I Took a Week Off Before Starting a New Job — Here Are 3 Reasons Why I Did It
On Friday, February 25, 2022, I walked to the main campus at Google with my now-former colleague Orrin Hancock and turned in my badge at the security desk.
“May I ask how long you’ve been with the company?” the kind security guard inquired (to my surprise).
“Just over ten years,” I replied, filled with nostalgia and emotion.
“Wow, ten years? That’s great!” the security guard said with a smile behind his mask. “What are you going to do now?”
“Well, I’m going to take a week off before I start my new adventure — reset the batteries so I get can get ‘er going again.” I replied.
“That sounds great, man. Best of luck to you,” the security guard replied, demonstrating a *tip of the cap* motion with his hand.
Humbly speaking: those that know me understand that I have an engine for creation, enthusiasm, and making things happen. Growing up in Detroit, Michigan, I was raised by parents that worked hard to provide for our family, and I’ve adopted a similar responsibility and duty for success as my own.
So, to take this past week off from “the grind” and that Detroit-born hustle seems just a tad bit inconsistent.
…but yet, looking back on the week, the ability (er, the luxury) to detach and recharge the battery was truly welcomed:
I was physically active: I Peloton’ed. I played hockey a few times during the week. I went to TopGolf with a good friend Shaz De Pinto (and subsequently invested in a new set of irons — something I’ve been wanting to do for a few months now).
I flexed my culinary skills: during the traditional work week, finding time to cook meals that require energy, time, and love can be challenging, so I found opportunities to cook tasty meals for myself and my partner, including Gordon Ramsey’s famed chicken parmesan recipe!
I reflected on the people I worked with at Google. I took time to connect with those I wanted to keep in touch with on LinkedIn and also added some names to my gratitude promise this year — a continuation of my 2021 resolution.
And yes — I napped (a lot): if napping was an Olympic sport, I think I would win the gold.
I took the week off to focus on me.
In short, these were the three (3) reasons why I wanted to take this week off before starting a new chapter in my career, and if you are able, why you should as well:
- It’s important to reflect and remember. Leaving any organization after any amount of time can be challenging. Take time to reflect on what you’ve learned, the people that helped you along the way, and remember the successes and failures so that you can bring a better “you” at the next stop. For me, this reflection was a mix of both mourning and celebration, and I’m better for it now.
- Finding the time do to the things you want to do (and when you want to do them) is sacred. When you’re bouncing from meeting room to meeting room (in-person or otherwise), or facing the pressures of business reviews and project updates, finding that “downtime” to explore new passions or revisit old ones is difficult. This downtime helps in building capacity for creativity (and maybe, to tackle the impossible.)
- In order to serve others, you have to take care of yourself first. There’s a reason why the Delta Airlines’ pre-flight safety presentation recommends to put your oxygen mask on first before assisting others. While there are many factors at play, you can be more helpful to others if you are in a good place with yourself, both physically and mentally. As I step into a leadership position, I know I need to bring my best, whole self to the job, the team, and the organization. My new colleagues and leaders deserve it, and I deserve it, too.
My week as a “drifter” (as my partner lovingly puts it) has now come to a close.
It’s time to get back after it!
LET’S DO WORK.
KL
If you enjoy reading stories like this and want to support me as a writer, consider signing up to be a member of Medium for only $5/month, and if you sign up using my link, I’ll earn a small commission. Appreciate your support!
