The holidays are here—a time to finally catch a breather, spend time with loved ones, and maybe even sleep in a little. But let’s be honest: it’s not always easy to switch off, especially when work emails and career worries keep creeping into your head. You might feel like entirely unplugging means falling behind, but here’s the good news—it doesn’t have to be that way.
With some planning, you can recharge while examining what matters to your career. Here’s how to balance rest and productivity this holiday season without burning yourself out.
1. Productivity doesn’t always mean hustling
We often think of being productive as cramming more into our days. But real productivity includes knowing when to slow down. Resting isn’t being lazy—it’s a smart move. It allows your brain to reset and your body to recharge.
Try this: take a stroll along East Coast Park, binge that Netflix series guilt-free, or enjoy some uninterrupted family time. Permitting yourself to rest means you’ll return to work in January feeling sharper and more motivated.
2. Draw the line: work can wait
If the thought of ignoring work ultimately makes you nervous, you’re not alone. But constantly being “on” isn’t doing you any favours. Set some boundaries before your break begins—let your team know when you’re off-duty, set an out-of-office email, and stick to it.
Need to check emails? That’s okay! Just limit it to a specific time each day, like 15 minutes in the morning, so you’re not glued to your phone during dinner or a holiday movie night.
3. Use the quiet time to reflect
The end of the year is the perfect time to think about where you’re at in your career. What went well this year? What didn’t? What’s the next step? These aren’t questions to stress over—just let yourself think about them casually, maybe over a kopi at your favourite hawker centre.
If you’re unsure where to start, check out CareersFinder, a tool on the MyCareersFuture platform that empowers you to discover your upskilling and career needs through a personalised jobs and skills recommender.
4. Upskill in bite-sized ways
Learning something new doesn’t mean signing up for a full-blown course over the holidays (unless you’re up for it). Instead, look for more minor, fun ways to grow your skills. Watch a TED Talk, read career-related articles (psst… check out Career GRIT), or use a free design or coding tool.
If you’re ambitious, check out courses on SkillsFuture or workshops at your local community centre. Even a small effort to learn something new can set you up nicely for the future.
5. Check in on your career health
Career health is about more than just climbing the ladder. It’s also about balance and feeling good about what you do. Take some time this season to think about how your work fits into your life. Are you happy with where things are headed? Or is it time for a change?
If you’re unsure if your Career Health is up to par, try out this light-hearted quiz and have a glance at your career health!
If you’re exploring new paths, tools like the Occupation Recommender on MyCareersFuture can help you find roles that match your skills and goals. It’s a small step, but it can make a big difference in planning your next move.
6. Don’t overbook yourself
Let’s be honest: the holidays can get overwhelming. It’s easy to overcommit between parties, family gatherings, and last-minute shopping. Allow yourself to say “no” to things or activities that don’t spark joy (yes, Marie Kondo style).
Instead, focus on activities that make you happy. Maybe it’s a quiet afternoon at Gardens by the Bay, a short getaway to Sentosa, or just staying in with your favourite book. The key is to do what feels right for you.
Take a break, your career will thank you
Remember, unplugging doesn’t mean dropping the ball on your career. It’s about taking a step back so you can see the bigger picture. By setting boundaries, giving yourself time to rest, and reflecting on what’s next, you’re not just taking a break—you’re setting yourself up for a more decisive, more focused year ahead.
So, go ahead and enjoy the holidays. Switch off that work brain (or put it on low power mode) and make space for the things that matter. Your future self and career will thank you.
