So despite research documenting the health and productivity benefits of taking time off, alongvacation can be undesirable, scary, unrealistic or just plain impossible for many U.S. workers.
"The first thing is going to be alongvacation, I have been going non-stop for eight years and the Katrina experience was just something that I need a break for, " he said.
Deferrals were attractive when the economy was stronger, allowing students to pursue a new business venture or take alongvacation, but the current outlook probably makes a year off less appealing to many, said Graham Richmond, co-founder of the admissions consulting firm Clear Admit.