Achieving Work-Life Balance: Embracing Time Off Without Guilt
Philip Wilkerson III, M.Ed
Higher Education Professional | Podcast Creator (Positive Philter)| Career Development Enthusiast | Writer| Passionate About Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | Public Speaker
August 6, 2024
Recently, I had the pleasure of taking a four-day vacation to the Outer Banks. Yet, even amidst the tranquility, I checked and responded to emails without setting an out-of-office message. This behavior doesn’t reflect the culture at George Mason University Career Services , where my direct supervisor, Matt Myers , consistently encourages me to unplug and ensure that my time off is genuinely time off. However, the internal struggle remains.
The internal dialogue that accompanies my so-called vacation is fueled by anxiety: the fear of falling behind, the desire to show my dedication, and the compulsion to stay connected. Despite the advice to disconnect, I created a mental to-do list for my return but could not fully relax. Balancing self-care with professional commitment remains elusive, and I suspect I’m not alone.
For those like me, who aren’t necessarily overachievers but experience persistent low-grade anxiety about taking time off, this is a familiar narrative. The worry that I will be perceived as less dedicated or fall behind haunts my thoughts. I recognize that my job isn’t life-or-death; I’m not in the medical field or a first responder. Yet, the pressure to keep up persists, largely self-inflicted but also influenced by past judgments about my dedication and work ethic.
This mental tug-of-war between being present with loved ones and proving my professional commitment is exhausting. The challenge lies in finding an adequate work-life balance—or perhaps, as some suggest, work-life integration. The goal is to connect with our work without losing sight of what truly matters: family, health, mental well-being, and relationships.
While I don’t have this figured out, I’m committed to improving. I’m working to set up systems that allow me to be genuinely off when I take time off, ensuring my tasks are organized and manageable upon my return. I would like everyone reading this to reflect on their own experiences with time off. What internal dialogues do you have about achieving balance? How can you take time off without guilt while maintaining high professional standards?
I admit I haven’t found this balance yet, but I’m actively working on it. A quote that recently resonated with me while at Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts for a DEIA panel is, “I am not grown; I am growing.” The journey to becoming a better person is never complete. As long as you feel you’re growing, you’re indeed getting better.
Let’s continue striving for a healthier work-life balance, embracing our growth.
You can view the article here.