The Hard Truth About Taking Holidays as a Clinic Owner (And Why You Need to Do It)

Let’s talk about something that, honestly, has been one of the toughest things for me as a clinic owner: taking holidays — and I don’t just mean working from somewhere else. I mean truly unplugging, stepping away to rest, recharge, and come back ready to be your best self in business.

Now, let’s get stuck into it.

Why Taking Time Off Felt Impossible — And Toxic

Early in my business journey, I didn’t take time off. If I did, I’d still be working. I wore it like a badge of honor — no days off, no weeks off. I thought I had to show my team that I was more committed than anyone else. That I was “in it” 24/7 as their leader.

Looking back, it was toxic.

Not only did I never truly rest, but I also felt guilty whenever I wasn’t working — even on holidays. So instead of enjoying the break, I ended up doing the same things I do at work, just in a different location. Different scenery, sure — but I wasn’t recharging. I was coming back tired, frustrated, and sometimes even resentful of my own business.

The Ripple Effect: What Are We Teaching Our Teams?

What message was I sending to my team? That taking time off is a bad thing. That you should feel guilty if you’re not working. And that’s dangerous.

If you want your team to thrive, you need to lead by example. Taking reasonable time off shows them that it’s okay to rest and recharge. It sets a healthy culture where work-life boundaries are respected.

Boundaries Are Key

Setting clear boundaries is a game changer. Let your team know that while you’re away, you’ll only be contacted if the clinic is literally burning down. And expect the same respect when they take time off.

It’s a conversation worth having during team inductions or regular check-ins: “These are the boundaries we set when we take holidays — and we respect each other’s time off.”

It’s also important because it’s not just the owners who struggle to switch off. Many leaders and managers in clinics face the same challenge. Constant contact during leave leads to burnout and frustration, which can harm the whole team’s wellbeing.

I’m Still Learning Too

Right now, I’m writing this from Queenstown. And honestly? I still struggle to unplug.

I set myself boundaries — focusing on a couple of priority tasks early in the day, then switching off from emails and messages. Those things can wait until I’m back. Over time, I’m getting better at this, but I’m still on the journey.

If you’re watching or reading this, and thinking “Peter, aren’t you recording this while on holiday?” — yes, I am. I actually find reflecting and sharing this kind of stuff really helpful. It’s a moment to pause and think, and I hope it resonates with other clinic owners who struggle to take real breaks.

Your Permission to Take Time Off

If you’ve made it this far, this is me giving you permission to take a proper holiday.

Go ahead — take a week, two weeks, whatever you need — and really disconnect. Because here’s the truth: there are very few things in your business that can’t wait until you’re back. The world won’t end. You won’t lose control.

And if you do worry — remind yourself: can this really not wait? Most of the time, it can.

A Tip from a Fellow Clinic Owner

One of our Clinic Mastery directors, Jack O’Brien, always says: “When you’re on holiday, book your next holiday.”

Studies back this up (even if I can’t find the exact one) — people who plan time off regularly tend to be happier and more productive. You don’t have to book a month-long trip. A long weekend works too. The key is to put that time off in your diary and commit to unplugging.

So here’s my challenge for you:

• Book your next holiday — even if it’s a few months away.

• Set clear boundaries for when you’re off.

• Give yourself permission to rest without guilt.

Your business, your team, and most importantly, you will thank you for it.