I took the last week off from writing and doing work to visit my brother and niece in California. Although I was intentional about leaving all work devices (Ipad, Laptop, etc.) at home, I felt this slight pang of guilt every time I received an email, DM, or notification that would typically lead me to work or respond.
I set up an out-of-office message on my primary email and even received text message follow-ups from some who felt that their priority should be my priority.
Hustle culture has tricked us into believing that we need to be accessible the moment something comes up even if it’s just a quick response. It makes us slaves to our devices and robs us of the benefits that come with mindfulness and being fully present — especially with our family. There were several instances over the last week when I had to enforce the boundaries that I had established more for me than for anyone attempting to get my attention. Enforcing that boundary simply looked like “I’m OOO right now, I’ll get back to you when I’m available”.
Just articulating that reminded me that I was on vacation and spending time with family. Anything outside of that will be there when I get home and that’s ok.
As I approach a 2 year anniversary of self-employment I find that so much of my latest experiences with corporate culture still persist. In many ways as an entrepreneur, they are magnified. Even in this moment as I’m drafting this article I know that I should be resting and allowing my body to adjust to the time zone changes rather than cranking out an article to meet my weekly cadence.
But spending time with family over this last week has reminded me that true wealth is not monetary. True wealth is freedom. It’s having the ability to buy a one-way ticket across country and figuring out in flight when you are going to go home. It’s being able to witness your grandmother live out a scene from her favorite movie. It’s witnessing your younger brother be an amazing father and husband. It’s going to the gym to work out with your dad as soon as you wake up or celebrating your niece’s first birthday.
Money is important and necessary to do a lot of things, but it is not the most important thing.
In Case You Missed It!
“How Your Relationships Can Influence How You Interact With Money” My latest article for Forbes is up! Click here.
Happy Money, Happy Life w/ Jason Vitug My latest podcast episode is available.
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