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Information technology can be a 24/7 field, but there are ways for technical recruiters to tactfully unplug from their IT jobs during the holidays and vacations.  IT recruiters want their IT contractors to make sure they’re reliable and satisfy their IT manager’s needs.  Keeping this goal in mind as you make your plan to unplug for vacation or holiday time will make all the difference.

The first thing IT consultants can do to successfully leave work at work is to plan ahead.  Taking a survey of the projects and issues that may need attention during planned holiday or vacation time is key.  IT headhunters are looking for IT professionals that would not only get their work done, but make sure their team’s goals are not compromised if they’re off the clock.  If a project will come up when you’re off work, consider trying to get your part of it done ahead of time or leaving behind the resources your team will need to cover your part of it.  Making sure you have done everything you can to anticipate any major issues that come up while you’re gone will give you peace of mind and give your teammates and managers confidence in you—now and in the future.  Being a considerate team player is invaluable.

The second thing IT professionals should do is to set up a contingency plan for contact while they’re away.  Depending on the situation, you may need to set up an emergency contact protocol.  Without being obnoxious, get your manager and teammates on the same page with you about what constitutes an emergency.  This will save you from a lot of phone calls or emails you find unnecessary.

The last step is to stand by your own word.  If you draw boundaries, you need to make sure you don’t destroy them yourself.  Nobody will respect boundaries that you yourself don’t respect.