Stepping Away is Harder Than Staying In

We live in hyperconnected times, where the fear of missing out (FOMO) is an ever-present shadow in our lives. While FOMO is often associated with social events, it manifests powerfully in our professional lives too, making the idea of genuinely ‘switching off’ during leave a daunting proposition.

When I step away from work, it’s never truly an escape. My mind becomes a theater of what-ifs. What’s happening with that crucial project? Are there unanswered emails looming in my inbox? Has my team missed out on essential tasks? This mental clutter presents a dichotomy (there are many more ways, so not strictly a dichotomy) of coping mechanisms:

1. Perpetual Connectivity: Here, the temptation to periodically check work emails and messages becomes too strong to resist. But this only serves to suck you back into the vortex of work. Before you realize it, a quick glance spirals into hours of unscheduled work.
2. Total Disconnect: This seems like the antidote to the first. By cutting off entirely, you shield yourself from work updates. However, this comes with its brand of anxiety. Every moment of disconnection becomes a breeding ground for questions: What if there’s a crisis? What if I miss something that affects my review, or worse, jeopardizes my position or an upcoming business opportunity?

The root of this FOMO isn’t just about missing an email or a meeting. It’s deeper, tethered to our intrinsic need for social inclusion and security. Our professional standing not only determines our livelihood but also our social status and self-worth. Hence, our mind tends to gravitate towards worst-case scenarios. These fears, though often unfounded, become cyclical thoughts, amplifying our anxieties.

When we forgive, we do ourselves a favor. In the context of work FOMO, the act of forgiveness isn’t towards others, but towards ourselves. It’s granting ourselves permission to be human, to understand that the world won’t crumble in our absence, and if challenges arise during our time off, we have the capability and resilience to address them upon our return.

Taking a break isn’t just about physical rest; it’s about mental rejuvenation. So, the next time you find yourself battling work FOMO, remember to be kind to yourself, embrace the present, and trust in your ability to navigate any professional storm once you’re back. After all, true success isn’t just measured by our professional accomplishments but also by our ability to find balance and peace in our lives.

There are those who can do be on a break and yet manage some of their work. A skill I hope to develop better, but don’t envy.