Wanderlust (n): a strong desire for stressed-out American Employees to hightail it outta here

There's a new movie out this weekend (trailer above!) about two stressed out New Yorkers who both suffer identity crises when one of them becomes unemployed. Although most unemployed people don't necessarily visit a nudist colony in order to regain their sense of self (not that there's anything wrong with that ;) this movie does reinforce the fact that many Americans are overextending themselves to everyone's detriment.

Only 38% of Americans take all of their vacation days (which are measly to begin with compared to our coworkers in Europe!) and 72% of vacationing workers check in with the office at least occasionally. Taking vacations (even short 4-5 days) has been linked to better health and wellness on vacation as well as lasting effects, particularly when the employee DOES NOT work on vacation and DOES live in the moment and detach from work.

The economy still isn't where it needs to be, and employees are still being asked to do more and more with less and less. Many feel that they need to show they are committed to the organization by always be present and available, but what are we sacrificing in order to do what we think will help us keep our jobs? Our identity outside of work. All accounting and no play makes John, well, an accountant. Not an accountant who plays softball and is in a killer 80's cover band. Not a dad, masterchef and football coach who moonlights as an accountant, but an accountant. Now this may be my Gen Y talking, but being defined by your job will only lead to heartbreak. Particularly if the one thing that defines you is pulled out from under your feet.


So, in summation, I'm probably going to go see Wanderlust this weekend, and please, remember to diversify your identity portfolio, people!