I was sitting in a Starbucks on a Friday morning (not something I often do). But this was the first day of my holidays, or really the pilot for the first day (today was filled with errands).

And I was thinking about my vacation and the fact that when we’re away, we’re supposed to switch off and recharge. That’s a good thing. We get to take a break, watch, listen and learn, spend time with family and friends, chat with strangers and generally view things from a different vantage point.

And come back refreshed.

A lot of people say we should unplug completely. And that’s fine if you want it. But I don’t feel it’s right for me.

In fact, vacation has its roots in the Latin word meaning ‘freedom from something’.

So this year, I’m looking for freedom from… the recession; stress; people who are too hung up in the way things were to see that the world has changed; stuff that makes my blood boil; obligations I have to do (but don’t necessarily want to).

But not freedom from things I like.

So I won’t be on my laptop or BB eight hours a day putting out fires or answering emails.

But you will probably find me on Twitter. And I will be reading and occasionally commenting on blogs. I may even write a post or two (though the jury’s still out on that one).

Maybe it’s because social media blurs the lines between professional and personal; work and play; business and fun.

It’s a holiday; when better to be social?

About Martin Waxman

Martin Waxman, MCM, is a digital communications strategist. He conducts AI research, leads digital and social media training workshops and speaks at events across North America. He's co-founder of two PR agencies, president of a consultancy and has worked in the industry for nearly 30 years. Martin is a LinkedIn Learning instructor, teaches digital strategy and social media at McMaster University, the Schulich School of Business, University of Toronto SCS and Seneca College. He's a member of the Institute for Public Relations Digital Media Research Center and a past-chair of PRSA Counselors Academy. He has a Master of Communications Management (MCM) from McMaster-Syracuse Universities.

• View all posts by Martin Waxman →
• Blog
• Twitter
• Facebook