Balancing Work and Personal Life While Traveling: A Holiday Tale
There was this revealing moment at work when I had lunch with our Associate Director. I was voicing my concerns about flying home for Christmas Eve and returning to work on Christmas itself. The unpredictable weather conditions could disrupt my travel plans from London to Baltimore via Switzerland.
When he heard this, he simply assured, “Family is important. Even if you get stuck, it’s fine. Go on, live your life. We’ll manage things here.”
That was a stunning moment. I had never experienced such understanding at a workplace. In previous jobs, I had to argue a lot to get just a weekend off.
Contrarily, here, even if I was delayed, it wouldn’t disrupt the show. Our other stage manager was capable of calling the show, and our swing tech could step in if needed. Everyone knew their roles and could fill in for others if required.
Yet, I wondered: was it normal to be this stressed about taking time off? Did we, as folks in the arts, put undue pressure on ourselves?
I had a full two-day break. My time. Still, it gave me a mini-heart attack to plan how I wanted to utilize it.
Reflecting on these moments, I realized how my work sometimes skewed my understanding of a healthy work commitment. It was tiring.
However, I also thought of times I hadn’t taken the opportunity to visit family due to work schedules. Those missed moments, those regrets– I didn’t enjoy them.
So, this decision to go home for Christmas was crucial.
Scanning for airfares, I prepared myself for a high-priced ticket but found one at a modest $400. Though it meant early morning flights on both days, I felt fortunate to have the means to spend Christmas at home.
Hopefully, when you read this, I’ll have completed a wonderful Christmas Eve back home. I’d have sung carols with the family, enjoyed my uncle’s Christmas storytelling, indulged in delicious Slavic food, and just begun my journey back to London.
To those celebrating, happy holidays!
Previous related posts:
– The Priceless Things Money Can’t Buy
– Performance Report: September 2019
– Performance Report: December 2014