I am someone who hasn't taken a single day off in the last 10 months.
Am I proud of it?
The Work-life of a startup's CEO is a significantly less discussed topic.
Working as a startup's CEO can definitely be liberating while building a mission and product for the organization. I also recognize my privileges of working as a founder- taking offs without taking anyone's permission- and being blessed to have a supporting team around.
However, it's very easy to get carried away. The honest reality is that my days often start with war-like situations- no matter how much so ever detailed planning I do. Early-stage ventures can be fragile!
As someone who is creating a venture not to exit but to leave a legacy in the education sector, I have witnessed drastic symptoms- migraines, an inability to shut my mind often- often leading to an emotionally fragile state.
When you run a startup, in early-stage- the venture mostly needs a wartime CEO! Hence, the sad reality is you could accept such a lifestyle very quickly.
Yesterday, after 10 months, I took a day off which was nothing but a breath of fresh air- I rejoiced in lightheadedness, found a renewed energy, and saw myself living in the 'present moment' after a long.
As an advocate of mental well-being, I believe in taking breaks, taking charge of your own well-being, and not being dependent on your employer. I am sharing my authentic journey to bring out how such topics can be forgotten every now and then- how being true to yourself is critical!
Solving for well-being as a startup CEO could be tricky because you proactively choose that career for yourself.
However, wellbeing is equally or rather more important for self-employed folks so that their ecosystem remains robust!
Mental wellbeing is not just a 'day' to celebrate every year.
It needs constant push notification 365 days of the year.
If you are interested in learning about GGI's MBA Scholar program, you can learn here.
Author- Shatakshi Sharma, Cofounder Global Governance Initiative, Ex- BCG, Advisor, Tony Blair Institute
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