07/24/2025
This past week, I did something crazy. I took a REAL vacation. My business partner, Brian, also took a vacation at the same time. And even crazier, I removed my email from my phone and unplugged completely for the majority of it. I spent 9 days in North Carolina being present with people I love and creating memories that will last me a lifetime.
Some of you may not think that is a big deal, but for over 15 years, my corporate job has been my identity and I have not been able to fully enjoy a vacation because of it. In the back of my mind, I was always worried about things slipping through the cracks, my team not being able to handle things without me, social media, blogs, logging in for a meeting, answering messages, and being available in case someone might need me. It was exhausting and I never had a true break, which led me to feeling burnt out.
The reality is: I am not that important. Even as a business owner now, no one needs to be plugged in 24/7. And if something went wrong and my team was not able to handle it, I failed them as a leader. I should have trusted my team to be able to work through problems on their own. I should have trusted in myself that I hired the right people to step up to the plate and shine in my absence. I should have set the example for my team that work will be there when you get back and stepping away is a GOOD thing.
I am coming back from 9 days off refreshed, excited, and ready to dive headfirst back into coaching others. If you don't feel confident taking a true vacation, please reach out to me to talk through that so we can figure out why. I'm here to help you and your team.
Please remember that all the money you make, the promotions you receive, the energy spent worrying about your job...absolutely NONE of that can replace the time you spend with people and the memories you make with them.
Take the vacation and be present. I promise you won't regret it in the end.
Julie Seidl