Somebody's got to do it: how to make the best of a working summer

Working through the summer — whether it's nine to five, weekends or night shifts — can be demoralizing when it feels like everyone else is making the most of Canada's shortest season. 

To help you make the most of sunshine while it's here, workplace psychologist Jennifer Newman sat down with Gloria Macarenko, guest host of The Early Edition to provide tips on how to make the most out of a working summer. 

Gloria Mackarenko: Why can't some workers get a real break during the summer?

Jennifer Newman: It depends a lot on the type of work you do and how long you've been with your employer.

Seasonal work done primarily in the summer means workers are experiencing a busy time right now.

Construction, tourism, agriculture, landscaping occupations jump to mind.

If you've started a new job you may not have accrued vacation days. So, whatever your circumstances, you might feel like summer is passing you by.

It sounds disheartening. What are the effects of not having a break this time of year?

It can be hard on families; kids are out of school, parents are working and juggling shifts to be home with the kids and that weighs on parents.

And there's probably little, if any, family holiday time to look forward to and it can be expensive.  

Then there's seeing everyone else leaving for a trip or, having a good time. That can be demoralizing and make some people cranky. But there is an upside.

What's the upside to everyone having fun except you? 

Many find colleagues who are in the same boat so, it's not so lonely.

Others like the quiet. When everyone takes off, things can slow down.

Some workers find they like the time because when the boss leaves, they can work on things without the usual distractions and have more control over how they do their job.

If it's a seasonal job, many look forward to time off in the slow periods so knowing you'll get a break in the winter months can be of some comfort.

What are some ways workers can enjoy the summer even though they don't get holidays?

If you work inside, find as many ways to go outside as possible. Try eating lunch outside or going on a walk to a coffee shop during your break.

After work, don't go home right away. A worker I knew planned picnic dinners and what she would do is put food in the work fridge and a small barbecue in her car.

She'd get changed at work and drive to pick up the family, then enjoy the picnic on the beach while the sun sets.

She said it felt like she'd been there most of the day.

What about if you work outside and want a break?

If it's your busy season it'll be hard to do; the days are pretty long if you're in construction, for instance.

The challenge is staying cool and comfortable while working so you feel like doing something at the end of your work day.

Drink lots of water, take frequent, short breaks during the work day and if a job finishes and there's a bit of a window, take that downtime where you can get it.

How can organizations and bosses help staff who aren't getting a break this summer?

Provide some flex time, employers. Let workers come in at different times occasionally.

Extend their lunch, let them leave early. That creates a more relaxed feeling and a less rigid situation.

Encourage biking to work to get people outside in the mornings.

If someone is stuck on a shift that creates child care problems, maybe consider subsidizing kids' camps or providing some work-from-home days.

This interview has been edited for clarity and length. You can hear the full conversation below.