Vacations: A Waste of Time, or Time Well Spent?

I’ll admit it—I’m a workaholic.

Driven by duty, shaped by a roll-up-your-sleeves upbringing, and steeped in the belief that a man provides for his family first, I once wore long hours like a badge of honor. Work hard, finish the job, then think about resting.

But burnout doesn’t reward commitment. It punishes it.

Two Big Wake-Up Calls:
1) The 2008 Financial Crash: I took a six-month sabbatical before returning to the mortgage world. That time off? It supercharged my comeback. I was sharper, more focused, and ready to rebuild with purpose—14-hour days felt effortless, because I was restored.
2) Carpe Diem Moments: Life has a brutal way of reminding us it’s short. From 9/11 to losing loved ones too soon, I’ve learned that no one reaches their final days wishing they’d logged more hours at the office. It’s the missed experiences that sting in the end.

There was a time when my wife would say, “I want to plan a vacation,” and I’d respond, “I don’t think I can leave the office.” Not anymore. Now my answer is: “Go ahead—I’ll make it work.”
Over the past 30 years, we’ve faced more than our share of hurdles—kids with special needs, unexpected illnesses, huge medical expenses, even hurricanes canceling plans. But today, with the nest nearly empty, I hope to reclaim the time we never got to take.

The Bottom Line
Rest isn’t indulgent. It’s strategic. If you want to perform at your best, lead with clarity, and live with no regrets—you have to step away sometimes.
Vacation isn’t a reward for working hard. It’s how you keep working well.

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Warren Goldberg is President of Mortgage Wealth Advisors, a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist®, and a published author. His interviews include Blog-Talk Radio, Newsday, The Daily News, Anton Press, and the Long Island Herald. Since 1992, he’s been sharing his financial knowledge and wealth-building strategies, including how to properly use your mortgage as a financial tool. His clients regularly express their trust and appreciation by recommending friends and family call when in need of mortgage, real estate, and financial guidance.

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