Gen Zer Took A Year Off From His Engineering Job-  As Hustle Culture Was Commonplace

Last updated on May 8th, 2023 at 05:04 am

The story of a Gen Zer who quit his job as an engineer for a year is very interesting. We can see that this generation was used to hustle culture, but we can also see that not everyone had to be like that. Taking a step back to look at your life or career path is a great way to learn about yourself and grow. We should all do this at some point in our lives. Gen Zer has shown us that there are ways out of the hustle culture trap and that sometimes taking a break is what you need to find real success. Let’s know more about him-

I’m a Gen Zer who took a year off from my stressful engineering job. As a Gen Xer, hustle culture was normal.

Christopher Gehring resigned from his engineering job to pursue his health.

He stated that his cholesterol and blood pressure were both high and that he was on the verge of being classified as obese.

Gehring, returning to his former employer this spring, ran the Boston Marathon in April.

Taking a break from a promising career was rare and suspicious. Now, flexibility and balance are more widely recognized. Self-care is now considered a healthy choice.

A career break was the best thing I ever did for myself, he said.

I can get a workaholic. My job as a medical-device engineer was stressful last year. On nights and weekends, I worked 60–70 hours. We needed to launch a revolutionary product. Though rewarding, I neglected my health. I ate poorly, slept poorly, and rarely exercised.

My winter 2022 checkup was silent. Stats showed: I was nearing obesity due to high cholesterol and blood pressure.

Though my employer didn’t offer sabbaticals, I remembered colleagues from past jobs who took personal leaves of absence and knew I needed to do the same.

Running seriously

I didn’t plan my career break. I’m fortunate. I have passive income and state health insurance. I only expected to be unemployed for six months.

I quit my job in April without a plan. I didn’t want to travel or write a great American novel. Instead, I wanted to do some long-overdue housework and spend time with my friends and family, including my elderly mother, brothers and sisters-in-law, and nieces and nephews. Maintaining those relationships was harder while working. Finally had time.

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I wanted to run more seriously. I’d survived several half-marathons. The younger me finished on adrenaline. To stay motivated, I hired a private coach, dietitian, and running club.

I lost 25 pounds and had healthy 19-year-old cholesterol as I got fitter and faster. After two half-marathons last autumn, I decided to run the most prestigious Boston Marathon.

My late father was an ophthalmologist at Mass Eye and Ear, so I joined their charity running 

team. I ran for him and donated to the hospital.

Great experience

The marathon passes my hometown and birthplace. Feeling the crowd’s energy and knowing my dad was proud was emotional.

Refreshment and renewal

I joined my former employer this week. Despite enjoying this career break, I’m ready to work again.

I’m rejuvenated. I’m returning to my company with a new perspective and understanding of what I can do and offer—and a sharpened sense of my health responsibility. Boundaries are my responsibility. I’ll work hard and take time off.

Find a way to take a professional break, I say

Some struggle with income loss- I’m practical. Time off must be balanced against financial loss.

However, long-term thinking is crucial. Take a break to strengthen your career. You might return to a more productive, promotion-ready worker. It will reinforce the importance of work-life balance for a fulfilling and sustainable career.

End Note-

As a member of Gen Z, I know how important it is to take time off to recharge and put self-care first. But I’m also sensible about how I spend and save my money. I don’t think people should take long vacations or frequent breaks that can cause them to lose money. Instead, I think time off should be balanced against the loss of income. This means I need to find a good balance so I can still enjoy my free time without putting my financial stability at risk. I know that keeping a balance between work and rest is important for both my mental and financial health in the long run. I can do this by planning shorter weekend trips or putting affordable activities first during longer breaks.