IN DEFENSE OF RELAXATION
WHY YOU NEED TO TAKE YOUR VACATION DAYS
I f you’re one of the 50% of Americans who would prefer a higher salary over paid vacation days, then the thought of relaxing by the pool probably makes your skin crawl. According to a 2019 Allianz Global Assistance survey, most Americans would only give up their vacation days for a 48% raise, but as Forbes reports, about 1 in 5 workers would only need a 24% raise to willingly fork over their vacation days. The rise of what experts are calling “performative workaholism” is evident in the hustle-and-grind culture of working long hours, skipping lunches, working throughout the weekend, and taking very few breaks. But medical and psychological experts caution that addiction to the hustle comes at a price. Recent evidence suggests that working long hours over extended periods of time actually makes you a worse employee. As exhaustion creeps in, your ability to complete even the most mundane or simple task decreases. In those moments, it’s important to take a short break, but it’s also vital to recognize when your body needs an extended refresher. This could make you better at your job. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Luxembourg, Ireland, and Norway have some of the world’s most productive workers. Coincidentally, they also provide many vacation days.
So, what’s great about taking a vacation? Experts at a Midwestern hospital system, Allina Health, report that stepping away from work for a short period of time can decrease your risk of heart disease, improve your quality of sleep, create a better mood, and boost your relationships. Researchers in the Netherlands even found that simply planning for and anticipating a vacation can improve your happiness level! If you can’t stand the thought of taking time off, you’re not alone. More than 40% of respondents in a 2016 survey said they felt they couldn’t take a vacation because there wasn’t anyone to cover them. Communicate your concerns with your employer to find a compromise. Start slow, too. Schedule a long weekend and pack your days with activities, like getting a massage, hiking, or traveling to a local destination. Look to travel sites like Expedia, Airbnb, and Travelocity for local deals and tips on the best vacation methods. Soon, you’ll be the biggest advocate for taking time off.
JUSTICE DENIED
3 TRICKS OF INSURANCE ADJUSTERS EXPOSED
After an accident, your biggest foe can be the friendly insurance adjuster. They may appear to be helpful, but insurance adjusters are in the business of protecting their company’s money — not you. To be good at their jobs, adjusters usually deploy the following tricks to get you to comply for less than what you’re owed. They try to settle quickly. You just want life to return to normal after an accident or injury, and insurance adjusters take advantage of that to get you to settle for much less than you are rightfully owed. Once this agreement is finalized, the insurance company will fully release its liability and close the case. It’s extremely difficult to receive more compensation — even when related injuries crop up in the future. Speak with an attorney before accepting or denying a “quick” offer. They say you don’t need an attorney. If only that were true. Insurance claims should be easy, but they’re not. Each one comes with unique circumstances that can affect the outcome, and insurance adjusters are aware of this because they deal with it every day. They have the advantage, and they
don’t want you to gain your own expert by hiring an attorney. An attorney levels the playing field and limits their ability to leverage the components of your case against you. They want to take a recorded statement. On its surface, this seems fair. You can explain what happened, and there’s a recorded document of that disclosure. However, insurance companies will use your own statements to disprove the case. They lead with questions and tactics designed to diminish your situation. For example, simply saying “I’m fine” can lead insurance companies to claim that your reported injuries and costs are excessive or falsified. This will endanger your case. Speak with an attorney before agreeing to a recorded statement. While many seem nice and friendly, insurance adjusters usually have underlying motives that have little to do with your well-being. Hire your own expert to protect you from their devious actions. Call the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C. at 229-888-0888 and experience what it’s like to have your needs put first.
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