The Creativ Brief: Vacation Preoccupation
image by Cole de Brito
Many professionals feel unable to take a vacation. 52% of Americans do not use all their vacation days.
This is especially true in the professional service where timely responses and solving client problems are your business.
This leads to chronic burnout - a disservice not only to yourself but the quality of your work for clients. You can not operate at your best if you are at your worst.
I’m on vacation for the first time this year, surfing the Western coast of Portugal.
I wrote this nearly 3 weeks ago in anticipation. Tahsan Scott is manning the helm as I’m out.
Pour your heart and soul into your work, but don’t forget to make time to fill yourself back up.
This summer, take a vacation.
3 Stories Dominating Media and Tech Headlines
FTC v. Microsoft: all the news from the big Xbox courtroom battle Microsoft is going to court with the FTC to fight for its $68 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
The case has seen testimony from major players like Sony, Nvidia, and of course the CEOs of both Microsoft and Activision. If Microsoft isn’t able to close the deal by July 18th, it will have to pay $3 billion in breakup fees or renegotiate the deal.
Why it Matters: This case has revealed lots of intel about the nature and economics of the gaming industry. Highlights include the importance of platform exclusives to drive sales, recurring revenue models like game pass, and previous acquisitions such as Zynga.
TikTok could soon bring its new e-commerce store. The US launch will allow the app to compete with companies such as Amazon and Shein. The store is set to feature TikTok’s own line of products.
Why it matters: Social media shopping is the second generation of ecommerce. While TikTok’s ecommerce strategy is just starting out, it has a huge potential to shift the market.
TikTok's most visible U.S. exec steps down TikTok’s Chief Operating Officer V Papas is leaving the company, but will continue to serve as an advisor. The news comes as TikTok continues to be under the microscope of the U.S. government for concerns over its Chinese ownership and data sharing issues.
Why it Matters: TikTok recently hired Disney veteran Zenia Mucha as its Chief Brand and Communications Officer, and is also looking at launching an ecommerce store in the U.S.
Stat of the Week - Professional Vacations
Everyone needs a vacation from time to time, but Americans are taking less and less PTO.
According to the Allianz Vacation Confidence Index, the main reason that 57% of Americans don’t take vacations is not wanting to spend the money.
52% of Americans don’t use all of their allotted time off each year. On average, they leave 9.5 days of PTO unused each year, and 52% say they’ve had to work during their time off.
One Fun Thing - Vacation Preoccupation Charted
Vacations are an emotional journey for all of us.