Journeys With Jani

I was sipping my coffee this morning—still in pajamas, hair lookin’ like I stuck my finger in a light socket—watching the Today Show, and they started talking about how the old-school 9-to-5 workday is slowly becoming… extinct.

I felt so seen, I nearly choked on my hazelnut creamer.

Because let’s be real: most of us check our emails before we even drag ourselves out of bed. And again before our head hits the pillow at night. And I’m not talking about scrolling for fun—I mean full-on, “work-mode” emails. Like somehow answering a message at 10:38 PM earns us a badge of honor.

“Congratulations! You’ve won the Gold Star for Total Burnout!”

I’m guilty. You’re probably guilty. We’re all guilty.

And what’s worse—we wear it like it’s a virtue. Like we’ve unlocked the next level of productivity by sacrificing every shred of our personal time.

Now, don’t get me wrong—I love what I do. Being a Travel Advisor is my calling, my creative outlet, my joy. But being “on” all the time? That’s not sustainable. I justify it by saying, “Well, my clients need me. They’re in destination, and I need to be their lifeline.” Which—sure—is true. I do want them to know they’re supported every step of the way.

But guess what? Most travel packages come with an in-destination specialist. A real-life human being who’s right there, boots on the ground, ready to help if needed. I just… forget that sometimes. Or ignore it entirely.

Even when my sweet clients say, “I know it’s after hours, don’t reply right now,” what do I do?

I reply.

With, “Oh it’s ok!”

(Insert slow, dramatic head shake here.)

You know what that is? That’s called boundary-less living …and again, it’s me not setting that boundary. And before my MS or stress or general exhaustion grabs me by the ear and reminds me who’s boss, I’m trying to get ahead of it.

Old habits die hard. Especially when you come from a background like mine in Veterinary Medicine. Back then, “emergency” meant emergency. Life or death. You had to be available. But a question about whether to pack a hair dryer? Baby, that can wait ‘til morning.

I’m trying to learn that being present where I am is a gift. And I don’t want to miss the people, the pets, the moments right in front of me because I’m too busy responding to something that can wait.

I’ll probably always be that girl who wants to be available to everyone, all the time. But I’m working on it. Slowly. Gracefully (ish). And with a whole lot of caffeine.

So here’s to unplugging just a little more. Being present a little more. And letting go of the idea that hustle equals worth.

Work smarter, not harder!

Because life isn’t meant to be lived on a screen in your lap at 11:59 PM.

And burnout? That ain’t a badge I wanna wear anymore.