Last year, when AI began entering every part of our lives, I was scared, just like many others, about my job. I worked hard to adapt, to learn new skills, and to make myself valuable. But somewhere in that process, I forgot how to detach from work.
I began sleeping and waking up with work on my mind. I overthought every problem, what I was lacking, and where I needed to improve. I waited anxiously for client replies, checked emails constantly, and stayed mentally “on” all the time. Gradually, this started affecting my mental health.
I recognized this pattern when I thought about 2025 on 31st night. That’s when it hit me: all year, I had cared only about my work. Not my physical health. Not my mental or emotional well-being.
This year, I want to change that.
My goal is to create distance from work once my working hours are over. I’ve set a routine to finish work by 7 in the evening and consciously avoid checking Slack or other work-related platforms after that. I plan to work mostly from my desk in the office and follow consistent working hours throughout the week without letting work spill into every corner of my life.
Last year, I worked hard. This year, I want balance.
Because working from home often looks easy from the outside. People assume it’s more manageable but it isn’t as simple as it sounds. I’m grateful for the privilege, truly. But every privilege comes with responsibility, and often, at a cost.
When your home becomes your workplace, the line between work and life slowly fades. Many people believe remote workers aren’t productive because of household chores or distractions. But after working remotely for eight years, I can say this with confidence: personal life suffers too, sometimes quietly, sometimes deeply.
When you’re dedicated to your work, being available at odd hours starts to feel normal. You respond. You show up. You say yes. And over time, you begin to miss out on life outside of work.
This year, I’m choosing awareness.
I’m choosing boundaries.
I’m choosing myself, along with my work, not instead of it.