Job Loss Fears Cutting Vacation Plans

PHILADELPHIA - Can you afford to take a vacation this summer? We're not just talking about the trip's price tag!

A new poll shows a third of Americans surveyed have canceled at least one trip this year because of financial concerns.

For some, the concern is job security.

Consumer reporter Michelle Buckman spoke with an employment attorney about what she calls vacation deficit disorder.

"Many people are very afraid. Why don't they take vacation? Two main factors: fear and money. Fear that if they can live without you for two weeks, they can live without you indefinitely,” says Robin Bond, Esquire.

You don't have to give up your vacation, but you may have to work harder leading up to your time off.

"Be on top of your work, have your files in order, touch the work, work ahead, have everything all set-up. Don't just say, 'I'm on vacation' and walk away from your desk," advises Bond.

Before you hit the beach, make sure you do not leave projects unfinished. Let clients or important contacts know you will be away. Talk to a co-worker you trust. Make sure they know how to get a hold of you if there's a crisis with one of your accounts or clients.

Meanwhile, another expert says your boss may actually need you to hit the beach!

"I think a lot of us are going to be forced to take some vacation time. I think it's going to be encouraged, and I think it's going to be either paid or unpaid," says Gene Marks, a columnist for Businessweek and Forbes.

More companies are trimming hours to save jobs, offering furloughs or four-day work weeks.

Need one more reason to take a vacation? You're vacation deprived!

Americans average 15 vacation days a year. Compare that to the French who get 31 days off or the Portuguese who get a whopping 35 vacation days!

One in four American workers doesn't have any paid vacation!

A Florida Democrat Thursday introduced the Paid Vacation Act. The bill would require companies with more than 100 employees to offer a week of paid vacation for both full-time and part-time employees.

The idea is more vacation could actually stimulate the economy through fewer sick days, better productivity and happier employees.