How to Take a Real Vacation in Cybersecurity (Without Work Anxiety)
Because logging off shouldn’t feel like a risk…
If you're in cybersecurity, you know the drill:
“Go ahead and take your PTO... but can you keep your phone on just in case?”
Between constant threats, incident response plans, and always-on expectations, vacation can feel less like rest and more like remote standby. And for many women in cybersecurity—especially in mid- to senior-level roles—work guilt, fear of falling behind, or being “needed” can keep us tethered even when we’re supposed to be unplugging.
This post will help you plan and protect a real vacation that restores you, not just relocates your stress.
Why Vacation Anxiety is Real in Cybersecurity
Unlike some industries, cybersecurity deals in high-stakes, high-responsibility environments. You might:
Be responsible for monitoring threats or active alerts
Hold specialized knowledge that others rely on in crises
Be part of a lean team with no redundancy for your role
Now add being a woman in cybersecurity to that mix, and you often feel the added pressure to be hyper-available to prove value, even during time off.
But here's the truth:
A well-planned break is not a liability. It's career preservation.
Step 1: Plan Your PTO Like an Incident Response Drill
We plan for security incidents in layers. Your vacation should be no different.
30 Days Before:
Choose dates and confirm backup coverage
Document critical systems, current tickets, and open investigations
Communicate planned time off with your team or clients
14 Days Before:
Schedule a hand-off meeting with your backup
Set status expectations: who handles what, when you’ll be offline
Draft an out-of-office message that sets firm boundaries (not “available for urgent things”)
1-2 Days Before:
Archive anything non-urgent
Set autoresponders and system alerts
Mute or disconnect work notifications on personal devices
Step 2: Set Expectations—Clearly and Confidently
You don’t need to over-explain or apologize for your time off. Use simple, professional language like:
“I’ll be offline from [date] to [date] and will not have access to email. If something urgent comes up, please contact [backup name]. I’ll reconnect on [return date].”
“For continuity, [colleague] will handle all task ownership in my absence. I’ve briefed them fully and documented current workflows.”
Remember: Preparation isn’t optional in cybersecurity, but over-attachment is.
Step 3: Unplug and Protect Your Energy
During your time off:
Remove work apps or notifications from your phone
Avoid checking in “just to make sure” (that’s emotional labor, not leadership)
Give yourself buffer time on both ends of vacation (one day to disconnect, one day to ease back in)
Most importantly, allow yourself to rest. That means no guilt for not checking Slack and no shame if your backup did things differently.
You’re a cybersecurity professional, not a failsafe system.
Bonus: Use Your Return as a Checkpoint
When you return, notice:
What didn’t actually need you?
What systems failed (or succeeded) in your absence?
What can be automated, delegated, or improved?
Vacation reveals more than rest—it exposes opportunities to work smarter, not harder.
Final Thoughts: You Deserve Real Rest
In cybersecurity, we monitor systems for failure. But when we ignore our own warning signs—fatigue, irritability, disconnection—it’s only a matter of time before we crash.
Taking time off doesn’t mean you’re dropping the ball. It means you’re doing what’s necessary to keep carrying it.
You don’t have to burn out to prove your dedication. You just need a plan—and permission.
Let’s Talk:
Have you struggled to take guilt-free time off? What’s helped you unplug?
