Where Are All The European Bloggers?
So I'm surfing all my lovely links (to your right) in the Haus Maus blogroll and well... I noticed a common theme. Lots of bloggers are taking time off, some taking off the entire month of July stating they'll be back in August. Whoa. This is very cool, like a totally foreign concept to me. I'm American. We don't "take off" for a month. Heck, when I worked in the corporate world I had 4 weeks paid holiday each year and my manager got upset when I took two weeks off in a row, he preferred only one week at a time because more than that was "too much" as he said and that it did not show my "dedication to the company". Oh yes, his words, not mine. But not just HIS words. Many of my managers in the past had this mindset. And many of my colleagues too. If and when you did take your earned vacation you got eye rolls and annoyed colleagues who had to cover for you while you were out. In my case, they always hired a replacement for me even if I was out for a week!
Most of the time, I'd take 2 weeks off a year max, one week around Christmas because the office was dead anyway and another week in the summer around June. The other two weeks I'd just cash out on at the end of the year and take the $ over the time, we'd get paid for the weeks we did not take. So now, as an independent writer I wonder if I should take time off now that I'm moving to Germany. I'm scared, what if I take off and no one remembers me when I return after two weeks? In the online world it's so important to be front and center, especially when it comes to social media and how much emphasis is placed on your popularity, readership and link backs -- if I leave for two weeks will decor8 go up in smoke? Will I be the "once read" blogger who slacked by taking a break? I honestly worry about these things! Not because I have advertisers, they're all lovely people whom I've built a relationship with - they'd certainly have no problems with me taking time off from decor8 to relocate to Germany and get my life in order, unpacked, registered, etc. But it's more of an American thing I think - a mindset - so deeply ingrained in me that vacation is for slackers. People who run off for two weeks or more on holiday are not really that dedicated to their work or clients is pretty much the way vacation is viewed in the states -- at least in the northeast where I live.
(image: collage by holly becker)
So now I wonder, should I take a break and sign off for a few weeks since I'm moving August 1st?I mean, I have things to sell, pack, a relocation company is coming next week to help pack my art and stuff, we have a car to sell, tons of paperwork to complete, a house to thorough clean for the next tenant, parties to attend, family to say goodbye to, I mean the list really does not end. Perhaps I should take off the last week of July and the first week of August. But something about this really bothers me. Like I shouldn't. What's my problem anyway? I didn't leave the corporate world with all it's rules and politics to mimic all that in my freelance career.
As I surf many blogs of my Euro friends I'm seeing a pattern. They know how to take a break and they also don't feel a bit of guilt associated with it. How does one do this - take a break without the guilt? Does anyone have some advice for me? Am I a workaholic or am I just American?
Comments
is based overseas and doesn't look like they are taking the month off. This is the time to hustle, not go to the beach!
Good luck with your move!
Cheers,
Tracey
the best of luck on your move!
daniela
It's definitely an American thing...even now that I live in San Francisco the expectation is that i should work endless days/weekends.
As for your own situation, take all the time you need to de-stress and handle your move--we'll be here when you get back!
We will not forget you if you take time off. We will miss you , if you do, but you deserve a break. You have so much to deal with...moving and all.
I can't speak for all but you are on my Google reader so when you do come back...POOF you will be there and I will grab a cup of coffee and be happy you are back!!
Holly Becker is a TM already :)
(German school teachers have at least two months of holidays per anno! How cool is that?)
Thankfully when I travel technology makes it easier than ever, but is that another excuse not to take time off and making it worse for us all?
We should be able to take time off without guilt (I know I personally will be back to your blog with anticipation on updates when you return) so I guess I am learning from you think about that and maybe...? ;\give it a try. (It is even hard for me to think it) ahahhah
Also with a few friends that I have over in Europe, so true yes that is expected and what they do with no guilt associated, take time off and enjoy. Another reason why I just love the way life is over there. I am not downing my home here in the States, but I think that we all need to remember that moderation is key to well being.
xo
HAVE FUN!
this is very interesting. Normaly we Germans would say we´d have the better ethic of work.
To take our six weeks holiday is generally accepted (mostly two weeks in a row). Going on holiday is just normal. But as times are nobody dares not to work due to illness. People are getting more nervous and are afraid of unemployment.
But I suppose in the moment the mood in Germany is still better than in the States.
Kind regards
Herr M
I think you might need a little break just to settle in but from what I've seen you'd been itching to get back!
Good luck with your move, I'm relocating from the UK to New York in October so I feel your pain!
As a French girl who reads quite a lot of french and american blogs, I would definitely say : You're American ;-)
People here do not hesitate to make a break, and they don't ask for someone to guest blog or anything. And even though that's quite annoying for me, reader, well, it's ok, they'll be back (I don't have the Internet when I am on holidays, so that's ok bloggers don't have it either).
Have a nice day !
Marie
I think it's not bad taking your time to refresh yourself. I'm spanish. Almost all the country is off in august and villages are empty but nothing bad has happened when it comes september again. In my opinion, if you feel too guilty without being online for two or three weeks, why don't you only write a post every two days? I'm sure I'll miss reading you everyday but I'll do it again when you come back as everybody that follows you will do so.
Enjoy your new european life!
Best wishes,
Vanessa
But I am now thoroughly convinced that time off is more important than we realize, and for some reason, especially for Americans, it is an even harder concept. When we allow ourselves time to unwind, time to let go, time to refresh, we come back rested and more inspired than before... thus we are more creative, can think more clearly, and don't end up with that burned out, but I'm going to work through it anyway feeling.
All your readers have been aware for quite some time now that you are moving to Germany. I would imagine that they would be sympathetic to the fact that you are not just moving across the street, but across the pond. If you do not spend this very precious time with your family and friends and tackle the move without the distractions of work then you might regret it later. You have such a faithful following and so many people that relate to you on a personal level, I could guess with confidence that all your readers understand that there is a real person behind it, and that real person needs some time off... and without any guilt. If it is any consolation, if you were to take two weeks off (or even the whole month) you will still have this one reader that will return.
I'll miss reading your blog for a few weeks though, but I will certainly not forget you!
Good luck X LIEN
//one Europé who does NOT have any holidays this summer.. but had a very quilt free 6 weeks in Malaysia and Singapore last year, and more to come :)
It's not a matter of slacking but of focus and self-respect to acknowledge that you're on the brink of a very big move in your life (literally and figuratively).
I had to learn the hard way that my own wellbeing as well as social relationships always have to be more important in my life than any kind of obligations towards the outside world (i.e. work). It's your only life after all.
Besides, two weeks usually pass by so quickly, I'm sure your devoted readers won't even really notice ;)
I don't know the Euro bloggers so well, but I think a lot of it hangs on if they are really depending on their blog for their incomes and work connections. I also think it hangs on their audience. Europeans don't mind long summer breaks, but if the bulk of your audience isn't European....
You also know how regular your readers are and how many are one-time visitors. I think that plays into it. Ultimately you'll decide what it's worth to you based on what you know about your readership and how heavily you depend on it. A guest blogger(s) may be a good idea.
Personally, I'd try to take off as much time as you NEED. You know what that is. Getting ourselves out of Boston and over here took about a week with cleaning the house and getting it to the shipper and another week of goodbyes. Life in concentrate form. Was it rushed? Yes, but with our schedules it couldn't really be any other way. I wish I could've stretched it out some, but at the same time, I think for us at least, it would've just dragged things out.
HANG IN THERE!!
(If anything, this could give people the opportunity to catch up on older posts (it's hard to keep up with you, honey!))
Secondly, I am certain that a lot of your blogger friends would jump at the opportunity to help while you're moving and guest-blog for you, to fill the gaps.
Either way, you deserve to have a bit of time off. Relocating to a new country is a huge project- I know! I've done it three times!
Perhaps the best compromise for you is to post less material during that time.
I can assure you that your dedicated readers will not disappear just because the posts are a bit shorter. They won't even disappear if you post once every two days instead of three times a day.
Your place in the media world is safe and secure. You have nothing to worry about.
xoxo
Naomi
Happy moving, Holly! Feel free to take some time off :)
you're making me giggle! I'm German and it feels so normal to me to take 2 weeks off! I actually know people who go on 3 or even 4 weeks-vacations, although 2 weeks are more common. I mean, I would miss your blogging both here and on decor8, but I guarantee you that all your regular readers will be back after your break! And you will have even more stories to tell about moving to Germany and setting up a new home!
Good luck with everything!
Christine
I think you should take some time off and concentrate on the move. Come back with new energy afterwards!
Any of your blog reader who works efficient will surley use some kind of a feed reader (how could you otherwise survive the massive flood of information on the blogs out there?), and will then "automatically" know when you're back. It won't bother them at all. To those who don't use a feedreader: bad luck, you'll miss out.
Good luck with your move!!
It is a bit different as a blogger, I would think, but I would just suggest warning your readers that you'll be posting very lightly for a little while.
1) I bet you'll post once in a while even on "vacation", because most bloggers really are addicted to it. :)
2) I read you on an RSS feed, so I won't be a "lost reader" in the interim. I'll just be glad to see your posts when you pop up again.
As long as you come back when you say you will, any interim posts will be pleasant surprises.
And do please drop me a line if you visit Hamburg.
I'm Portuguese and in Portugal it's normal for people to go on holidays for almost the entire month of August.
I really think you should take 2 or 3 weeks off... with no guilt at all! I mean, you left the corporate world for some reason! I think the most important thing right now is for you to take care of your life. If you were to give birth to a baby you would have to get away for some time, right? Well, relocating is the same thing!
Don't worry about your readers... we are loyal and will be here waiting for you!
All my best,
Constança
It's a classic cultural imprint you are dealing with and it's not easy to overcome or adjust it.
To deal with the "feel of guilt" maybe it helps if you consider that if you don't take a break now and then like now with the move ahead of you, it could happen that one day you just have a "break down" because there was too much on your shoulders and then you might have to take an even longer break from blogging than just one or two or even four weeks.
Besides this, I don't think your blogs will go up in smoke if you take a break or your readers will all leave you (or the blogs) because of this. In fact I think, if readers leave a blog and writer of a blog because of such a reason the writer of the blog hasn't lost much. These are viewers/readers who just want to "consume" and if they don't get what they want they leave. I hope this doesn't sound "harsh" I don't mean it harsh just an objective view on the scene. What you (and all bloggers) want to have are "faithful" or "loyal" readers and such readers are not only interested in the content of a blog but also in the person who writes the blog and that means that they also understand that one needs a break sometimes or that there can be times when one has to deal with other issues in life first place and the blog has to wait. We are not "slaves" of your blogs or readers and we should never become "slaves".
I hope these thoughts help you a bit to find your own way to deal with the question of taking a break or not. I am sure you will make the right decision. I will for sure accept whatever you decide and continue to be a reader of your blogs.
Wishing you the strength you need for all the preparations and a smooth move!
Perhaps it's a cultural/country thing (I'm spanish) but taking less than 2 weeks doesn't feel like you disconnect thoroughly from your work (we can have 4 weeks a year of holidays in Spain).
I think you should take 2 weeks off (at least once a year), weekends off, and at least a week for Christmas. It will enable you to disconnect, enjoy time with your family and friends, creativity + charging your batteries (as we say in Spain) time or just relaxing, sleeping and doing nothing. You will return to work happier, and with new energy for the next year.
(I hope all this makes sense, sorry about my english)
I know exactly what you mean. I am from the states, but am living in England now. I was so shocked when I heard how much time people are able to take off here and not only that, how supportive colleagues/bosses seem to be as well. This year I am embracing the ability to take extended time off and my husband and I are going to India for 3 weeks in August- and I am so excited!
I think it is good for the soul to take time off and to have some breathing space. I think in America we can think that we are indispensable in a way that keeps us from stepping back from our work every once in a while. It doesn't help when our bosses/colleagues perpetuate that idea, too.
In my opinion, your website is so popular and those that follow it, so supportive that people won't stop reading because there isn't an update for a couple of weeks. I would love to see you get a break as you work so hard! If you wanted, though, I guess you could do something like writing blogs ahead of time?
All the best... x
As far as I am concern, each year I am off for one month during the summer and one week between Xmas and New year's day. I don't think I miss anything. I feel so well after that break, that I am a lot more efficient at work...
At least, you can schedule some posts and your readers won't any idea that you are away. I confess I do it sometimes ;-)
(I almost forgot : of course I am European, and even worst, I am french !!!)
Bonnes vacances :-)
You can always schedule blog posts when you are away, so that your readers won't feel to abondonned :)
Good luck with you exceptional moving! It's a great feeling to know that you'll soon be really close to France!
Good luck with the move!
I'm Canadian, but it sounds like the American attitude to work ethic and productivity is pretty similar to what I've experienced... perhaps more a North American style vs. European. But I'm very firmly convinced that people get caught up in that idea that more work is better and forget what the point of it was in the first place.
I hope you'll be able to take some time for the other areas of your life and know that at least one of your readers is supportive of this choice. And I am not just thinking this because you have an international move (though that's obviously a big job in itself). I think sitting outside with a book or at the beach watching the waves or whatever would be just as important.
I took my first week off last week - actually 10 days. It happened by accident but somehow I did it and somehow I totally, totally loved it and had no guilt about it. My first vacation in 10 years! (I wrote about it here: http://hyggehouse.com/everyday/where-ive-been)
I didn't check blogrolls, twitters, emails or work. I somehow got into a grove of being offline and OK with it. I mean, I did check on things here and then but there wasn't a pressing need - or desire - and I didn't fear what would happen if I didn't.
Growing up between Denmark and France, it was so natural to not do anything on SUnday, to have two hour lunches, and not work during August. This made us not lazy and our work suffer but made us actually more productive and more relaxed over all.
And after having my week off, I have come back to my work so refreshed, so relaxed, so happy that I can take on the crazy week that exploded (two trips, one big project). Had I not had that week, I wouldn't have been of use to anyone. I wouldn't have looked at things new.
So Holly, take some time off! Take a break, let your mind get re-energised, enjoy the process of your move, your last few days in Boston. Be present for it without worrying about work or blogging (but do those things if you feel the need).
You of all people deserve a break. Besides, if you're moving to Europe you have to get used to it :D
p.s. consider it a comment on your indispensibility that bosses didn't want you to be gone too long.
Good luck with the move!
Katie
kara
k
My experience as a blogger is too short so I can't tell you about the effects, but I guess that such a well established blogger as you wouldn't have any problem. I would totally understand and I would not expect you to blog during such a busy period, the same way I don't expect any blogging from people during the days they are sick, or get married, or just had a baby or their mother died -the same situations you would take days off from a job-. Or if they just want to go to the beach, that's THEIR time off and is totally legitimate.
So, best of luck for the move and enjoy!
While Australia is more similar to the US in it's work ethic, over there we got at least a month paid vacation, but then when I moved to the US, I was shocked by the measly 2 weeks! Ack!
I don´t really think, that decor8 will sink into oblivion:-) In my case, bloglines will show me your next post after your break:-)
Good luck to your move and welcome to Europe!
Cheers
Daniela
over our lifetime of working in corporate we were only ever offered two-four weeks off a year and like you said...it wasn't always good to take more than one off at a time. out in europe i noticed (and talked about it) because of having friends in sweden, england, and Portugal that it is very common to have off that much time. from what i understand europeans just have a healthier lifestyle that us, so maybe we can learn something from them! (or at least i hope i can)
i moved to england in end of august 2008 from new jersey and when we got here i heard that the kids have only been out of school for a little over a month. well now that i have been living here and i've taken notice...they seemed to have just got out at the end of last week. i am going to assume that the kids being in school at a (way) different schedule than us american's - then that might also have something to do with it.
i just returned back from a trip to a resort in turkey's mediterranean and while i was there checking in some of the people that were checking out were from sweden and germany and they were going back from a two week trip. most had smaller children and very little had kids that were over 5-6 years old.
i hope that you enjoy your time in germany! personally, i cannot wait for our contract to be over in england. i leave for ny on august 4th and can't wait to get back to what i know best.
good luck!! sorry this turned into a book.
I don't think anybody will forget you or decor8, Holly!
I've experienced this in reverse being a Brit in America for eight years; still haven't come to terms with the American work 'ethic' (more of a malaise, really).
Adjusting to a new culture and the severing of all that has been familiar can be emotionally and physically draining. Why not embrace one of the best things about life in Europe and take some time?
Other option: update once a week with pictures of your moving progress &/or have guest bloggers. :)
Maybe should take a week off to get moving in order and spend time with friends and family before you head over to Germany. Good Luck!
It was interesting what you are writing about American job attitude. I am German and I am wondering when are you able to recover from your (often tough) jobs? In Germany it is common to take off at least 2 weeks because your recovery is better then. And what about people with children? When are they able to spend time with them?
Europe has so nice places and there are so many possibilities for activities which are not far away(skiing, hiking, biking, swimming, spa-ing)- maybe that is also a reason why people here like to take vacation and travel.
You've got to love Europe!!! However, this blogger isn't slacking while sunning away on the Amalfi Coast at Le Sirenuse this August… I’m preposting blogs for the entire month away as I always do. That’s my American “work ethic” kicking in!
You are sooooo going to love European Life - that is, once you tackle that oh so difficult German language!
Ciao!
Toma
My main point: I think that you have built up enough of a community of readers that we'll still be here in two weeks, eager to hear how the move went :)
I will take 2 in August and 2 in october.
Don´t really know if I could blog, because I am going out in August. But I must say that for example, August in Spain most of the country is on holiday and it is like stopping the word.
Have a break, take your time, and come back full of energy and things in mind.
I only get 3 weeks off (vacation and/or sick time). I'm very stingy and tend to only take the occasional long weekend. And I take a week at Christmas.... I think if I got 5 or 6 weeks vacation, I would lose my mind. I'd have to take a class on how to unwind/let go before I could actually unwind and/or let go. I find European culture FASCINATING in that respect!
On a funny note, as an Architect we always stress about our Tile orders this time of year. Everyone get very upset with the fact that Italy and/or Frane close down for July/August and our order get backlogged. Some clients will wait, and some client insist on other products because they can not possibly wait those extra 4 to 6 weeks. It's always interesting to me!
Here in Europe we usually take 3-4 weeks vacation in the summer. Vacations are holy here. And since everyone does it at the same time (more or less) it creates a nice rythm of rest and work in the society.
I think people on vacation don't read bloggs as often as when they work. I don't. Prob. not in the summer anyway, right?
Resting as a blogger, AND a reader, I believe can give a fresh start for yet another season - the fall. Too much info ALL the time creates overload.
I also follow some bloggs that post only a few times a week (not saying you should) and it is a treat everytime there is a new post. If everyday - I could not keep up with these bloggs.
To work while you are moving to another continent seems a bit crazy. For your own sake travel that journey mindfully at the right speed. 2 weeks off seems just like the right thing. Even 4 weeks would be normal in our book.
Welcome to Europe Holly!
Caroline
Give yourself the permission to do what you need to make this move happen. Take the time to enjoy the liminal stage between your American life and the new German life. This is a rare and fleeting moment where you can actually witness your transition from one stage of being to the next.. don't miss it because you're keeping up with a self-imposed workload on top of your personal life.
Maybe write a paragraph or take a photo each day while going through the move and do a block post of several days worth of photos or paragraphs... just an idea.
Good luck with all of the moving details!
I think you should allow yourself to take a holiday. If you compare your blogging life with a previous corporate one, there is no difference, because you are not allowed to take holiday ;)
I also worked in the company where to take 2 weeks in a row was normal, but I always asked for 1 month. Even if I am not taking holiday in July- August, I take 1 month, and I am travelling. I am totally disconnected from the “normal” world, and I just live a very simple traveler days.
I do not know whether this attitude - not to take holiday for more than 2 weeks -is typically American, but I saw it also in Europe, it depends on the “milieu”.
Cheers,
Ester
All the best with your move.
Do what feels right for you. Of course, business needs tending to and let's face it, decor8 is your business. Would it go up in smoke? I doubt it! Be the change you want to see.
Perhaps adapting to the European holiday ways will serve you well?
That way you wouldn't feel so guilty! And what about the new guest blogger? Couldn't she add a few posts a week to fill in the gaps, or put your posts through for you?
Go ahead, take the time off! We won't forget you, we'll only miss you, but we'll be happy for you to be able to get things all sorted for yourself. How good will your blog posts be if the room you must sit in, and be inspired in, is full of boxes and a mess?
x
I wish you all the best for your move and welcome to Europe!
Rest is good for the soul!
And don't worry, we won't forget who you are, we'll be right here waiting for your return.
-maria
I was shocked because of this when I arrived to Europe, but after 8 years living here now I accept and understand that and believe me is nice to take time for yourself even if you don?t do anything , in the while you can refresh your mind or just stop thinking and then you return to work with new fresh ideas.
Is important yes to be popular at internet, is nice yes, also in your touchable business if you have one, but the most important is the real life, that virtual is just a small part of everyday.
I love your work.