Roundup No. 26: Learning to Unplug

Happy weekend, Remote Work Tribe, and welcome back to another roundup of anything and everything remote work and leadership! The holiday season is officially in full swing and you know what that means… Our cheer factor? Way on. Our Slack notifications? Way off. That’s right, we’re officially learning to unplug!

While it’s necessary to take routine breaks as a remote employee, the end of year holidays are especially important to detach and relax. The reasoning is simple, and doesn’t have anything to do with the tons of food, presents, and self-care awaiting — though those are factors. 😉 

The reasoning is this: We work hard all year long. This year in particular has been a doozy for all of us. We’ve made it to the finish line now, friends! All that’s left is learning to unplug and bask in a few silent nights (and by that, we mean ringers off and “Do Not Disturb” on). 

If you’re having trouble learning to unplug this season, take a hint from some of our friends over on Twitter. 

Hey. It's the last day of work for a lot of folks before vacation, so here's a word of advice.
Set a good email auto-reply away message and take your work email off your phone–or at least turn off the push notifications for it.
You've earned it.

— Jon-Stephen Stansel (@jsstansel) December 18, 2020

Folks were quick to reply that their email notifications will be silenced for the remainder of 2020. 

I officially took my work email off of my phone over the summer.

After being so connected while working from home, I’ve found it is possible to be efficient while separating your personal life.

Excellent time management skills allow this freedom. Best decision I’ve made.

— Andrew Exler (He/Him) (@andrew_exler) December 18, 2020

For the 1st time in a decade+ of running a business, there's a 2 wk OOO on my email. Shutting down my computers, deleting Slack, email, & this website from my phone until 1/4. I have a pile of cookies, er I mean books, & am ready to clear my head. Peace out 2020. It's been real.

— Val Geisler 🖤🏳️‍🌈💌 (@lovevalgeisler) December 18, 2020

Even Facebook pings didn’t make the cut!

Turned off notifications for my Facebook Business Suite app and damn does it feel good.

— Alexa Heinrich (she/her) (@HashtagHeyAlexa) December 18, 2020

In short, all we can say is that we’re proud of each and every one of us for making it to these last few weeks of a very tumultuous year. Now, if we could all embrace learning to unplug, kick back, and enjoying some peace and quiet, we’ll really consider this year a win!

Before you skip out on us (and mute your notifs!) check out what was happening over on Twitter this week. 

The Tribe’s Weekly Vibes

1. This well-deserved late night treat we can all appreciate.

My wife and I just ordered spontaneous pizza at 9:40pm because it’s Tuesday and we deserve it.

— Jason Bradwell 👋 (@JasonRBradwell) December 15, 2020

2. This inner cry for Friday on a Wednesday afternoon.

Accidentally said Happy Friday on a call 🤦🏻‍♀️

This is how long this week has been 🤷🏻‍♀️

— Calanthia Mei (@calanthiaaa) December 16, 2020

3. This awesome 2021 content marketing look ahead.

Thanks, @nethuntcrm for giving me and 7 other wonderful marketers the opportunity to share our tips and predictions for #contentmarketing in 2021! 🚀

See what we all had to say here: https://t.co/VLkPG16Gfz

— Rebecca Reynoso (@rebeccasreynoso) December 16, 2020

4. This quick reminder that patience is a virtue.

You could be one of the savviest and most connected angel investors. Or, just invested in Tesla. pic.twitter.com/B4HOQEMQeD

— Aaron Levie (@levie) December 18, 2020

5. This remote work cue that your computer can actually turn off rather than just “sleep,” both of which you should consider doing yourself.

I just *shut down* my computer. I’m not sure I’ve ever actually done that before.

— Alyssa Reese (@aaReese) December 18, 2020

6. This emphasis on community, not competition.

Be a part of a community that shows up for each other instead of trying to compete with one another. 👏🏽

— Clarissa Explains It All 🗣✈️👩🏽‍💻 (@Clarissa_Laskey) December 16, 2020

7. This life lesson we’ve all learned on #MarketingTwitter.

Large following < Engaged followers

— Katelyn Bourgoin ⚡️ (@KateBour) December 15, 2020

8. This proof of what can happen when you stop dwelling and start doing.

After tinkering around with an idea for months, I decided to just take some action.

Accomplished more in 2 focused hours than in 30 days of wondering.

Reminder to self: Just. Get. Started.

— Justin Welsh (@JustinSaaS) December 16, 2020

9. This push to find your tribe!

Community doesn't mean a lively Slack group 24/7. It means finding people who are weird like you're weird. There's nothing quite like nerding out with your people about something that the rest of the world would find lame.

— Wes Kao (@wes_kao) December 15, 2020

10. This note to self to always speak with a billion dollar mindset (even if you’re still figuring out what font style to use).

Being an early-stage founder involves some absurd context switching

One meeting, you're convincing people you'll be a $100b company. 30 minutes later, you're arts + crafting because someone asked for something on company letterhead and you're trying to look like a real company

— Reed McGinley-Stempel (@McStempel) December 15, 2020

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What’s happening in your remote world this week? Tag us over on Instagram, @TheRemoteWorkTribe, or on Twitter, @RemoteWorkTribe, for a chance to be featured on our next weekly thread!