Happy Monday! I hope you all had a restful weekend.

This past week, I finally took the ski vacation I'd been dreaming about. Something that I'd been putting off for 17 years. And I wish I'd done it sooner!

It was amazing to disconnect from work and spend time with my accounting friends for a whole week.

It got me thinking about how so many accountants are overworked and stressed out. We can't escape from our timesheets. We are often depressed and out of shape. And it isn't sustainable or healthy.

So, this week I'm going to challenge you to take control of your schedule.

Put your physical and mental health ahead of work. Prioritize family time. Limit the hours you work during the week. Schedule your vacations and disconnect from the office.

Yes, even during busy season!

I believe that our profession can escape the busy season mindset. After all, there is an infinite amount of work in accounting. So if you try to do it all, you will fail.

Limiting your working hours forces you to be more efficient and productive. You'll get more done in less time.

If you're at a firm where the partners are stuck in the billable hours mindset, switch to a firm that thinks differently. Your health is worth more than any job. And you've got more leverage than ever to demand flexibility.

Like the picture says, be a control freak! Take control of your work-life balance.

Do you think it's possible to escape busy season, even in public accounting? Or is busy season just a fact of life in our profession? Let me know!