Read on Twitter
As we approach the holidays, community pros will find themselves in a dilemma - take time off and be guilted into believing that they’ve abandoned their community or work through the holidays and miss out on vital family time? It’s a false choice we should stop perpetuating 
Some play into it via misguided heroics and self-importance, while others genuinely feel they have no choice but to be omnipresent. Neither are correct.
First, if your community will crumble to pieces the second you step away for a slice of pie, there are larger problems afoot.
First, if your community will crumble to pieces the second you step away for a slice of pie, there are larger problems afoot.
Second, being chained to anything 24/7/365 is not heroic. It doesn’t make you a better community manager than anyone else. It doesn’t mean you’re more important than others. It just means that you haven’t found a sustainable operational model that affords you basic human needs.
“But my community _needs_ me at all times!”
No, they don’t. If they tell you that they do, then they’re not looking out for what’s best for you. They’re looking out for their own needs. Or is it that you need to be needed and project back on others? Don’t be a martyr.
No, they don’t. If they tell you that they do, then they’re not looking out for what’s best for you. They’re looking out for their own needs. Or is it that you need to be needed and project back on others? Don’t be a martyr.
“My boss and team all went on vacation and left me to handle it alone.”
Your boss and team are selfish asshats. Find a new team.
“I volunteered to keep watch so that others could enjoy time with their families.”
You’re a good egg. Just don’t take it too far. Don’t be a martyr.
Your boss and team are selfish asshats. Find a new team.
“I volunteered to keep watch so that others could enjoy time with their families.”
You’re a good egg. Just don’t take it too far. Don’t be a martyr.
“My community _really_ does need someone 24/7!”
There are specific communities that undeniably require attention at all times (suicide prevention, emotional support, NORAD Missile Command). If that’s you, then carry on. We salute you.
Otherwise, don’t be a martyr.
There are specific communities that undeniably require attention at all times (suicide prevention, emotional support, NORAD Missile Command). If that’s you, then carry on. We salute you.
Otherwise, don’t be a martyr.
Look, your devotion to your community is admirable. It really is! But, we need to break the cycle of these ridiculous expectations, whether internally or externally imposed, so that you can have a life outside of this community. Otherwise you’ll burn out. Don’t be a martyr.
Let’s talk solutions:
1. Accept that to lead a healthy community, you must be healthy. That means taking time off
2. Identify and train others about what you do and how to do it. Empower them
3. Craft a holiday staffing plan with shifts and escalation procedures
4. Go. Away.
1. Accept that to lead a healthy community, you must be healthy. That means taking time off
2. Identify and train others about what you do and how to do it. Empower them
3. Craft a holiday staffing plan with shifts and escalation procedures
4. Go. Away.
I want you to take time off, recharge your batteries, spend time with those you love (or Netflix), and come back fresh to continue being the most badass community pro you are. Learning to let go is an invaluable skill.
It’ll be there waiting for you when you get back. I promise.
It’ll be there waiting for you when you get back. I promise.
