Take the Damn PTO (Consider this your sign.)

In my first year of motherhood, I was afraid to take PTO.

I saved every hour. I held onto it for the “what ifs.” A sick day. A doctor’s appointment. Something I could not predict yet. So I waited.

Now, almost five years and two kids later, I can say this honestly.

I could have done that better. Because what I did not realize is that I needed that time too.

Time to rest. Time to reset. Time to step away so I could come back better.

One thing my therapist said that stuck with me is this, your worth is not tied to your productivity.

I used to think working more, doing more, and overperforming would always lead to the exact outcome I wanted.

It does not.

And another reminder I carry with me now, at the end of the day, the day is going to end.

Whether you ran yourself into the ground or not.

I love working. It is my peace. It is structured. There are clear expectations. I know when I am doing well. Motherhood does not always come with that same clarity. So stepping away from work is not always easy for me. But it is necessary.

Taking PTO does not make you less committed. It makes you sustainable.

Over time, I learned how to step away the right way so I can actually enjoy it. I stay organized, keep my projects updated, and communicate clearly before I leave. I loop in teammates so nothing falls through the cracks. And then I step away.

Fully.

Because the goal of PTO is not to check emails from a different location. It is to recharge.

Taking your PTO is good for you, but it is also good for your team. Rested people think better, lead better, and show up better.

And as women, especially mothers, we have to stop treating rest like a reward and start seeing it as part of the plan.

So if you needed a sign, this is it.

Take the PTO.