Need Vacation!?

Many many people are overworked and in need of a vacation.

This article in today's New York Times, however, says that clergy are especially in need.

Members of the clergy now suffer from obesity, hypertension and depression at rates higher than most Americans. In the last decade, their use of antidepressants has risen, while their life expectancy has fallen. Many would change jobs if they could.

It's true. I know so many of my colleagues and friends who have a hard time separating work from life.

But "many would change jobs if they could"?

I might be tired out and I might be ready for the vacation that is coming up next week, but I do love my job and all that it entails.

Does this look like a rabbi-mama that needs a break?

Taking that sentence out of the equation, though, it is an interesting and powerful article. What is also interesting to me is that the rabbis I know are all buzzing about it. (Oh, and clergy parents, like my mom, who called to check if I'd seen the article.) Are our congregants reading it as well? No one would begrudge us a vacation, but how would they feel if our vacation coincided with their family event?

Either way, I'm headed out on a little family roadtrip soon. I'm sure that it will be interesting, to say the least, and perhaps not restful at all. I am hoping for a lot of fun, though!

I'll let ya know how it goes!