Holiday Weeks

This week is a real Holiday week - can you feel it? Even though Labor Day is not until Monday, September 6th, it seems that many are treating the entire week as a holiday. Half of the people you call are not in their office, the other half are only 'half' into their work. What's that about?

I've definitely noticed that it depends on the holiday and of course, the company. But I swear, there were certain times of the year when I just knew an upcoming week would be a lost one before I even got into the office. Every call you make and request you place is like pulling teeth. Some people even meet you with resentment. The old, "Why are you making me work? Don't you KNOW this weekend is a holiday?" 

It's a tough one because on the one hand, everyones office operates differently, so you don't want to seem obnoxious, but at the same time, if you are in the office where 'it ain't a holiday until it's a holiday', then you are expected to go on with work as usual. What do you do?

There's only a few options really. The first is what I used to do. I began to know after some time, which offices and vendors treated entire weeks prior to Holidays as days off. When a holiday was approaching, I would actually plan 2 weeks before to make sure I got everything I needed from them before the big 'Holiday Week' hit, this way there were no hard feelings. And, on the occasions where I simply needed something and couldn't avoid being 'bothersome' (a.k.a., doing my job) I would simply call with the preface of, "I'm sorry to bother you right on the heels of the holiday, but if I don't get XYZ sent over, my boss is going to start asking questions." Blame it on the old ball and chain, and hopefully, they will shed some pity on you. Plus, you started with an apology, who can argue with that?

Enjoy your Holiday Week and try to get some work in before the weekend!