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written by Carolina on August 08, 2007

I am a US permanent resident. I am a European citizen who has experienced both systems. I agree that Americans are too involved and consumed with work. Not only vacations here are minimal but working overtime is the norm in many companies for all levels of employees, not only management. Taking 1 or 2 days off does not help you “disconnect” from work or relax which is the purpose of vacations. And if your company cannot live without someone for 2 weeks or more, it is the company’s mistake as they have not done a good job cross training or given employees enough latitude to make decisions. You need well rested employees; I believe that happy, relaxed employees will be more productive than overworked employees. In addition, more rested happy employees will have less stress and illnesses derived from that stress. I would be willing to decrease my pay if I could have more vacation (and take it in long spans) and a socialized medical system like in Europe. I think your quality of life increases as you allow more time to spend with friends and family. I agree with William that the French, as well as other Europeans seem to be just as productive but have a more enjoyable life and get to travel more. Everyone in Spain gets 1 month vacation, which is less than the French and Germans but a whole lot better than what we get here.

Recently in France
written by William Hamilton on July 31, 2007

The French are famous for their five week vacation period. We were there for the traditional start after Bastille Day. However much time they take off, the French seemed to work hard when they were on the clock. The Monday after Bastille Day, the crowds on the Metro were much smaller. It was clear if you expected to push hell bent for leather through the traditional vacation period that the sheer number of people out of town would make that impossible. France certianly wasn't poor or backward. I believe we need to reevaluate our culture and national expendatures, a lifetime of working at break neck speed seems to be a poor use of our mortal span. France certainly didn't appear to be on the brink of economic collapse and people seemed to be enjoying their lives. What we have to show for our 45 - 48 hour average work week are oversized houses and cars, an inefficient transportation system and an economy which seems determined to force our working classes to a level on par with Mexico.
That won't be a country that looks much like the America we all hoped for and one which won't be able to compete with Europe or Mexico.

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written by Todd Williams on July 09, 2007

As someone who is self-employed in the construction industry, vacations are almost impossible. The lead time on projects has shrunk to the point where you can no longer predict and schedule; you just have to react. (example: a Lowe's schedule requires construction on a 160,000 sqft store to be complete in 14-1/2 weeks, as the store opens 16 weeks after ground breaking. 10 years ago, that would have been 7-8 months.) I have a friend who has a son working in London who gets 6 weeks vacation per year. I don't think I've taken 6 weeks total in the last 15 years.