RAW AND HONEST TAKES ON ALL THINGS INDUSTRY
with George Pirounakis
THE ILLUSION OF THE DAY OFF
Why You’re Never Really Off Tour Until You’re Home (and Even Then…)
OPINION: by George Pirounakis
Everyone loves to romanticize the “day off” on tour. The Instagram post with the scenic photo. The plate of overpriced food.
The caption:
“Much needed rest day. Recharging.”
Let me tell you what actually happens.
You wake up too early in a the same bunk bed. You didn’t sleep well. Your neck hurts. You forgot to stretch after the last load-out. You’re dehydrated, you’re hungry, and your body’s still in “go” mode. But hey — it’s a day off.
So now what?
No Venue. No Schedule. No Structure.
Just enough time to remember all the emails, messages, and responsibilities you’ve been ignoring. Merch needs to be counted. Settlements need updating. You gotta invoice a concession company who conveniently “forgot” wiring you money. You have 12 unread messages from your printer. Someone’s asking if they can get a refund on a shirt they “accidentally washed at 90 degrees.”
You’re supposed to be relaxing, but your brain is still on high-alert because your environment hasn’t changed. You’re still in motion, just without direction.
And if you’re the merch person, forget about it.
Day off = spreadsheet catch-up. Email responses. Counting shirts. Budget recalculations. And maybe, just maybe, a sad attempt at laundry in a sink.
If you’re crew, your body doesn’t even realize it’s time to rest — because your nervous system’s been hijacked by weeks of adrenaline and problem-solving.
If you’re ADHD, forget resting. You’re either spiraling into a “productive frenzy” or doomscrolling through 7 years of unprocessed stress.
Let’s Be Real: A Day Off Is a Lie. At best, it’s a “slightly slower day.”
At worst, it’s 24 hours of guilt and backlogs catching up with you while you pretend you’re having a break. But we still chase that illusion.
Because even the idea of a break keeps us going. Even if the rest is fake, the hope of rest is real.
So here’s your reminder:
If you’re lucky enough to get a real day off — take it.
Sleep in. Log off. Turn your phone off.
Skip the spreadsheets, skip the “just one more thing,” skip the guilt.
Even if it feels wrong.
Because if you burn out, you’re no good to anyone — least of all yourself.
And when someone says, “Enjoy your day off,”
just smile and say, “Thanks.”
Even if you’re counting shirts in a dimly-lit parking truck stop.