It's okay to take a break.

Thank you Brilliant for partnering with me on this video! If you want to learn more, go to brilliant.org/Mayuko to join me and millions of others!
After I finished filming and editing this video, I realized I wanted to add a bit more color and context to this video. Firstly I want to acknowledge that I'm really fortunate to have a job that affords me the opportunity to take breaks, and that I benefit from my own privilege and a supportive family that have helped me to do what I do. I know that a lot of people are in positions that don't afford them this luxury, and my intention is not to promote folks to take breaks even if it damages their livelihoods. There is still a lot of work and labor involved to Do Life especially in our current society, which disproportionately affects people from underrepresented backgrounds. My understanding is that it's harder than ever to gain that emotional, mental, financial, and physical flexibility to live life the way you want to.
My intention with this video, therefore, is to have an open dialogue around taking breaks, hustling, and challenging the notion that the only way to success/happiness is to prescribe to the all-consuming lifestyle of only working and going past your limits, all the time. I choose to introspect publicly on topics like this in hopes that there are others that relate to this idea who can share with me their thoughts, and also because doing so is a core part of my creative process as a content creator. Of course, hustling and working hard is absolutely a valid way to live your life if that's what you want. In fact, I think it's still necessary at various points throughout your life, whatever the reason might be for why. But I just wish there were more perspectives, nuances, and options to how to live life than what I've been taught especially from the tech industry, which is why I made this video.
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Mayuko Inoue is a content creator and Software Engineer. After working in Silicon Valley tech companies like Intuit, Patreon, and Netflix for six years as an iOS Engineer, she became a full-time creator in 2020. Her work aims to help people find their way through the tech industry by sharing her own experiences navigating this world through technology, career advice, and lifestyle videos. She is passionate about discussions around mental health, cultural identity, and creating technology with empathy and compassion.
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www.hellomayuko.com
This video was sponsored by Brilliant.

[@consumer338]

I literally quit my FT salaried job two weeks ago and I feel so free. I just feel like I need a long break to recharge and figure out what the rest of my life should look like. I saved up some money to last the next couple of months without having to work, but it feels great to go against the grain to focus on yourself.

[@eacy32]

Go for it! Listen to yourself. Have fun. I admire you!

[@girlanonymous]

That’s great, my last day is Dec 31st after 8 years, 3 months. I’m actually going back to school fulltime Jan 18th to finish my degree. Make sure your resume is up to date by taking classes or volunteering somewhere because employers/recruiters don’t take too kindly that “you just needed to take a break to figure out your life for several months” . It’s actually frowned upon and will cause recruiters to skip past your resume if you didn’t fill those weeks/months with SOMETHING productive. Doesn’t have to be a fulltime job but I learned the hard way that taking months away caused recruiters to think of me as being lazy. Taking class, certs, volunteering, even travel is better on a resume than nothing.

[@arhumz1573]

I’m about to do the same! Cheers to new beginnings.

[@harshpatel105]

Same. My last day is in next week :) Need to clear my mind, feeling burnt out :|

[@nochrisgo]

@@girlanonymous dont put the gap in your resume, thats it

[@aliabdaal]

Yay

[@JayeshDhandha]

So can i expect Mayuko in Deep Dive with with Ali Abdaal now :) :D

[@sandeepaweerasinghe120]

Daddy ?!

[@Omnigear]

I find it very relaxing to hear Mayuko talk about how to improve herself.

[@jdrew2000]

As someone that deals with high expectations of themselves and struggles with sustainable workflow, these videos are super relatable and helpful!

[@MOZYN]

I 100% agree with this. I used to feel bad for taking breaks and playing video games or watching movies or having fun because in the back of my mind I think of the more productive things that I COULD be doing with my limited time. That mentality was so unsustainable and damaging. I’m glad I’ve moved away from it and have been prioritizing breaks and meditation. Just be careful not to get stuck in the “break phase”! That’s something I still struggle with at times. 😂

[@katharinamaerbacher2554]

Thank you so much Mayuko! I literally needed this after a very stressful semester so far. Seeing someone as productive as you are promoting taking breaks really makes me accept and enjoy taking breaks, without feeling guilty that I should use the time to be productive again.

[@michelleandthemachine]

I really needed this message today. Thank you for sharing this permission to take breaks to rest and recharge.

[@NorthGameStudio]

I agree with everything you said in this video, especially at around three minutes, it is so important to put your life into perspective and focus on yourself and take a breather to avoid burnout. But things take a completely different turn when you have kids. I have three kids, I love my kids, but when you’re working a full-time job in tech, and youre also trying to be a content creator, and you have so many different little projects and things to attend for your kids, it can be so stressful and so time consuming. It is so important to learn to be OK with yourself taking a break, I wish I would have learned that before having kids. I too was in the hustle mentality, and it has made it so much harder to adjust after having kids. Perspective. Important. Thanks for sharing, big fan of the community and channel.

[@Ziggity]

Can definitely relate. I work as software developer 4 days a week while taking 3 university computer science courses. After a while my body and mind were signaling me to slow down. With time you learn to listen. Shaved off two courses so I could focus more on my health. Thank you for bringing up these topics

[@vladinstein]

It's weird, I noticed I was becoming more and more stressed, even the smallest things started to get me out of balance. and then someone did a presentation about meditation in my school and then I saw this video. seems like this world is pushing me in the right direction. I did take a brake this summer and promised myself to never get sucked in by all this hustle and stuff, but it's difficult, cause it happens so gradually and we don't notice at first and then boom! you're rushing at a supersonic speed again (not sure in what direction)! Okay. Time for another brake. Hope everyone is well! Thanks for the video!

[@tarrySubstance]

Thank you for this video. I was also having these feelings as I am in my winter break.

[@AparnaJain1]

Such a good video, Mayuko! I’ve been struggling with this since I left the Silicon Valley. I have two children that I want to spend time with and nurture but this habit of wanting to be productive makes me feel like I’m wasting time. It’s a terrible feeling either way. I started KZbin as a way to “do something and make an impact” and it really feels like a good time to take a break for my mental health. So many signs coming my way, and this video was another one, so thank you! Btw, Your storytelling skills in this video shine so much. Well done!

[@flyy1226]

Love this video and had to watch a few times to help me process my stress. Thank you!

[@coder-wolf]

This is my most favorite video on youtube. Really loved the way you opened up and let yourself be vulnerable to yourself. Selfcare is truly the most important thing we should focus on, and I just love to see someone else is also taking steps towards that in their own Wish you the best mayuko.

[@chicharonadobo3887]

Thank you i needed this, i feel so low lately but your advice made me feel better

[@ch10120]

Thank you for this, Mayuko. This is a much-needed advice for everyone especially during the Covid/ post-Covid period when a lot of companies are sacking people to "re-structure" the distribution of resources. As much as I don't like the idea of seeing our contribution to an organization as plain resources (without taking into the consideration that we can add cultural values and insights into our work), I must also admit that it's the fear of losing the job or, if you have just landed a new position, the fear that it's hard to find a new position in the current job market due to economic instability that push us to sometimes overwork ourselves even though we are well-aware of our capacity to take up certain amount of projects and tasks. It's not easy to internalize that mindset, as you have said, without feeling a sense of self-doubt. But we are learning together :) Thank you so much for bringing up this topic at this time 💛

[@ClassicGameSessions]

Thank you for saying this which really needs to be said more. People need to rest and rejuvenate - we're all happy and more productive for it in the end. I'm all for the 4 day work week and it's proven to be effective!

[@Andrew-ut2wi]

Oh man it’s so hard to break out of that hustle mindset sometimes and so easy to forget that just being is enough

[@KleanMe]

I am currently teaching myself UX development, everyday, 5-10 hours a day for the past month. Along with being a full time video editor, I work a lot from my computer. I had a panic attack because today I just didn’t feel like doing it. I was beating myself up for not continuing the grind. Thank you for your video. It’s helping me realize that I need days to myself and help my brain cool off. You rock!

[@erbu2629]

I agree it’s very relaxing to discover and recover yourself after a long long journey of job in past few years.

[@drakearries]

I really need this right now, thank you :))

[@MegaG2005]

I am taking a 8 day break and I was feeling soo guilty but you made me feel better

[@DHILLA-yz4rx]

Thanks for this!

[@adityabhargava6331]

Found your channel recently and... let me be straight after a busy workday, the best thing to do is watch one of your videos. Keep up the great work.

[@puddlewick]

fr. i love watching her vids at the end of the day bcz it makes me feel so relaxed

[@mameemia]

I NEEDED THIS THANK YOU!

[@yako_oneness]

I'm really gratefull for myself that i'm really, really prioritize about myself since young, in this moment☺❤

[@rjbiz]

My take away from this video - start having ice cream dates with myself in a nice park 😊 seems so relaxing! You should try out Trader Joe’s Soy Creamy Cherry Chocolate Chip, it’s my fav 🙌🏽

[@GabeTheYabe]

I had a recent burnout that lasted a whole week. Did not code at all. Instead, I went on walks, ate healthy foods, and did weight lifting. Now, I feel recovered and started the grind again. Breaks are crucial and needed from time time. Lastly, when will the 'L' hoddie size return back on the shelf? I am dying to buy one hehe

[@srijankunwar2190]

man im 19 and I feel like I'm at that situation right now past few months.university and life is hectic so everyone take a small break.

[@simplerway489]

it's easy to get lost track. I think it's nice for you to share your thoughts as you navigate through life. There're so many sides to consider.

[@xthaone]

I worked in healthcare since the start of pandemic and quit last year in the Summer. Taking a 6 month career break has helped me appreciate life more by slowing down, visit family often, and enjoy the things I used to love again.

[@tristansalvanera]

I feel this so much, for reals

[@proziumeq2757]

Good share. A lot of useful tips. I appreciate you!

[@DemetriPanici]

*“When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life.” - Jean Shinoda Bolen*

[@Californiansurfer]

I start my day at 3am which I work from 4am to 12:30 and 3 hrs overtime helping others before I go home. I am burning out… I think it the weather, I don’t know. I think its the rain. I remember working in Shepardvill kentucky and for three month no sun… Never do that again.. Downey California

[@curateitgorl]

Needed this. I’m all around tired 😴

[@lijstthuispiano]

miss being bored, yes i DO miss that a lot

[@AliMalik-yt5ex]

That's nice! I should take tomorrow off! *proceeds to continue the journey toward burnout*

[@frischey]

I really needed to hear this today

[@antonellamar]

This resonated so much with me. Those moments of just being and existing are so important. I stopped thinking of them as a luxury and more as an investment in, not just my well being, but also my performance and quality of ideas & work ✨

[@sandeshadhikari4785]

I need this video..

[@thetrends5670]

When I take break, that day it feels like I've nothing to do beside watching phone and tv, instead of fun it looks like I'm getting bored, so again start working after few hours on a whole day leave

[@BobstyleLiving]

Mayuko, your tumbler is the same like mine ))

[@AssadJawaid]

Naps are awesome. Naps for me have transformed from being 15 mins to 1 hour. The same for my friends in NorCal.

[@potterhead.4851]

Wow.

[@brobords1972]

Hi ma'am nice to meet you from you tube be safe

[@mrrobo6189]

@mayuko thanks you, every your video always remind me that the world is need more who people come alive.

[@sushixaddict]

Were you at Lake Chabot Park? I think recognize those landscapes! I loved the video, btw

[@kartikaybhagat8504]

I finished an 8-month gaming contract position last year, it really really burned me out, too many 12 hour workdays. I really don't even know if I currently have it in me to start a new Tech Position anytime soon. Too many long hours, too many toxic bosses, and just too many things. I don't just feel burned out, I feel Creatively Burned out, all I've been doing is being outside as much as I can be.

[@albertign12]

This video couldn't have come at a more perfect time because I've been feeling pretty worn as of late and even spilled my coffee and broke one of my favorite mugs today :( Also, I don't know if this was intentional or not, but at 0:52, "physical" was mispelled as "phyiscal" and I felt that.

[@noirsupernova]

I NEED THIS. But it's scary for me to take the leap. Female Software Engineer here. Been doing this stuff for 14 years now. I haven't had a long break, like 3-6 months long break. Probably because I was traumatized in the past. In the early years in my career, I lost my job and became jobless for 3 years. I am scared of job instability or burning through my savings.

[@facksvillain2296]

I'm so scared to take a break because I don't wanna get looked at as a slacker

[@julianaboolean]

A meditation on breaks. Love how she really thinking in multiple places. Almost like it was shot over a series of breaks. I love it. Lots of vulnerable gems. Btw watching this from the bed under the covers is a mood.

[@DanielTames]

I like so much your channel, I feel the peace

[@mcdawgzy]

I quit my job in August and currently burning through my savings but 100% I cannot recommend it enough! My mental health has improved significantly and I no longer hate my life every single morning. Focusong on myself has been the best thing for me so far!

[@harshpatel105]

That's great but how do you display it on your resume? I am serving the notice period and have my last working day in the coming week. Worried about how to show it on the resume.

[@madbug1965]

Great advice! At least before you get married and have a couple kids. Once you hit that point in your life, your life is no longer your own and all you think about is the good old days before you got married...

[@haifaalya8551]

Content that i really need right now ❤️

[@tungvu4339]

yeah well said

[@kabulbekzhan]

The AD at the end just killed the vibe

[@SuperTipu10]

I have never related to you more, Mayuko. I REALLY need a break rn and this video was really encouraging. Thank you!

[@DevashishJose]

thank you mayuko. you are the best

[@Joshdifferent]

Felt this ❤

[@melon610]

I heart you ❤

[@samuelodan2376]

Can you do a little bit of vlog-style videos here and there? Cos after watching older videos you were in, I just want to see and hear your goofy laugh again. Maybe it’s to confirm that you still have that side to you, but whatever it is, it’ll be so cool.

[@rickys9388]

yo i'm tired. felt that

[@quads4500]

I loved your video

[@hmenorjr]

Subscribed. Curious what you do when you're not a developer now. Do you focus on content creation?

[@Whyoakdbi]

Sustainability is key

[@jacobmaeser3556]

Great video!

[@samuelbarkley5517]

Aesthetic as always 🙂

[@4eversonic]

Interesting perspective. But, look around you and be thankful for what you have.

[@itshenreh7687]

Agreed! Hit the brakes. Take a break, so you won't break. It's winter break! Ready!? 3, 2, 1, BREAK!

[@nochrisgo]

My favorite way to take a break is to go out in nature and let my mind wander away from screens

[@adammikael3142]

This is more like philosophical channel rather than coding or programming channel

[@sebt4981]

Your video reminds me of Alan Watt's video explaining Japan's Zen philosophy, maybe you should check it, it's really interesting

[@kairoswave]

Amazing video, sometimes we forget to prioritize the important thing... our health. This may sound contradictory, but what helps me after intensive work day is training Jiu Jitsu. That is how I like to unwind from deadlines, it helps my emotional stress, and helps me socialize too. I highly recommend that.

[@sparrowwren8673]

I just had a few too many " brownies" and now, I'm tired.😜

[@MoonLight-eh7ok]

thank you.

[@nordiin88]

It is important bro! 😁 very very important

[@joewht6882]

Mayuko san has plenty of her own opinion. Her channel is generally hygiene and contains a lot of qualities that people like.

[@VaibhavShewale]

i think this think should be tought to HR's so that they can give breaks to employe

[@sxerosie]

Watching this as I take a break from work 🤧

[@yeabsiraabebe8598]

I love you

[@golammuhaimeen2825]

are you currently working on a full time job in addition to youtube?

[@blackfi12e622]

0:52 when “physical” gets greyed out, it’s misspelled as “phyiscal”. Intentional?

[@YoYo-ew2ge]

potatoing :D

[@GyasiLinje]

I’ve been tired since March 🥲

[@DemetriPanici]

*"We must free ourselves of the hope that the sea will ever rest. We must learn to sail in high winds." - Aristotle Onassis*

[@fidelvillareal7224]

Hi mayuko

[@stevensong8784]

4:40 - 5:20 #StressReliever

[@rebelsdeveloper367]

break for one year covid haha . making youtube tutorial what my pass idea last 10 year tech . Burn out is normal , work in small startup is tiring an under appreciated . Guys Girls take vacation release stress from work . Software Development should simplify our job life not increasing stresss.

[@tamilvanan342]

I think I should take a break from youtube forever

[@_Username__]

Mayuko san, since you don't work at a company, what do you take a break from?

[@rebelsdeveloper367]

please create nooo gadget day at least one for one year.

[@user-py7mz8oj7o]

it's not okay to take a break

[@paulomenezes4867]

why dont u play an old videogame just 4fun (like mario or zelda) in this year end?

[@Myron1010]

一コメ

[@Celuii]

First!!!!

[@aleksandarrusinov9974]

Forth

[@sarun2000]

:) Third