Finding Balance: Staying Connected While on Vacation
What if work-life balance isn't about completely unplugging? In this post, I share why I still answer a few emails while on vacation—and why it actually brings me peace instead of stress. Because true work-life balance isn't about choosing between work and life—it's about building a career that supports both.
Work-Life Balance Doesn't Look the Same for Everyone
I'm currently on vacation with my husband and children. We travel often, and my team knows that when I'm away, they're in great hands—because they're the hands I've spent years investing in.
Does that mean I completely disconnect?
No.
And surprisingly... that's exactly what gives me balance.
You might be reading this thinking, "Why are you working while you're on vacation?"
Because for me, it isn't stressful.
Answering a few questions, reviewing payroll, or responding to an email isn't taking away from my vacation. It's part of my routine. It gives me peace of mind because I know I'm still supporting the people who support our hospital every day.
The difference is this:
My team isn't calling me because they can't function without me.
They're calling because they know they can.
Most of the time, they're already handling the situation. They've assessed it, made a decision, and only need a quick confirmation or another perspective. That isn't dependence—that's collaboration.
That didn't happen by accident.
When I'm in the clinic, I don't believe in gatekeeping knowledge.
I explain my thought process.
I tell the team why I made a decision.
I show them where I found the information.
I teach them how to evaluate evidence so they can make informed decisions on their own.
We learn from each other.
The goal isn't for everyone to think exactly like me. The goal is to develop confident professionals who understand how to think through challenges.
The more leaders hold onto information, the more indispensable they feel—but often, the more overwhelmed they become.
Knowledge shouldn't be a secret.
It should be shared.
Of course, there are appropriate boundaries. Sensitive information like payroll, personnel matters, and confidential business information stays with those who have the appropriate authorization. But leadership, critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making? Those should never be reserved for one person.
A great leader doesn't create followers.
A great leader creates more leaders.
So yes, you'll probably see me answering a message while sitting on a beach or waiting at an airport.
Not because I have to.
Because I've built a team I genuinely enjoy supporting.
That's what work-life balance looks like for me—not choosing work over family or family over work, but creating a career that fits into the life I want to live.
And honestly?
That's worth every bit of the effort it took to build.
Practical tips, honest insights, and gentle support for veterinary professionals navigating the realities of clinic life.
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