The Emails Can Wait. The Memories Can’t.

By Calleigh Smith, Director of Communications, Mobius Vendor Partners

Well, it’s my third article for First Friday, and I can’t help myself. I’m writing about travel again. Why? Because it’s the thing that fills my soul, resets my brain, and reminds me why I work so hard in the first place. I could probably live out of a suitcase as long as it came with a room with a killer view, strong coffee, and Wi-Fi that actually works.

This month, inspired by Christina Hale’s article, I’ve been thinking about the power of taking real vacations, not long weekends where you “half work, half rest,” but the kind of trip where your out-of-office reply does the talking and your brain finally exhales.

When I started my first job, I was the definition of hustle culture. First in the office, last to leave, laptop glued to my hands at all times. I sent midnight emails, answered “urgent” questions at birthday dinners, and once even joined a Zoom on my wedding day—about what? I couldn’t tell you now because it wasn’t important then, either.

I thought this dedication would earn me respect. Spoiler: it didn’t. Instead, it sent a loud message that my time wasn’t valuable so why would anyone else value it? It took burning out and missing out on real life to finally learn that lesson.

Last year, I had a major shift. I slowed down, focused on my family, and realized that truly stepping away doesn’t make you lazy, it makes you better. Taking time off clears your head, sharpens your perspective, and makes you a better communicator, leader, and friend.

Which brings me to my latest adventure: two weeks wandering Amsterdam and Paris with my mom and sister, celebrating their birthdays and soaking in the kind of moments you can’t put in a spreadsheet. For the first time in my adult life:

• I turned off all notifications.
• I let my out-of-office reply do the work.
• I stopped worrying about “team chat” and started living in the moment.

I toured the Anne Frank House and took in the views from the canals in Amsterdam. I enjoyed Eiffel Tower views, perfume-making courses, and delicious food and pastries in Paris. I took my mom and sister on what they’re calling “A Trip of a Lifetime,” and when I flew home, I felt reset.

Here’s the part that surprised me most: everything at work kept moving. Things were taken care of. Nothing fell through the cracks. The projects that truly needed me…well, they waited until I was back and they were just fine.

Here’s the thing: travel doesn’t just show you the world, it shows you yourself. I came back a better worker, more creative, and with a fresh perspective I couldn’t have found hunched over my laptop.

So, if you need the sign to book that trip, to turn off your phone, to finally let yourself live, this is it. go. The emails can wait. The memories can’t.