I spent the last week sick in bed and just so exhausted.

So I took the time. And here's the part I want to talk about. Feeling guilty about taking the time I needed is not something I've been contending with.

The time is there. I need it. I take it.

So much guilt around this one thing

I know it doesn't feel that simple for a lot of people. Taking time off comes with so much guilt, even when you're sick, even when you're running on empty. People answer messages from bed. They apologize for being out. They come back before they're ready so nobody thinks they're slacking.

Unlimited PTO can make it harder. When there's no number, there's no clear line for what's "allowed," so every day off can feel like something you have to justify.

You're allowed to take it

Time off is there to be used. Sick time is for being sick. Rest is for when you're exhausted. You don't have to earn it, explain it, or wait until you're completely falling apart.

And the ops part of me will add this. If a team only works when nobody is ever out, that's a team with a single point of failure. You don't fix that by dragging yourself to your laptop from bed. (I wrote more about that in how to ask people to do things.)

• Instead of "So sorry, I know the timing is terrible…" try "I'm out sick and will be back when I'm better."
• Instead of checking messages "just in case," try an out-of-office that says who to go to.
• Instead of asking if it's okay to take the day, try letting people know you're taking it.

If you need the time, take it. I hope you feel empowered to do exactly that.

What makes it hard for you to take time off? Tell me →