Why we need to stop shaming remote workers and people with disabilities for taking time off

The last time I was a guest on a podcast, I was a first for that show in two different ways:

• I was the first remote worker (guest)
• And the first formally diagnosed Dyspraxic to come on the show and talk about their Dyspraxia.

The host also happened to have a disability themselves, something that doesn’t happen often when I make guest appearances on podcasts. That alone was freeing. I didn’t have to mask my neurodiversity to keep up with someone else’s idea of “normal”.

So I was as transparent as I possibly could be, even when discussing heavy topics, like stigma and bullying, for example.

Although what I remember the most about that conversation is the first ten minutes.

The host said:

“How are you?”

Then I surprised even myself with my response:

“I’m good thanks. Just woke up from a nap, so I feel great! “

He laughed, I laughed, and we had a very relatable conversation about our preferences around napping. Turns out he’s not a fan of napping during the day, but I love it. Discussing when I nap, why I nap, and how I nap was the perfect segway into me explaining how my brain works.

Because the first thing we talked about was how rest benefits me from a productivity and creativity perspective.

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At the time, unapologetically admitting I take nap breaks felt important

I’m a millennial, and to me, one of the most damaging features of my generation is our relationship with technology.

Everything from weddings, engagements, and pregnancies, to other important milestones, are seen through Instagram and Facebook filters. You hardly ever see the difficult parts of all these things. When people are vulnerable, it’s often a troubling cry for help.