The Work-cation Playbook: How to Balance Hustle and Hammocks
Let’s Talk Work-cations
If you’re a business owner or creative entrepreneur, you know that vacation doesn't always mean "off." Sometimes it looks like catching up on client work before heading out for the day, or squeezing in a few emails poolside with a spritz in hand. And other times, it means actually logging off. Like, fully.
We believe in making room for both. This blog is for those in-between summer weeks where you might be working a little, or not at all. Whether you're building your business from a beach chair or trying to power all the way down, here’s your playbook for balancing work and rest, cabana-style.
The Work-cation Toolkit
Because sometimes you’ve gotta hit “send” before you hit the sand.
There are times when completely unplugging just isn’t realistic—and that’s okay. Work-cations can be a way to change up your scenery while still making progress. The key is to set boundaries, protect your time, and stay organized. Here are a few ways to make working on vacation more manageable (and even enjoyable).
Start by time blocking like a boss. Set aside focused hours—ideally in the morning—so that your afternoons are open for sun, sightseeing, or spontaneous adventures. This kind of scheduling helps reduce stress and keeps your mind from wandering back to the to-do list while you're trying to unwind.
It also helps to theme your days. Keep heavier workloads or meetings confined to one or two specific days. Use the rest for admin tasks or lighter to-dos, leaving more room for vacation-mode to kick in.
Even on vacation, having a dedicated work zone—whether it’s a corner of your Airbnb or a quiet spot at a coffee shop—can help signal to your brain when it’s time to focus versus when it’s time to relax. And don’t forget to pack your portable office essentials: noise-canceling headphones, a reliable hotspot, a portable charger, and a good laptop stand can go a long way.
Before you take off, communicate clearly with clients or collaborators. Set up an auto-reply on email, update your Slack status, and share when and how you’ll be available. This way, you’re not fielding last-minute questions when you’re trying to unwind.
Finally, work light—not tight. Focus on must-do tasks only, and give yourself permission to let "good enough" be enough. Not every task needs your full attention while you’re away, and not every inbox zero is worth chasing.
The Art of the True OOO
Because the best ideas often show up when your inbox is closed.
Sometimes, what you really need isn’t a half-day work session by the beach—but a full digital detox. And while stepping away from your business can feel daunting, with a little planning, it’s totally doable.
Start by giving your clients and team advance notice. Let them know your dates at least a week or two in advance and update your email signature with your OOO timeline. This helps set expectations and gives everyone time to prep accordingly.
Batch and prep your workload leading up to your time off. Whether it’s social media posts, client deliverables, or internal check-ins, front-loading your work helps you unplug without guilt. Use scheduling tools to automate posts or email campaigns so that things keep moving—even while you’re not.
If you have a team, lean on them. Assign clear responsibilities before you leave and trust them to hold things down. If you’re a solopreneur, consider outsourcing short-term help through a VA or trusted freelancer who can handle urgent requests or keep an eye on things.
When it’s finally time to unplug, actually unplug. Log out of email, Slack, or even delete the apps from your phone if you need the extra boundary. Kick off your vacation with something fun or meaningful—a hike, a dinner reservation, a massage—to help you shift into rest mode.
And most importantly, trust your systems. You’ve prepared. You’ve communicated. Now it’s time to let go and fully recharge.
Get The Support You Need While You’re Out of Office
Whether you’re squeezing in a few work hours between adventures or fully logging off for a week, summer is a great time to rethink how you balance work and rest.
If you’re looking for a team to trust with your marketing while you soak up the sun, we’ve got you covered. Schedule a call to see how we can help you plan ahead with a project or keep your content consistent.
