I work way too much. I've only been at CreativeLive for a few months, but from the very beginning, it has required long hours. I knew that this job was going to require many nights and weekends to get the work done each week. This is easily one of the most demanding jobs that I've ever had, but it is one that truly has been an adventure day in and day out.
However, at some point, we need to take a step back and take a break. One of the biggest things that I have learned in the short time that I have been working at CreativeLive is that I am not a machine and can't work nonstop. At some point, my work, my health and the relationships I have will suffer. In some cases, you may find yourself burnt out and resenting the thing that made you creative in the first place. I've been here, it sucks and I wish it on no one.
A few months back I was invited to go on a Dual Bachelor/Bachelorette trip for my friends who are getting married. It seemed like a great chance to escape from the city and from work only if it were for a few days. It seemed like a fantastic opportunity to take a step away from work and go on an adventure.
In retrospect, it was exactly what I needed. It is far to easy to find ourselves overwhelmed by the things that we encounter in our everyday life. Each day can feel like the Bill Murray movie Groundhog's Day where we are just going through the motions and not taking a step back and really question what it is that we want out of this life.
I don't have an answer to what I want out of my life. I have ideas but things are always changing. For me, going out to the coast gave me the space needed to think about the things that I want to accomplish in the next few months.
In conclusion, give yourself the permission to step away from your work. It is okay to take a step back and question what you are doing with your work and what you hope to accomplish. I promise that you will be ready to kick ass and take names when you return to work.
Enjoy your weekend.
-RJL
