Early in my career, I didn’t just face a few stressful weeks—I found myself stuck in a cycle of sleepless nights, with only brief moments of emotional balance. This experience led me to adopt a simple yet profound rule: If my job causes me to lose sleep for more than five consecutive nights, it’s time to seriously consider leaving. Over the past 25 years, I've stuck to this principle, and it has proven invaluable in helping me maintain emotional balance even in the most challenging professional circumstances.
I can’t emphasize this enough. Prolonged sleep loss due to work-related stress is a clear signal that something is deeply wrong—a red flag that shouldn’t be ignored. It’s often not about placing blame on either the employer or oneself but recognizing that the combination of factors has created an unhealthy dynamic.
Some might argue that this rule reflects a position of economic privilege, affording the luxury to walk away from a job without considering financial consequences. I see it differently: following this rule gives you control and helps prevent those long stretches of sleepless nights. And if you find yourself in such a situation, it’s a strong indicator that intervention is necessary. Prioritizing sleep is essential for your emotional well-being; it is a vital indicator of your overall health and should never be ignored.
My advice? Listen to your body. If your job consistently robs you of sleep, it's time to reassess and take action. Honoring this principle empowers you to build a healthier, more sustainable professional life.
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