Finally, I can go for a vacation! Yes! A week off from hectic traffic jam to work, seeing your boss scolding other staff, same old job, same old desk, same old atmosphere. Pftt.. Even during weekends I still have to constantly check on my phone in case my boss emails me or if there's any emergency case. Mommy please help me! 

I know how it feels when your phone gets notifications email from your boss. You feel bad if not read those emails but at the same time, you really want to avoid it. Should I just throw my phone away and tell him, " Oh I'm sorry for not replying your email. My kid threw it in pool."  Sounds legit, isn't it? Don't get panic for no reason, hey you're on vacation why should you get attached with your job during off day? 

So here's how to get out from your boss's trap and enjoy your vacation happily. Don't worry, it doesn't involve smashing your phone, or even wrap it with plaster and put it in the box.

1.  Set up an "Out of office message" in advance

This is the easiest way to notify your colleagues and boss or even your clients that you're away. This is super instant and very easy to do. Let your auto-responder do it for you! If your boss by any chance sends you an email, the auto-responder will reply it promptly stating that you're away. This is how it may look like:

Hello,

I’m currently out of the office for Thanksgiving. I’ll be spending the day travelling to my hometown to see family/running my first Turkey Trot/ seeing just how much stuffing I can eat/ praying I don’t burn the pumpkin pie/ rooting against the Dallas Cowboys.

I’ll be replying to emails again on Monday.

Best,
[Your Name]

2. Send the Shortest Reply Possible

Ouch you forgot to set up the auto-responder email. Hold on, catch your breath and don't get panic. If they write something like "no need to reply immediately" just put aside your phone and ignore it! Well, it's hard to get an email like that, but if your boss writes something with that notes, so it's okay to ignore it until your vacation ends. 

If you confuse either to reply it or not, well who knows maybe your boss is mad at you now because ignoring his emails in which he should alert that his staff is on leave. Just send a short note, or a one-line note stated that you're not working today. Don't have to send a lengthy email stating that you're away and you don't have a laptop with you etc. Just follow this example:

“Just made a note to respond to this more in-depth as soon as I’m back in the office.”

“I can’t give this my full attention today, but am happy to review it first thing Monday morning.”

“I’ll look this over when I’m back in the office next week.”

I know, sometimes boss can be so pushy and they don't understand the email boundaries. Don't get too pressured and send a rude reply. Be cool and chill. Don't ruin your vacation over a small matter. Things can be fixed! Don't make it as a habit to keep attach with your work during holiday, it's not good for yourselves. Happy holiday guys!