How do you know when it's time to take time off?

You must figure this out before you turn into THAT person. You know the one. The person everyone avoids because their energy is toxic and negativity oozes out of their pores. They’ve gone way past burn out, and they’ve perfected the do-the-least-possible apathy required of someone who really needs time off.

Maybe you’ve already turned into that person. How would you know? Here’s a list of common symptoms.

You select a candy bar with nuts over gummies for lunch and are proud of your healthy choice
You bargain with your hygiene every time you press the snooze, and so you’re chewing gum on the drive instead of brushing your teeth because you needed that three more minutes of sleep
Your brain’s random task shedding forgets your sibling’s birthday but loops the lyrics to Bohemian Rhapsody incessantly
You’re using sharpies to freshen up your shoes
You answer “How are you?” with how much the day sucks so far and why
You roll your eyes while someone is talking and then have to pretend there was something on the ceiling
You shake the pedometer to feel good about the day
Your sleep is measured by how many hours you didn’t get
Your give-a-damn went numb about 100 tweets ago
The first opening in your calendar for a relaxing bath is two months away
You’d rather have a root canal than go to another meeting, even the ones you’re running
Your overall belief in humanity has made the endangered list
You’re annoyed by invitations to do things you actually love to do

If you scored 7 or more, it’s time to take time off. If you checked all 13, stop reading. I can’t help you.

You do not get to this state of mind all of a sudden. Yes, there may have been big events that were catalysts (you were turned down for a promotion, your innovation idea failed, someone ate your donut), but mostly it’s a slow erosion of spirit borne mostly of boredom, repetition, and an overall absence of purpose and meaning. Or rest. When it’s time to take a break or even change course, don’t wait too long to do it.

Sometimes, all it takes is a mental health day where you stay in your pajamas all day and eat the entire Ben & Jerry’s Nondairy Chocolate Fudge Brownie ice cream right out of the container, while watching Ted Talks, reading poetry, and pretending that Lin Manuel Miranda left you a voicemail pitching the idea of co-writing a musical. Okay, maybe that’s a little too specific…

For others, a vacation is all they need to reboot their attitude. And some, well, they need a complete transition into a new life. That’s where I am right now.

If you’re in the same place, get a financial planner and make wise, well-planned, thoughtful decisions. OR listen to me.

Next – How do you answer, “What are you going to do?”