Taking My First Career Break in 19 Years: A Journey to Rediscover Balance, Health, and Clarity

This June, after 19 years of continuous work—full of career milestones, deadlines, and constant hustle—I made the decision to take my first-ever career break. It wasn’t an easy choice, but it felt like the right time to step back, focus on personal well-being, and reset both physically and mentally.

For nearly two decades, I had immersed myself in my career, always feeling like there was another project, another meeting, another responsibility to tackle. The fast-paced demands, though rewarding in their own right, had slowly started taking a toll on my health and well-being. I found myself in a cycle of stress, lack of sleep, poor eating habits, and very little time to focus on the simpler pleasures of life—family, health, and self-care.

Rediscovering Family and Health

One of the most significant shifts during this break was the amount of quality time I gained with my daughter. As a parent, I had always made the best of limited time, but nothing compared to the precious hours spent together without the distraction of emails, meetings, and deadlines. I realized how much I had missed out on the everyday moments—the school drop-offs, bedtime stories, and weekend outings. This break allowed me to be truly present in a way I hadn't been able to in years.

In addition to reconnecting with my family, I was also able to focus on my own health, which had taken a backseat for far too long. The stress of balancing work and life had left me exhausted, and my physical well-being was suffering. I knew I had to make changes, not just for myself, but for those who depend on me.

Reprioritizing Health

Taking a step back, allowed me the space to focus on well-being without the usual pressures of a demanding work schedule. It wasn’t about radical transformations or extreme diets. Instead, I adopted a more mindful approach to health—simple practices that allowed me to reconnect with my body and mind.

• Yoga: I began incorporating yoga into my daily routine. Even 30 minutes a day helped me manage stress, increase flexibility, and find a sense of inner calm.
• Walking: I also took up daily walking—not just for exercise but as a way to clear my mind and decompress. The simple act of walking outdoors, without the pressure of “productive” time, became my new form of mindfulness.
• Portion Control: Rather than restrictive diets, I focused on portion control and eating mindfully. I learned to listen to my body and nourish it in ways that supported both my physical and mental well-being.These small, consistent changes had a profound impact. Over four months, I lost 12 kgs—not through extreme measures, but through balanced choices and patience. More importantly, I felt my energy return and my mindset shift from constant hustle to a place of peace.

Work-Life Balance: A Critical Lesson

Perhaps the most powerful lesson I learned during this time was the importance of work-life balance. Before my career break, I had placed so much value on professional success that it often overshadowed my personal life. But I now see that balance is key—not just for personal happiness, but for professional sustainability. By stepping back, I had the time and space to reflect on my priorities, and it became clear that a successful career isn’t built on constant work—it’s built on creating time for what truly matters. Taking care of yourself, spending time with loved ones, and finding joy in life outside of work is what allows you to bring your best self to your work. It’s not about doing it all—it’s about doing what matters, and doing it well.

Ready for the Next Challenge

Now, after months of reflection, growth, and healing, I’m in a better state of mind than ever before. I feel recharged, focused, and ready to take on new challenges, both personal and professional. The break allowed me to reconnect with my purpose and redefine my career trajectory in a way that prioritizes balance and fulfillment.

I am grateful for the time I took to step away and reset. It was a reminder that sometimes, taking a break isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s an essential part of the journey toward growth and success. To anyone who feels overwhelmed or stuck in the grind, I encourage you to consider what might happen if you allowed yourself some time to refocus. Your health, happiness, and mental clarity are the foundation upon which all future professional achievements are built. If we neglect that, everything else becomes harder to achieve.

As I look ahead, I am thankful for the lessons learned during this break. It was a chance to rediscover the importance of balance, health, friends and family. I’m now ready to embrace the next chapter of my career with renewed energy, a deeper understanding of what truly matters, and an unwavering commitment to living a balanced life.

This article reflects my personal journey, but I believe it speaks to a universal truth—sometimes we need to take a few steps back in order to leap forward. For anyone seeking a reminder that taking care of yourself isn’t just recommended —it is a necessity.