For the past week, I have been on vacation.
1) I almost didn't want to go.
2) I completely unplugged from my emails.
3) I almost didn't want to come home.
All true.

WHY I ALMOST DIDN'T WANT TO GO:
The short answer is that I got stuck in a mindset. My mind was on go-go-go mode. I felt like I had too much going on to take a vacation, even though it had been planned for quite some time. I felt I needed to stay behind my desk to accomplish more before I could take "time off". This is when I knew I really need to take time-off the most. I was putting others (and tasks) before my own well-being. I couldn't get through to the idea of relaxing, or relate to being relaxed. We shouldn't get to this point, but when we do-- it's time to unplug and take a step back.

THE PROMISE TO UNPLUG:
I promised myself that, when I set foot on that cruise ship, I was going to stop worrying about work. The only way for me to set work-worries aside is to not check emails. I activated my email vacation auto-responder, stuck to my word, and let myself just relax while on my trip. It worked! I set boundaries and I stuck to what I said I'd do.

WHY I ALMOST DIDN'T WANT TO COME HOME:
The short answer here is that I learned to relax and got used to the idea of "turning it off". I love my home so of course I wanted to return, but being able to breathe and let my mind focus on more light-heartedness made me feel alive. I also love the sun, sand, ocean, meeting people, and learning new things.

I relearned that, the more I go away, the more of me I find.

I found ME again on this vacation. Not that I'm not "me" when I'm not on vacation, I realize I'm just way more "work-me" when I'm not away and I let that Liz completely take over. I'm hardworking, organized, intelligent, educated, calculated, and so on... but I almost forgot how light-hearted, bold, daring, and fun I know I am, too!

Remember that you have to have a life to have work-life balance.

#worklifestyle #worklifebalance #lifecoach #vacation

Crown Bay, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Have you been thinking about leaving your job for a new position? Have you contemplated switching fields? Ever wonder what it’d be like to change career paths? Do you feel overwhelmed when thinking about a change of scenery? Sit down for ten minutes and give yourself the time to weigh your options.

Grab a piece of paper and answer the following questions:
-What would be the pros of leaving your position?
-What would be the cons?
-How would you benefit from staying?
-What benefits would come if you left?
-What have you been interested in doing for a living?
-What would you never want to do again?
-What lights you up?
-What weighs you down?
-Who could you reach out to that could provide further information to you in regards to the positions you’re interested in?
-What are your salary requirements?
-What benefits are important to you?

Write down your answers and start looking for available positions, according to your work-life preferences.

It doesn’t hurt to look around! If your gut is telling you it’s time to leave, listen. If it’s only about more money, think harder... 💛

xx
Liz Strom

Why I Almost Didn't Want To Go On Vacation

Career Change: Weigh Your Options