At the career fair, Amber was the only recruiter from her company. For five hours, the line of candidates remained steady, with new arrivals every few minutes.

She could have conducted interviews all day without a single break.

Instead, she chose a better option. Mid-day with a kind smile, she let those in line know that she would need to step away for a quick lunch.

The candidates scattered.

When Amber returned, so did the line.

* * *

If we’re not careful, systems will work us to exhaustion. If we choose to work without ceasing — to the point of our own mental and physical exhaustion — we can. The system will allow it.

But we can also choose to take care of ourselves. To step away when we need to step away.

And in most cases, our work will be waiting for us when we return to our posts, and we can begin again … refreshed and ready.