Why Founders Shouldn't Take Time Off

Founders taking time off? What a ridiculous idea.

Here's why they shouldn't:

1. It would give perspective - the time off might have the unfortunate side effect of giving the founder perspective. Getting out of the day to day of the business would inevitably lead to a clearer view of the bigger picture. This could result in coming back and scrapping irrelevant projects, resulting in the loss of months or even years of hard work.
2. It would remove the business’s dependence - to take time off the founder will need to remove any dependence the business has on them to run. The problem with that, of course, is they will then seem less important in their own eyes. It could be a serious blow to the ego.
3. It would detach self worth from the business - ?a founder inevitably has a hearty amount of their self worth tied up in the business. Taking time off is likely to weaken this bond as they’ll realise they exist outside of the business. The problem arises upon return when they’re likely to conduct themselves with more equanimity.
4. It would recharge - they’re likely to come back refreshed and recharged after their time off. This is obviously a problem as it will lower the overall stress in the workplace. This in turn will lead to decisions based more on reason than emotion.
5. It would set an example - this is where the wheels really come off: if they are seen to be taking holidays then the rest of the team will take this as a sign they can, and should, too. This has horrendous consequences as each team member will then suffer from the previous four afflictions. Chaos ensues.