Why your next PTO day should be a ‘skip day’
When the server walked past our table, my hand shot upward like a high schooler eager to answer the teacher’s question. “Can we get two more of the same, please?” I asked upon getting his attention. “Another round of espresso martinis? I got you, boss.” Leona grinned and nodded in approval, as expected. We go back like four flats on a Cadillac. From study buddies back at the G.O.A.T. HBCU to marketing professionals putting in work for thriving companies, we’ve remained a two-person support system. It’s a celebration every time we link up. So it’s only right that we throw back a few cocktails while getting our yap on. Sipping a boozy, caffeinated concoction at 2 p.m. on a Tuesday has a way of making me chatty. It also makes me wonder why more of my peers don’t observe the same tradition. Weeks before this rendezvous, Leona and I both planned to burn a day of PTO , coordinating our schedules like a couple of executives setting off for a retreat. Except the only agenda on this outing was tacos and real talk. We call it the skip day. The premise is simple: You and a friend both call out from your respective gigs for a workday hangout. This is not earmarked time for errands or spent couch rotting in solitude. It’s two (or more!) friends sharing a mental health day while the rest of Corporate America clocks in. Skip day is the adult version of faking sick in grade
When the server walked past our table, my hand shot upward like a high schooler eager to answer the teacher’s question. “Can we get two more of the same, please?” I asked upon getting his attention. “Another round of espresso martinis? I got you, boss.” Leona grinned and nodded in approval, as expected. We go back like four flats on a Cadillac. From study buddies back at the G.O.A.T. HBCU to marketing professionals putting in work for thriving companies, we’ve remained a two-person support system. It’s a celebration every time we link up. So it’s only right that we throw back a few cocktails while getting our yap on. Sipping a boozy, caffeinated concoction at 2 p.m. on a Tuesday has a way of making me chatty. It also makes me wonder why more of my peers don’t observe the same tradition.
Weeks before this rendezvous, Leona and I both planned to burn a day of PTO, coordinating our schedules like a couple of executives setting off for a retreat. Except the only agenda on this outing was tacos and real talk. We call it the skip day. The premise is simple: You and a friend both call out from your respective gigs for a workday hangout. This is not earmarked time for errands or spent couch rotting in solitude. It’s two (or more!) friends sharing a mental health day while the rest of Corporate America clocks in.
Skip day is the adult version of faking sick in grade school, except you don’t have to fake anything. You just make sure you’re anywhere but your workplace. The skip day didn’t start as a formal thing. It evolved—the way most good traditions do—out of necessity. After weeks of failed meetups and playing calendar tag, we decided to multitask by coworking from a local Seattle café. We locked in, knocked off to-do lists, and squeezed in some kikis between tasks. It became a regular thing every few weeks. Eventually, we decided to cut the work part out altogether.
For Leona and me, it has become a seasonal ritual, and this latest skip day reminded me of the importance of stepping away from the grind. In a world where work-life balance is often an afterthought, the skip day offers a refreshing alternative. It’s a chance to reconnect with a friend, recharge, and remind yourself that taking care of your mental health is just as important as your professional responsibilities.
The concept of the skip day isn’t new, but it’s gaining traction among professionals who are tired of the relentless pace of modern life. It’s a way to prioritize self-care without feeling guilty about skipping work. Instead of viewing it as a day off, think of it as a day to breathe, reflect, and rejuvenate.
As we sipped our espresso martinis, Leona and I discussed the challenges of balancing work and personal life. We both agreed that the skip day was essential for maintaining our sanity. It’s a reminder that we deserve moments of respite and that our well-being should never be an afterthought.
The skip day isn’t just about having a good time; it’s about recognizing the value of mental health and the importance of nurturing relationships. In a world that often prioritizes productivity over well-being, the skip day offers a much-needed break from the norm. It’s a chance to reconnect with a friend, recharge, and remind yourself that taking care of your mental health is just as important as your professional responsibilities.
As the afternoon sun cast a warm glow over our table, I realized that the skip day isn’t just for Leona and me—it’s for everyone. Whether you’re a busy professional or someone simply looking for a break, the skip day offers a unique opportunity to step away from the daily grind. It’s a chance to rediscover the joy of simple pleasures and the importance of prioritizing your mental health.
So, the next time you’re feeling burnt out or just need a break, consider planning your own skip day. Reach out to a friend, coordinate your schedules, and make it a day to unwind, recharge, and reconnect. It might just be the boost of energy you need to tackle the rest of the week with renewed vigor.
