This is the next part of a series I started a few years ago “How to be a better designer”. I’m changing to the phrase “Becoming” because this advice is more for myself than anyone else. However, bonus if anyone reading finds this useful for their own lives!
I’m currently enjoying a 3 month sabbatical from work. My company kindly offers this benefit to employees who’ve worked there 5 years and I think it’s quite a nice perk. It’s the gift of time rather than money.
So far I’ve spent extra time catching up with family and friends, rediscovering my voice as an artist, reading captivating and thought-provoking books, volunteering and taking action on social issues, and traveling a lot.
Rewind to 3 months ago before my break, and it was a different story. Remember in Lord of the Rings, when the bad guy had a spell on the King of Rohan and he was unable to feel love, or joy, or anything else really. I felt like a plant that was being suffocated by a creeping vine and I was making my best effort, searching to find the sun and keep growing.
I felt like I reached a point where there was very little joy in my work. I had lost any free time to explore and reflect. I needed a break. Burn out is real.
I want to say also, a break doesn’t have to be as extreme as a multi-month sabbatical. Closing the computer to take a 15 minute walk is all you need some days.
3 Reasons why taking a break is important
Leveling up and building trust
One thing that really stood out to me is what a wonderful benefit it is for the team I lead. I saw them really step up to self organize and figure out what needs to be done while I’m out. I think they see it as a good opportunity for themselves. To build that leadership muscle.
I feel certain that my manager and team are taking great care of the user experience while I’m out. I can let go of the feeling that the team needs me all the time and have highest confidence that they can thrive on their own. This is an immense amount of trust that I wouldn’t have realized I had without this opportunity for a break.
A healthier approach to work
My goals going into sabbatical were to rest and recover, then establish healthier routines. Figure out a plan that, once I’m back at work, would lead to a new schedule that allows time for activities that fill my cup.
I’m fortunate to say that I love my work. I appreciate the challenge, creativity, and focus on people. For me, feeling fulfilled in life also means expressing myself authentically, being healthy in body, mind, and spirit, and caring for my family, friends, and community.
In the past 9 weeks I’ve focused on all the activities that nourish me outside of work. I’ve reconnected with what brings me joy and I can make a plan for better balance from there.
Breaking bad habits
Going a little deeper, I’ve reflected on how I got to a place of burnout. These are ingrained “good girl” habits that I’ve been working on for years – how to set clearer boundaries and never lose time for myself.
Due to my childhood habit of hyper-vigilance I’ll sometimes feel pulled to satisfy expectations that aren’t even explicitly stated. I try to predict what people need and want, investing all my time and losing my own personal objectives in the process.
It’s by design that our teams are lean, but I need to quiet the good girl and let go of the need to personally make up for understaffing. My time is too precious to try being everything to everyone, and it would benefit the company way more if I ruthlessly prioritize for impact.
In conclusion, life is too important not to take a break!