Starting your own business is an ideal situation. If it is successful, you are able to reap the profits without having to answer to anyone.

The recession however, did make small business owner’s lives a bit more difficult. According to Intuit.com, only 55% of small business owners said it had been two or more years since their last week-long vacation. Ouch.

This makes sense. With more skin in the game, vacations tend to be less important than the company itself. In comparison, only 27% of non-self-employed workers in companies big and small work through holidays whereas 55% of small business owners work through most, if not all holidays.

Regardless, everyone needs vacation. It is a chance to recharge the batteries before another stint of long hours and stressful work days. Without margaritas and sandy beaches, what else is there to look forward to? Another interesting fact provided by Intuit.com, is that vacationers reported an 82% increase in job performance post-trip.

Taking vacations might just get you that raise. Definitely something to think about. Check out the infographic for yourself:

[Source: Intuit]