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| Embrace downtime to strengthen your tools and skills for future success. |
"It was the most comfortable two weeks of the year," I shared with a close friend during a phone call this past Saturday afternoon. After a whirlwind of adapting to a new role, learning on the go, and managing handovers from summer until mid-December, I finally found a moment to breathe. As part of a global team, I started receiving holiday messages from colleagues, gently encouraging us to recharge and spend time with loved ones. While the advice resonated with the importance of work-life balance and mental well-being, working in finance during year-end closing meant it wasn’t an ideal time for a break.
Managing Year-End Responsibilities in Finance
Like every year, warm Christmas wishes and vacation advice rolled in, but my vacation days remained untouched. The processes I oversee demanded attention. The business kept running while many colleagues took their well-deserved breaks. However, there was a silver lining: a significant slowdown in emails, MS Teams messages, and meetings. This quieter period allowed me to shift focus to the backlog of tasks patiently waiting in my OneNote. Instead of shutting down my laptop at midnight, a modest extra hour of work sufficed to clear my inbox. The pace was markedly different—calmer yet productive.
Applying the Proverb: Repairing the Nets
This scenario reminded me of the proverb, "When fishermen cannot go to sea, they repair nets." It speaks to the inevitability of periods when we can't operate as usual, yet these moments present opportunities to prepare and fortify for the future.
‘Repairing the nets’ in this context meant using the downtime to rejuvenate and refine my personal and professional toolkit. This included focusing on physical wellness, nurturing social and emotional connections, and deepening my learning.
Enhancing Physical Wellness
During this period, I prioritized physical activity, walking thousands of steps every morning and evening. These efforts led to my first-place ranking in the step challenge organized by Philip Morris Turkey—a small yet satisfying victory.
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| During the company-wide step challenge, I not only walked but also listened to many podcasts |
Fostering Social and Emotional Wellness
On the social and emotional front, I took the opportunity to connect with colleagues in Istanbul and Izmir. These interactions went beyond work to include conversations about families, hobbies, and future aspirations. Strengthening these bonds was not just fulfilling but also rejuvenating for the mind and spirit.
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| This photo was taken by one of my colleagues when we were waiting for our breakfast - I needed to join a call for a tax declaration submission |
Focusing on Learning and Development
From a learning perspective, I concentrated on enhancing my deliverables in the new role. Exploring automation and standardization, I completed a Udemy course and delved into YouTube tutorials to build dashboards that could streamline decision-making processes. Additionally, I reflected on and outlined objectives to develop my soft skills further.
Conclusion: Ready for the New Year
With the new year just days away, I’m looking forward to welcoming back my colleagues as they return recharged. Having taken the time to “repair the net,” I feel equally energized and prepared for 2025. This quiet period wasn’t just a pause—it was an investment in resilience and readiness for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
