Taking a Real Break: Why This Year I’m OTFOTE

In the world of startups and entrepreneurship, the concept of “time off” often feels like a distant dream. The emails keep coming, the deadlines loom, and the demands of running a business rarely take a pause, especially when you’re a founder. But this year, for the first time in a long time, I’m doing things differently.

I’m going OTFOTE: Off the Face of the Earth.

The Illusion of the Out-of-Office Reply

There was a time when my out-of-office message read something like this:

“I am out of office until December 26th, but will be taking periodic breaks between binging Christmas movies and mince pies to periodically answer urgent emails.”

Translation? “I’ll basically not be taking any real time off, will habitually check my email 47 times a day, and respond faster than I do during working hours.”

Looking back, it’s clear that I wasn’t just failing to take a break-I was perpetuating the very cycle of burnout I often warned others about.

The Start-Up Grind

When my co-founder, Paula, and I launched Houston & Ko five years ago, we didn’t even bother setting out-of-office replies. Why would we? We were overworked, underpaid startup founders living the hustle life. Every email felt urgent, every task felt non-negotiable, and “downtime” was just a concept we admired from afar.

But the truth is, no one, not even a founder, can operate at full capacity forever. Eventually, something has to give.

Choosing to Disconnect

This year, I made a decision: to prioritize presence over productivity, to embrace the magic of the holiday season without the constant buzz of notifications. I’m spending this time with family and friends, being present, and truly switching off. It’s not just about recharging; it’s about reclaiming the joy of the holidays and setting an example for those around me.

And I hope you’ll do the same. Whether you’re a business owner, a team leader, or part of a busy workforce, taking time to step away isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity.

Gratitude for the Journey

To our incredible team, our customers, and everyone who has supported us this year: Thank you. Your encouragement and trust mean more to us than we can ever express. You’ve been a vital part of our journey, and we’re endlessly grateful.

Wishing You a Joyful Holiday Season

As we close out another year, I encourage you to find your own version of OTFOTE – whether that means completely unplugging or simply carving out time for what matters most to you.

Here’s to a joyful holiday season and a fresh, exciting start to the New Year. Let’s make 2025 the year we work smarter, live fuller, and embrace balance in all its forms.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Houston & Ko!

If you want to stretch your staffing budget without dropping any balls, reach out, and we’ll help you fill gaps in your staffing. 

What we wanted to tell you is that the grass is not greener on the other side, it’s just different grass and your own experience will depend on what you value in life. For us?


We wouldn’t have it any other way.