97 Things Every Project Manager Should Know

Chapter 19. Don't Skip Vacations for the Project

Joe Zenevitch

SOFTWARE PROJECT MANAGEMENT is a demanding profession. Besides being the most visible position on the team, usually you are the only one in that role and you don't have a backup. Planning time off is difficult, especially if you're a third-party consultant. You feel that your absences impact the project unfavorably.

To minimize this risk, novice project managers cancel their vacations, or in the worst cases, do not plan vacations at all. I've learned over time that you really need to take periodic vacations to get a break from the stressful conditions that are inherent in most projects. Over the course of your career, how bitterly do you resent the vacations you missed? But how foggy is your memory of the specific issues you sidestepped by remaining on the job?

I'm not suggesting that you should plan your next vacation with no regard for your project or project schedule. If it's only a three-week-duration project, you can wait. Taking a vacation the week before a major release would definitely be irresponsible. But, if your 9- to 12-month project tanks because you take a week or two off in the middle, then you are probably not managing it well in the first place.

Obviously, it is important to find and train someone to fill your role while you are away. He/she may not do things exactly as you would have done them, but your ...