While adulthood has its merits, there are a few things you miss once you become a full-fledged “grown up”. One thing high on the list is summer vacation. Gone is the freedom between June and August, no school or homework worries. As a working professional summer is spent in doors 9-5, staring out the window, dreaming of the beach. Oh wait, maybe it’s just me that does that.
But summer doesn’t have to be a glass case of emotion. You can take back your summer and enjoy the warm weather, cool cocktails and summer fun just like you did when you were a kid. Maybe a little more now that you can afford all of the summer fun.
Check out these ways to enjoy summer even if most of it is spent indoors.
Go on Lunch
This seems like pretty obvious advice, non? Well us working ladies sometimes have to pull ourselves away from the screen. Break up your day by going outside for lunch. Dine al fresco and enjoy the glorious weather, if only for an hour.
Happy Hours Anyone
Summers were made for happy hours and most bars & lounges in your city have free flowing summer HHs. Take advantage and hit a spot you’ve been meaning to try. Set up a monthly meet up with your other overworked girlfriends and find a roof top to take in the sun after work. Your local City Paper should have info on upcoming events and specials.
Take Your Vacation Days
Vacation days, PTO, whatever you call them, they are a blessing! And you should appreciate all your blessings 
Even if you don’t have a destination to hop to, you can take your vacation to lounge around the house, go on a road trip or simply do nothing in your own backyard. Having no obligations, makes summer that much sweeter and apparently taking vacation is good for your health.
Pro Tip: Stockpile your vacation days in the winter and then take them in the summer. Check with your company’s HR department to make sure this is acceptable or not, of course!
Bookend your Holidays
Another good use of your vacation days is to sandwich your holiday time and extend your time off. Most companies give time off for Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. Use your vacation to take the days around the holiday off and BAM! long weekend here you come! Stay at the shore a little longer or take advantage of holiday travel deals.
Take Advantage of Summer Fridays
Many museums, Piers and art galleries have summer events that cater to working professionals. Museum of Fine Arts Boston hosts a Summer Friday series (open courtyard, flowing wine) and Philadelphia’s Penn’s Landing has a Screening Under the Stars movie series (every Thursday). Seek out these events (usually happening from 5:30 – until) to take the edge off after a long day at work.
Summer is meant to enjoyed and your employer understands that. Take advantage of what time you can take off and remember to get work priorities completed before shutting down!
How do you keep up the summer fun while working a 9 to 5?
Making use of my vacation days!! In fact I’m taking time off on Monday to hang out with some friends. I was just thinking about this earlier today how i refuse to let summer fly by without fully enjoying it. Great post!