Nicholas Czar’s Post

A few weeks ago, I went on vacation - my first 'real' one since joining EnCompass LLC last winter. To some, it may not seem like a big deal. But for me, the trip was meaningful. You see, the two main reasons I had stayed with my former employer for so long, even when deeply unhappy and even more undervalued, was the stable (and generous) salary and the significant vacation time I'd earned. It was my fear that I wouldn't find a new role that would allow me to travel and live the way I wanted to - and quite frankly, needed, to recover from burnout. So, yeah, finding out that I could - and would - continue to do all the things I loved while also having a new career felt like a major milestone. What was an even more significant realization was how differently I felt about returning to work after my vacation. Instead of feeling anxiety about 'digging out' because my work had accumulated the entire time I was away (after all, I was a one-woman 'team')....I felt almost - eager (gasp!) - to dive back into the work my team does everyday. To catch up with my colleagues. To start the process of launching a new coaching program for one of our clients. Do I miss the tropical sunset views? Sure. Receiving champagne on demand? Absolutely. Will I always love traveling and the chance to unplug for a bit? 100%. But I no longer NEED those frequent vacations to recover from burnout and give myself a reason to stay. If anyone reading this is longing for a change, but are fearful of what they might have to say goodbye to, I invite you to ask instead "What might I be saying hello to...?"

In 2018 I landed my first job with unlimited vacation and was so excited about it. Until my boss told me: “You’re taking too much time off, and as a leader, the optics aren’t good.” “Isn’t it unlimited vacation?” I asked. Suddenly, one of the benefits that had influenced my decision to take the job had been taken away from me. I realized that the belief that I could be trusted to manage my time and not worry about counting a limited number of days off wasn’t real, and that the promise of the unlimited vacation was more of a recruiting strategy than anything else. Today I’m enjoying the beginning of a 4 day weekend, guilt-free. I could take longer if I wanted to, but I enjoy my work. But the point is that I can now make these choices for myself. It may seem like a small, but being able to take a day off when needed to recharge, alleviate burnout, and feel in control is priceless. What’s your definition of freedom in your work and schedule? (Photo taken at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta!) #WorkLifeBalance #CareerFreedom #EmployeeWellbeing #UnlimitedVacation #Entrepreneurship

Unlock Job Opportunities While on Vacation🌍✈️ After months of non-stop work, I finally treated myself to a Roman vacation. Little did I know, this trip would not only be a cultural feast but also a game-changer for my professional life. Here are the highlights of my four-day Roman adventure: -> The Colosseum -> Pantheon -> Saint Peter’s Basilica Church -> Saint Peter’s Square And let's not forget the mouthwatering cuisine - Rome's food and wine are truly unmatched. If you're a travel enthusiast, Rome is a must! But, as all good things must come to an end, I'm back to the hustle. Surprisingly, my LinkedIn profile was buzzing with notifications and inbox messages from recruiters with job opportunities. I intentionally avoided checking it during my break, but the response was overwhelming. Here's the secret: I've transformed my LinkedIn profile into a powerhouse that attracts opportunities effortlessly. How? By creating content that sets me apart and actively engaging on the platform through likes, reposts, comments, and valuable content creation. It might not yield instant results, but if you consistently invest in the right actions, the payoff is inevitable. ----------------- P.S. My approach shifted thanks to a game-changing post from Etornam C. Tsyawo. Exciting news - I'm teaming up with her to elevate your LinkedIn strategy for job search success. Let's professionalize your profile and unlock those career doors! For our first cohort, we are opening only 3 additional spots. Registration closes soon. Build a profile that attracts opportunities while on vacation by clicking the link. https://lnkd.in/eh76GeNk

In my corporate job, I had to ask to take vacation. I just landed in the US for a 3-week stay. Without having to ask for permission. And I’ll work, but in between: • Seeing my brother • Day trips with my parents • Dinners with old high school friends • Celebrating my grandfather’s 90th birthday!! That feeling of controlling my time is priceless. Especially because I remember what it felt like to NOT control my time. And if you start building your corporate escape plan now: You’ll never need permission to take vacation again. And if you’re looking for help… Until the end of the month – I’m running my 'FREEDOM DAY' promo: Take The Leap, my 6-month mastermind is $1,000 OFF for the first THREE who want to find their next (very aligned) career move. We’ll work together to build your 1-person business. Whether you already know what you want to do, but have no idea where to start. Or you have NO idea at all.. but know you just can’t take another 25 years of corporate life. Either way – I got you. Together, we: • Create your offer / what you sell • Build audience of potential clients • Earn your 1st $1,000 in your new 1-person business. Whenever you’re ready to stop asking for permission… DM me ‘FREEDOM’ for the details. 📸 Good to be back in the US..New York, NY __________

When I set out in August, I wanted to be a wild and free spirit rocking out with the windows down and wind in my hair out on the open road. And, I secretly wanted the road trip to have “purpose”—as a reward, as an answer, to find a home, and/or as an identity shift—just like my previous road trips at turning points during graduate school in 2008, and after job loss in 2010 and in 2012. This desire for clarity was stoked by questions that inevitably arose during the deep, honest conversations I had with all the new friends that I met along the way: Is this a vacation? A road trip? A sabbatical? A mid-life crisis? What are you doing? The honest answer: I don’t know. And, so at some point along the way, closer to the end than to the beginning, I finally shed my desire "to make certain what is uncertain, and I lived with the untrammeled openendedness of such fertile non-knowing." I found joy—that swirl of deep spiritual connection, pleasure, and appreciation, as defined by Brené Brown in her book, Atlas of the Heart. I was finally wild and free. Just like Everett Ruess, whose biography was gifted to me along the way. “At the beginning of his multiple treks into the desert, Ruess had no real idea of exactly what he hoped to accomplish. Toward the end of his recorded wanderings a few years later, that lack of focus no longer mattered,” wrote John Nichols in Everett Ruess: A Vagabond for Beauty. “Ultimately, it was his life that was his greatest work of art.” He was simply happy to paint, to write, and to be in the glory of nature. Somewhere in the enchanting, wide, open desert of New Mexico, I remembered how travel—especially solo, road-tripping on a budget—deeply fuels my own sources of inspiration: discovering new places, meeting new people, getting exposed to more lifestyles, seeing extraordinary beauty, connecting with nature, and ultimately my own true nature. Read this week's newsletter to hear more about what I'm learning and reflecting on right now. #learning #integrity #inspiration #selfleadership #spiritualdevelopment #discernment #levelingup

Did you know that most people choose to move during the summer months? It's true! The sunny weather, longer daylight hours, and school vacation make it an ideal time for families to relocate. 🏡🌞 While summer moves have their perks, they also come with their own set of challenges - like high demand for moving services and potentially higher costs. So, if you're planning a summer move, start planning early! Book your movers ahead of time, start collecting boxes, and begin the packing process sooner rather than later. ⏰📦 Remember, a well-planned move is a smooth move. Stay tuned for more tips and insights to make your moving experience a breeze! #MovingHouse #SummerRelocation 🌻🚛

Another tip for the younger generation... I hadn't taken a vacation since 2017, and I don't say that with pride. I kept prioritizing one important project over another, not realizing how quickly the years were slipping by. It's ironic because I always emphasized the importance of rest to my teams, ensuring no one went more than a year without a break. Unexpected circumstances recently forced me to take a vacation, coinciding with a critical phase of the project I’m deeply involved in. I resisted as long as I could, attended some meetings, answered emails, etc, but I finally spent meaningful days with my family. As I wrap up my last week, I've come to some important insights: 1- The world, and our work, will continue without us. 2- If everything stops when you're out, you're working wrong (or in the wrong place). 3- Sometimes we overestimate our own importance. Remember, you’re not a Beatle 4- It's said that 75% of the time you have with your children is before they turn 12. Seize the opportunity to create lasting memories with them. #job #vacation #success #career #rest #work

Do you feel passionate about your career? Or is it really something else? I'm fortunate to be on vacation in Australia right now for my birthday. Many locals I have talked to mentioned that Americans, in particular, are so afraid of losing their jobs that they do not take any or all of their vacation. For me, vacation is an invigorating space to broaden your mind and to explore new ideas. But the flawed reality of our work/life situation is driven by more than finances. Check out this info from our friends at Gallup and let me know your thoughts : https://lnkd.in/eKhEArUa.

🏡 Embarking on a New Journey: The Path to Moving 🚚 As the saying goes, “Change is the only constant in life,” and it’s with a mix of excitement and nostalgia that I share my upcoming transition: moving to a “old new home”. This journey is more than just relocating; it’s about embracing new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Currently, my days are filled with juggling work commitments, family responsibilities, and the seemingly endless task of packing. Each box packed is not just a physical object moved but a step towards a new chapter in my life and career. I’ve learned that every move is a chance to declutter, to prioritize what truly matters, and to make space for new experiences and relationships. It’s a physical and metaphorical journey towards setting new goals and chasing dreams with renewed energy. This process has been a powerful reminder of the importance of adaptability, planning, and the support of friends, family, and colleagues. It’s a testament to the strength that comes from balancing professional ambitions with personal growth. I am looking forward to settling into my new home and the fresh beginnings it represents. But until then, I am living in a world of boxes, to-do lists, and fond farewell to my, soon to be, “ex-beautiful home”. To everyone who’s been a part of my journey, and to those who are navigating their own transitions, know that every step forward is a step towards new possibilities. Here’s to the lessons we learn, the growth we experience, and the new paths we explore! #Moving #NewBeginnings #LifeTransitions #CareerGrowth #FamilyFirst #LinkedinCatholicCommunity