I've been working out for about 3 years (consistently) and have always taken a week off every 2 months... but, I also did a lot of other things during those 3 years that I don't think I should have done.

Anyway, I recently started working out less frequently and stopped lifting to failure and my results have been great! So, now I'm wondering if taking a week off is sufficient. I'm unsure because I have a very physically demanding job (I just got a day off after working 22 days straight... some 9 hour days) and don't exactly rest up and allow my muscles to recover during this period.

Someone once suggested (it may have even been in this forum) I take two weeks off and at the time I thought that was insane and I wouldn't do it. But I've recently been thinking... not too long ago, I thought working out any less than 5 days a week was insane, but it turned out to be one of the most effective strategies responsible for my growth. So, I have began reconsidering the amount of time I take off.

What are your suggestions?