In a recent LinkedIn post, Leslie Venetz shares a personal anecdote that underscores a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of professional life: the importance of adequate rest. Venetz details a recent travel decision that prioritized sleep in her own bed over the convenience of a connecting flight, sparking a conversation about how individuals manage demanding schedules.
Venetz highlights the personal toll of constant travel and the deliberate choice she made to reclaim her sleep, stating:
“Last week, I booked a flight home to Chicago just to sleep in my own bed before flying out again the next morning.”
This decision, while seemingly unconventional, speaks to a broader theme of self-care and strategic resource management. As Venetz points out, not everyone can function optimally on minimal rest:
“Some people can sleep anywhere. I am not one of those people.”
The Trade-offs of Constant Connectivity
Venetz’s post delves into the reality faced by many professionals who are frequently on the move. The ability to sleep soundly is not a universal given, especially in the often-disruptive environment of travel. By choosing to fly home, even for a short period, Venetz demonstrates a commitment to her personal well-being and, by extension, her effectiveness. She describes the intervening hours:
“For 14 hours I took a long bath, unpacked and repacked, and made bad art that brings me big joy.”
This period, while not spent working, was dedicated to restorative activities and personal rejuvenation. Venetz frames this time not as lost productivity, but as a necessary investment.
Recharging for Future Demands
The decision to invest in a night’s sleep in a familiar environment, rather than push through on a connecting flight, suggests a strategic approach to maintaining peak performance. According to Venetz, the benefits of this restorative pause far outweighed the logistical complexities or potential criticisms.
She concludes her post with a question posed to her network: “Would you have taken the connecting flight?” This engagement invites a wider discussion on the practicalities of balancing demanding careers with personal needs. In Venetz’s view, prioritizing sleep is not a luxury, but a necessity for sustained success and personal fulfillment. Her experience serves as a reminder that even small, deliberate choices can have a significant impact on overall well-being and professional resilience.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Leslie Venetz on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on March 30, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →