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When to Take a Break from Work and How to Prepare for It: A Personal Account

This engaging article is based on the delightful presentation by Anastasia Giannos, a Senior Program Manager at Amazon Web Services. Anastasia’s valuable insights revolve around her own experiences of making the difficult decision to take a work break, the lessons she learned upon return and how these can help you, the reader, in your personal or professional paths.

Why Did Anastasia Feel the Need to Take a Break?

Anastasia's need for a break rooted from working incessantly since her high school days. She was feeling unfulfilled and malcontent with her work-life balance. It was more about the realization that she had been prioritizing her professional world over her personal happiness. Additionally, the monotony of professional life had caused her to lose her creative charm, and she was burning out fast. Like Anastasia, many of us often fail to realize that we're digging ourselves into a rut, turning a blind eye to the need for a break.

How Did She Make the Decision to Step Away?

Facing changes at her workplace in January 2021, Anastasia had the choice of continuing in her role, changing roles, or moving to another sector. Around the same time, an avid scuba diving enthusiast by hobby, Anastasia realised she wanted more time for her newfound passion. A colleague suggested that she should consider taking a break to scuba dive and indulge in her other interests. Realising that she was in a transition moment, she daringly decided to step away from work.

Her Thought-Provoking Journey During the Break

Anastasia spent 10 months traveling worldwide, visiting seven countries, and completing over 250 dives. However, there were parts of her former life she found herself missing, and she felt there was more she needed to accomplish. Therefore, she began to consider returning to work.

  • She reassessed her achievements and identified any unfulfilled aspects.
  • She checked her mental and physical preparedness for stepping back into a complex workspace like tech.
  • She refreshed her skills and contemplated taking on a different role or transitioning to a new industry.
  • She planned her return, setting for herself certain goals that needed to be met.
  • She began taking contract roles, which she found preferable since they let her work at her own pace and helped her revamp her skills.

The Result of Her Decision to Return to Work

After several contract roles, Anastasia decided to join AWS and met her criteria for the next role. It was challenging, innovative, and in an area she'd never worked before—a program role. This role was physically healthier and more fulfilling, thanks to the fresh work environment and the supportive pleasantries of her team.

Key Takeaways from Anastasia's Experience

In retrospect, she shares key insights about taking a career break:

1. Save money and spend wisely: Prepare for your next break, even if you don't know when it will happen.
2. Only you can decide when it's right for you: Don't let anyone coerce you into taking a break.
3. Continue to learn and grow: Never stop learning, regardless of your circumstances.
4. Leverage your network: tap into your support and inspiration.
5. Own your decisions: Focus on your future with every action you take.
6. Prioritize yourself: Make yourself the top priority in your life.

Conclusion

Anastasia believes, "If you are not going to prioritize yourself, no one else will." So, if you need that break, it’s crucial to make time for yourself and ensure you make the best out of it! As Anastasia says, make yourself a P0—your top priority on your roadmap of life!


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