I feel too guilty to take PTO from work - HELP!

  • Dear Living Revive Team,

    I’ve been feeling a lot of guilt lately about taking time off from work. I work in a fast-paced environment where things move quickly, and I’m usually the go-to person in the office. I’ve always prided myself on being reliable and dependable, and I hate the thought of letting anyone down. To make matters more complicated, I haven’t even been at this job for three months yet.

    Recently, I took a few days off for mental health reasons because I was feeling completely overwhelmed, but now I can’t shake this nagging guilt. I feel like I should be pushing through, especially since I’m still new to the team and trying to prove myself. Is it okay to take time off when you’re feeling like this? How do I let go of this guilt and feel more confident about prioritizing my well-being?

    Sincerely,
    Overwhelmed & Guilty

  • Hey Overwhelmed & Guilty,

    First off, let me just say—you’re not alone in feeling this way. So many of us, especially in fast-paced environments, put this ridiculous pressure on ourselves to always be “on.” And when you’re new to a job, that pressure can feel even heavier because you want to prove you belong there. But let me be super clear: taking care of yourself is never a bad thing.

    I know it’s tough, but taking time off doesn’t mean you’re slacking or letting anyone down—it means you’re human. And honestly, nobody expects you to run at 100% all the time (except maybe the little voice in your head that sounds like a perfectionist, lol). Let’s flip the script: taking care of your mental health now makes you a stronger team member in the long run. Would you rather burn out in your first few months, or show up as your best self after a much-needed reset? Exactly.

    As for being new on the team, think about it this way—proving yourself doesn’t mean being a superhero who never rests. It’s about being smart and knowing your limits. It’s okay to step back when you need to recharge. And trust me, no one’s going to think less of you for taking a few days to prioritize your well-being. In fact, they might even respect you more for setting boundaries and taking care of yourself.

    The guilt might not go away overnight, but try reminding yourself why you took the time off in the first place: because you needed it. You’re not being selfish—you’re being responsible. And honestly? That’s what real success looks like.

    You got this!