Chapter 1: Embracing Time Off

It may have seemed like a reckless decision, but taking a break after just over four months of self-employment proved to be incredibly valuable. Transitioning from a 13-year corporate career to establishing my coaching business was a bold choice. Gone are the days of dealing with bosses, endless paperwork, and office politics. However, the question lingered: could I really afford to take time off while my business was still in its infancy?

But that was the wrong question to ask. I didn’t leave my previous job to exhaust myself in the world of entrepreneurship. The truth is, I was still adjusting to this new lifestyle. I found myself wanting to fill a full 9-hour workday and struggling with feelings of guilt when I took a yoga session in the afternoon. It felt surreal to have that freedom, yet I was still caught in the cycle of working almost every day of the week. The absence of a consistent paycheck can certainly create a sense of urgency and anxiety, but I realized that my mind needed time to adjust, and I was okay with that.

So, I took another bold step. I decided to spend a week away from my laptop, sales calls, coaching sessions, and even social media platforms. I packed a small suitcase and traveled to New York to visit a friend. The attachment I had developed to self-employment and managing my finances made it difficult to let go, almost leading me to bring along my Macbook Air for "emergencies." However, as a personal growth coach, I recognized my own excuses and knew I needed to set boundaries and embrace my life philosophies fully.

I aimed to cultivate a sense of abundance with my time, and this trip reinforced my belief that I was on track to becoming “time wealthy.” On the first day, I felt an intense guilt wash over me: I could have spent this time building my business or creating new content. But then, I found myself at Liberty Park in New York, catching my first glimpse of the Statue of Liberty, and I began to understand the necessity of this break.

Section 1.1: The Reality of Self-Employment

While self-employment brings the weight of accountability for every aspect of your career, finances, and future, it would be disingenuous to overlook the numerous benefits. One of the major perks includes the freedom to create your own schedule and determine your income. The guilt I felt slowly faded as I realized that this is exactly why I left a stable, lucrative job—to design a life that aligns with my values.

Traveling is vital for my business, as it fuels my inspiration and allows me to share my perspective on life’s adventures. The excitement of discovering new places, meeting diverse people, and creating unforgettable memories is integral to my journey. We walked until our feet were sore, and by the third day, I set a personal record for the number of steps taken in a single day.

Chapter 2: The Unexpected Benefits of Taking Time Off

Upon returning from my trip, I felt rejuvenated and eager for new experiences. I made valuable connections, including my friend’s girlfriend and my Airbnb host, who both have my business cards and are sharing them within their networks. I also discovered that another Airbnb guest was from Quebec, and we plan to reconnect when she returns to Canada.

Taking a week away from work after only four months was not a reckless choice; it turned out to be a strategic move for my business. Six days off from my writing didn’t lead to disaster; instead, it offered me fresh perspectives and new stories to tell.