Reflections from a pause

Now that I no longer have event or product updates to write about, my LinkedIn activity has become non existent. But, here is my attempt to fix that and get myself into some new habits of writing. This one is just some musings from the last couple of months since I have officially been on a career break. I have got to admit that I am now happy that I chose to do this instead of jumping into my next stint and getting myself busy straight up after a long stint. Since I started working more than 12 years ago, the only time I have switched jobs I have had to switch context over a weekend, so this is definitely a welcome break for me.

Here is what I miss:

1. Being around people all the time, getting to discuss all things from traffic, weather, sports performances and of course the discussions and problem solving sessions to find solutions to some million $$ work problems. Human company and social interaction always helps you get back up when you are down and forget the punches that may have pulled you down.
2. Having a routine that ensured I stuck to a definite rhythm on most days. Running, Cooking, eating, driving and even chilling had “windows” that used to tell my mind it is time to switch. Discipline is tough to bring in, sometimes being forced into is the best way out.
3. The podcasts that I used to listen to on my way in and out of work . For those wondering, my favourite ones are The Knowledge Project, The Tim Ferris Show, Bits & Pieces: The Friendliest cricket podcast, Empire and Lenny’s Podcast. Now I have to make it a habit to find time that is not “traffic background noise” for these :).

Here is what I don’t miss:

1. The frustration from a day of non stop meetings, the anxiety of what could go wrong in a well laid plan for the quarter and the disappointment from an upsetting conversation that lingers on for hours. Work “spilling over” is a thing and I am glad that I have had a couple of months of my mood, conversations and emotions at home not being a reflection of my day at work.
2. Flipside of the discipline and schedule I used to follow - The sense of urgency and the rush that the same “windows” I mentioned above brought to my life everyday. The imaginary deadlines around these activities were not always helping and were just forcing me to get things off my to-do list.
3. The traffic on ORR Bangalore! Well, obviously. Hearing and reading stories of hours spent in traffic and not having to deal with it or be stuck in it (at least temporarily) has been a significant relief.

Here is what I have gained:

1. The opportunity to do agenda-less conversations with old and new friends. The benefit of having an open calendar is that scheduling should be a non issue (well hopefully at least) and hence these meetings actually happen! When there is no specified agenda, we talk a lot more openly, get to know each other and laugh about happy memories from the past, even more so if you are old friends catching up after ages. Enjoyed every single conversation without any exceptions (hoping the folks on the other side of the table did too!).
2. Quality time with family and friends. Be it with my better half, parents, relatives or friends, I have been able to make time and be fully present in the conversation without the guilt of having to cancel work meetings or with half a mind on the deadline around the corner.
3. Give time to things that I love - Watch a lot of sports (thoroughly enjoyed following Asian Games and India crossing 100 medals), travel to new places (Vietnam was a lot of fun), play a lot of board games (not Monopoly or Ludo, wait up for a detailed post) and also been trying to read more actively (my recommendations from my recent reading would be, Humour Seriously and Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow) .

I am also glad that I have a long list of people who I am yet to make good on the promise of meeting and helping them out with whatever I can (I will try and clear up that list soon, shall blame my laziness for the delays). I have had the chance to meet a lot of founders who are solving exciting problems and irrespective of whether I get to solve it with them or not,?I am glad to listen and learn (borrowed from my favourite podcast host, Shane Parrish) from some of these brilliant people I am getting to meet. Definitely don’t think it would have happened while I was at a job.

I am lucky and privileged enough to do this and hope that this will recharge me well for what I get to dabble with next. To those considering a break for whatever reasons (burnout, sector reset, travel, study/upskill), what I can now tell you is that taking a pause helps in many ways. Will definitely come at a cost and you will have a lot of self-doubt before and after you take this decision (not to mention the unending questions from everyone around you on why you chose to do this :)). Only you know what will help you most, make your pros and cons list, have your back-up plans and enjoy the ride if you do decide to do that.

If you do take that break, remember to have some goals for yourself in terms of what you want to get done while on the break (any of learn, fitness, travel, meet) . Mine for example has been to meet at least one person everyday (catchup with an old friend, learn new things, make new friends, help others or find my next gig !) and also more importantly to make sure I don’t just sleep away at home :D.? And I will always be happy to meet more people, so if you are in Bangalore and think we should talk, you know what to do.

P.S:

No, I haven’t signed up for Vipasana or a gym to transform into my best physical/mental shape (did run a half marathon after a 5 year gap though). There are enough ways to kill time without having to do either :).