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Loving a day to myself to catch up on work while on holiday with my family

67 replies

gmfh · 03/04/2025 08:40

We are currently away on holidays and I am spending a blissful day in our airbnb by myself just catching up on work. Dh has taken the kids out for the day. It's so lovely not to have the noise, the demands, having to keep everyone happy. And yes, I have to do work - marking at that so not the most fun of jobs. Does anyone else enjoy just getting away from their family while on holidays?

OP posts:
Moveoverdarlin · 03/04/2025 09:11

I’d like to have a break from the kids on holiday if I was in the spa, or reading my book alone by the pool, or having a nice drink and a salad in a beach side restaurant. But working??? On holiday? No way!! I can’t think of anything more depressing. It would put my state of mind back in to work mode and I would just hate that.

GCAcademic · 03/04/2025 09:11

As someone who marks university-level work, I can't think of anything worse to do on holiday. Things must be pretty bad if this is preferable to family time (and it does sound like they are from your updates, so I say this sympathetically).

spinningplates2024 · 03/04/2025 09:11

You and dh both sound a bit burnt out. I might be projecting so maybe he’s just a snappy person. I can see why a peaceful day would appeal but I think it would be more if the kids were off and we were still home. Wanting space to do uni work is very relatable I think people will say they can’t relate because of the holiday bit, not because they wouldn’t ever want that space.

coo12 · 03/04/2025 09:11

I think it's a great idea. If you have work that must be done then by getting it out of the way, you can enjoy the rest of your holiday without the thought of that work hanging over you. Maybe you can return the favour if your DH would also like some time.
Hope you enjoy your hols.

Bloompetal · 03/04/2025 09:08

gmfh · 03/04/2025 09:06

Well catching up on work is the only time I can get a legitimate break. The kids are more moany because of jetlag and as they end up in bed with me while DH sleeps by himself am also a bit touched out with everyone constantly needing something from me.

Oh op

no wonder a day working on holiday is preferable to being with your family on holiday

Bloompetal · 03/04/2025 09:07

Spiaggio · 03/04/2025 09:06

What concerns me most is how you see your spouse as a snapping, sulking problem to be managed or escaped him. Why does he behave like this?

Exactly

Sounds like the Op would be better off starting a thread in relationships

I can’t imagine this holiday or any holiday being happy

gmfh · 03/04/2025 09:06

Well catching up on work is the only time I can get a legitimate break. The kids are more moany because of jetlag and as they end up in bed with me while DH sleeps by himself am also a bit touched out with everyone constantly needing something from me.

OP posts:
Spiaggio · 03/04/2025 09:06

gmfh · 03/04/2025 09:03

to be fair, it's uni work so a bit more cerebral but at least I dont have two kids constantly moaning at things being the wrong way and Dh constantly snapping and sulking at me.

What concerns me most is how you see your spouse as a snapping, sulking problem to be managed or escaped him. Why does he behave like this?

alwaysdeleteyourcookies · 03/04/2025 09:05

I wouldn't want to work if I had booked a holiday. But I can understand wanting time alone.

Bloompetal · 03/04/2025 09:05

gmfh · 03/04/2025 09:03

to be fair, it's uni work so a bit more cerebral but at least I dont have two kids constantly moaning at things being the wrong way and Dh constantly snapping and sulking at me.

Oh so sounds like the problem might be a bit deeper

Bodonka · 03/04/2025 09:04

Oh I do this, and enjoy it. I do genuinely like my job and run a division though so I’m just dipping in to check on things instead of letting my anxiety convince me the place is falling to bits due to things I’ve forgotten to do 😂

gmfh · 03/04/2025 09:03

to be fair, it's uni work so a bit more cerebral but at least I dont have two kids constantly moaning at things being the wrong way and Dh constantly snapping and sulking at me.

OP posts:
CheesePlantBoxes · 03/04/2025 09:02

Not to work.

OliviaFlaversham · 03/04/2025 09:01

Doing marking of other people’s children’s work whilst on holiday with my own children…I’d feel resentful!

Elunajeya · 03/04/2025 08:59

I wouldn’t want a break on holiday, no.

gmfh · 03/04/2025 08:58

kids are 5 and 7 so past the toddler stage but honestly between managing the two of them and DH, it's so nice just to get on with my stuff. Maybe am the odd one in feeling this way.

OP posts:
Bloompetal · 03/04/2025 08:49

No not really
how old are your kids though? When mine were toddlers, yes it was nice to have an excuse to be alone to go to the supermarket

now - no I don’t hanker to be alone on hol

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