Beyond the Textbook

  In the past, I never took a vacation without bringing my laptop. I would constantly check emails, and honestly, I didn't mind it at the time. I always wanted to stay on top of things, driven by the dread of returning to an overflowing inbox. I was terrified that a crisis would happen while I was away, leaving my team scrambling or creating a massive mess for me to clean up later. I regularly joined meetings while sitting in vacation rentals—and I convinced myself I was happy doing it. I loved my job, I was dedicated to my team, and I was fiercely loyal to my company and my boss. But reflecting on this now, just writing these words makes me shiver. As I grew older and gained more experience, I realized that this "always-on" mentality is deeply flawed. I had to learn the hard way that protecting my mental health is non-negotiable. My dedication and loyalty haven't changed, but I finally had to set firm boundaries and put myself first. Because the truth is, life is si...