As a career restaurateur who has developed and trained people for over 13 years in both high volume and high level dining environments, please stop ASKING for vacations, stop ASKING for time off, STOP living to WORK, START working to LIVE.

I’m saddened by the amount of people I’ve met in my life who are afraid to take time off or afraid to fight for a once in a year vacation with family. So many people put family events aside to not inconvenience work, when in reality the work is inconveniencing you from what’s truly important. Don’t miss out with time from family for too long. Of course some degree of work obligation is acceptable, but you know your quality of life better than anyone else. Spend time with your loved ones. Find a balance that satisfies you.