Why did you presume you were being negatively judged? A significant majority of people travel on their longer vacations. So when people asked where you are going (out of politeness or habit- they don't really care) and then you gave a non standard answer, it sounds like they just verbally processed the unexpected answer. You didn't say that he said anything hostile like "that's stupid" or "what, are you too cheap?".

I'm thinking you're the one with the issue with your non travel. Its exhausting looking for offense in every interaction.

Anonymous wrote:I usually tell people I'm going to Puerto Backyardigo or San Micasa. People are usually confused enough to leave me alone.

Lol! This is great. I don't understand people who make what I do but then blow enormous $$$ on fancy vacations. I can rest just as much on beaches in MD/DE than Bali, thanks. And I won't complain about my retirement savings either!

I usually tell people I'm going to Puerto Backyardigo or San Micasa. People are usually confused enough to leave me alone.

You should not be judged. Really, it's more relaxing to stay home and do nothing. Travel is a lot of work, especially if you have kids.

I had coworkers who often did this. I don't think anyone judged them for it (well, I had a few who judged everyone for taking any time off, but that's another story).

Anonymous wrote:"Have some projects around the house to tackle."

And by projects, I mean Netflix queue.

This.

Somehow DC metro residents are even turning vacations into competitions.

"I'm looking forward to relaxing for a few days, Bob. Thanks for asking!" Fake smile. Leave room.

Anonymous wrote:You plated his game and got your feelings hurt. Next time say my plans are a secret. In other words, nobody's business.

Seriously? I cannot imagine an adult saying "my plans are a secret."

I'd definitely assume they were either going to Hedonism or having weight loss/plastic surgery.

"Have some projects around the house to tackle."

And by projects, I mean Netflix queue.

You plated his game and got your feelings hurt. Next time say my plans are a secret. In other words, nobody's business.

Just lie and claim friends are visiting if you care that much. There's nothing wrong with a staycation, but they're also not that common, which is probably why your colleague reacted with surprise.

Because then they think you just don't want to work. Which is true and why you're taking a vacation. It's the concept that very few things can possibly be more important than work and just resting is not one of them. Do what you want and ignore them.

I have specifically told my employees that I do not need to know a single detail about their time off. It's their time to use, and they can clean out their closet or go to Bermuda. Their time, their choice.

I do work with very junior people who feel like they need to provide rationale for every day they take off. I care about their work being covered and less about the specific details of their stomach virus.

Because people suck.

Ignore.

I have so much leave to burn up so I'm taking off a week in late July. I'm not going anywhere.

A coworker, who used to be my lead but is now a colleague, was asking about that in terms of scheduling work and when he found out that I was not going out of town, he said "you're not going anywhere?!"

We earn the leave and we're supposed to use it. But it seems like everyone wants to know what you're doing on your time off and that's fine. But why are they so judgmental when you aren't leaving town?