Time Off (Without Stressing Out)
Most of you won’t be taking extended vacations this summer—there simply isn’t time in a ten-to-twelve week summer internship. But whether it’s a wedding, a quick trip, or even a federal holiday, you will need a day or two off. Here are a few thoughts on how to take time off well—as a summer associate, intern, or even a junior lawyer.
Don’t Feel Guilty. Everyone takes time off—even during a 10–12 week summer job. Whether it’s for a doctor’s appointment or an out-of-town event, it's normal and expected. If your workplace makes you feel bad about it, consider that a red flag worth remembering. But more often than not, no one will notice but you might still feel guilty about it. Remember, the system is built for this. You might feel like you’re letting your team or your clients down. Don’t. The firm existed before you and will exist after you. Time off is part of the process. Everyone can—and should—make it work.
Be Transparent. Once you know you’ll need time off and get the green light, be clear and proactive about it. Give notice early. Remind folks as the date gets closer. No need to explain why you're out (your college roommate’s wedding is not a billable matter). Just be specific about:
When you're out
When you'll return
How available you'll be (see #3 below)
Decide in Advance How Available You’ll Be. Availability exists on a spectrum. When I was on the D.C. Grand Jury, I was off the grid 9–5—no exceptions.
When I travel, I check email in the morning and at night so I don’t come back to chaos. But that is my choice. Depending on your position/role you may have no choice but to be a little available. The key is not to decide how available you’ll be after teh trip starts—decide in advance, communicate it, and stick to it.
Finish (or Update) Your Work. Just as important as flagging your absence: tie up loose ends. Ideally finish assignments before you go. If not, send a clear status update and finally let them know who can cover if something comes up (#6 below). Nothing says “reliable” like a handoff done well.
Actually Use the Time to Recharge. If you’re taking time off, take it. It is totally fine to check e-mail or do a little work here and there but don’t check email every five minutes and definitely don’t think about work every five minutes. You can’t sprint through a marathon—not even a summer one.
Make Sure Someone’s on Call Who Knows What Is Going On. If you’re the default point person, see if someone else on your team can cover while you’re out. This is especially key for longer absences or client-facing roles. Don’t just disappear—delegate.
Navigating time off is hard. Doing it well is part of what makes you stand out.
Keep standing out,
Jonah
