Published: 21/07/25 | 18:00
For many entrepreneurs summer is far too crucial a season to step away from work and for Kristiina Vainiola time off isn’t part of the plan at any point in the year. Unlike employees who typically take longer holidays many business owners get only a fraction of that. In fact about half of entrepreneurs manage just two weeks of vacation annually. Vainiola, who owns a charming bookstore in Kuortane doesn’t take any time off during the summer at all. As a solo business owner there’s no one to cover for her.
“I can’t and honestly, I don’t want to,” she says. “Summer is such a vital season that I’d rather be working.”
Her bookstore, which is housed in a rustic log building, has become a draw for tourists. In addition to running the store Vainiola co-manages a children’s book publishing company with author Mervi Heikkilä.
Kuortane’s population swells during the summer cottage season especially during major local events like Kuortane Kuhinat and Terwaviikko. That’s when customer foot traffic is at its peak and closing the store isn’t an option.
“Taking a vacation during that time would be so stressful mentally that it wouldn’t feel like a real break,” says Vainiola.
She mentions occasionally taking long weekends once things slow down later in the year. That’s the extent of her time off.
She’s been in the business for 29 years and her longest holiday has lasted just one week.
Vainiola’s situation is a familiar one to Atte Rytkönen-Sandberg, who is a representative of Finnish Entrepreneurs.
According to surveys nearly half of Finland’s entrepreneurs take only up to two weeks of summer vacation and often that’s all they take for the entire year.
Around 10% of entrepreneurs don’t take any vacation at all.
The reasons vary. Sometimes it’s financial and in other cases it’s emotional or motivational burnout.
“There’s often a strong sense of passion for one’s business and a deep commitment to customer service that makes it hard to step away,” says Rytkönen-Sandberg.
“At the same time financial constraints may mean that being away from work isn’t an option. Some may feel that their business simply can’t be paused particularly in industries where summer is the busiest time,” he explains.
Despite these challenges Finnish Entrepreneurs advocate for business owners to prioritize rest. Entrepreneurs aren’t superhuman and they also need to protect their health and energy levels.
“Everyone needs a break. Vacations not only provide rest but also give space to reflect and come up with new ideas for your business,” Rytkönen-Sandberg emphasizes.
The organization has started incorporating more training around wellness and self-care for entrepreneurs.
There are signs of a shift. Between 2023 and 2024 the number of entrepreneurs reporting very short or no vacation decreased slightly. No new data has been gathered yet for 2025.
Entrepreneurs also tend to enjoy their work. According to Rytkönen-Sandberg entrepreneurs generally rate their workplace well-being higher than employees do as the autonomy that comes with the role can boost satisfaction.
For Kristiina Vainiola entrepreneurship is a lifestyle. She doesn’t feel overly stressed though she acknowledges that the job can be exhausting.
“Of course I get tired often,” she says with a laugh. “But I’ve found my own ways to keep going.”
Does she miss having a vacation?
“Of course who wouldn’t?” she admits. “But I see myself as someone in a customer service role and I believe it’s important to be there for them. I suppose it’s all about mindset,” Vainiola adds with a smile.
