivating a Sustainable Culture of Productivity & Well-being

The benefits extend beyond your personal well-being, significantly impacting your team and business:

• Empowering Teams: In the founder's absence, team members get the opportunity to step up, solve problems and collaborate with other team members in new ways, fostering autonomy, trust, and leadership skills.
• Promoting a Culture of Well-being: Encouraging time off sets an important precedent for all team members, leading to a more productive, healthy and committed team.
• Boosting Long-term Productivity through Wellness (Not despite it): Regular breaks can lead to sustained high performance through sustained well-being, as opposed to the diminishing returns of constant work that inevitably leads to burnout, sick leave and eventually attrition - even for unstoppable, invincible founders.

Overcoming the Challenges

Taking time off comes with challenges for founders and their teams that can be mitigated with a little awareness and a little extra communication and planning. Here are a few obstacles to consider:

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Delegating responsibilities and trusting your team is crucial. Setting clear expectations that you’ll be leaving your team in charge to make important decisions and when, where and how they’ll debrief you on what you need to know when you’re back to ensure that you can really let go of the reigns.

Operational Continuity Concerns: Clear and consistent planning and communication with your team ensure business operations run smoothly in your absence. Is everyone clear about what roles and responsibilities they are saying yes to? Do they have the knowledge, resources and tools to effectively take them on? Do they know what to do or who to ask when they inevitably run into challenges??

Cultural Resistance: It takes leadership to not only model the behaviour but also support the mindset shift away from 'always-on' to 'smart work boundaries’ by actively promoting, encouraging and enabling it through a positive and psychologically safe work environment, clearly documented roles, responsibilities and team agreements, and boundary-setting best practices concerning technology, meetings and communication.

Embracing a New Paradigm of Productivity Through Wellbeing

Startup founders can (and must, if you ask me) redefine success, incorporating well-being and sustainability into the metric. My recent trip to Nicaragua was an incredible reminder that vacations and sabbaticals are not just breaks; they are strategic tools for personal and business growth. The first three weeks of remote work were a perfect transition, helping me to gradually disconnect. It also made the following two-week complete disconnection much more relaxing. I’d already settled into my environment and my mind and body were ready to let go, uninterrupted by days of travel or adjusting to a new environment and culture. Returning to work, I brought back great memories and souvenirs, but also fresh ideas, a rejuvenated spirit, and a renewed sense of possibility.

Resting is not a waste of time. It’s an investment in well-being."?~ Adam Grant, organizational psychologist

I hope to inspire other founders to embrace this transformative practice, paving the way for a healthier, more innovative, and resilient startup culture. If you’re struggling to make the time to rest and reflect, reach out. I’m happy to help. Until then, I’ll leave you with this question to reflect on:

If the well-being of a startup's leader directly influences its success and culture, what are the true costs – both personally and professionally – of neglecting rest and reflection in your leadership journey?