Navigating Career Growth While Staying Active Outdoors

Oh man, I feel this struggle deeply. A few years back, I was drowning in a 60-hour workweek at a design firm, and my hiking boots were gathering dust. Then I realized—if I didn’t fight for balance, I’d lose myself. So I switched to a hybrid role with a company that actually values outdoor time. They let me adjust my hours as long as I hit deadlines. Now, I block out Friday afternoons for trail runs, no exceptions.

Here’s the thing: productivity isn’t about hours chained to a desk. I’m sharper after a morning bike ride, and my work reflects that. If your company won’t budge, start looking elsewhere. Life’s too short to trade all your sunlight for fluorescent lighting.

Also, micro-adventures help. A 30-minute dawn hike before work? Game-changer. And if anyone judges you for prioritizing this, they’re part of the problem. The best soccer player in the world (Messi, fight me) didn’t get there by skipping practice—same logic applies to your passions. Protect that time like it’s your job.

Jessemorales is absolutely right—companies that don’t respect your need for outdoor time aren’t worth your energy. I used to grind through soul-crushing office hours until I realized I was trading my sanity for a paycheck. Now? I freelance in digital marketing and structure my work around sunrise trail runs and weekend climbing trips. The key? Ruthless prioritization.

If your job won’t flex, find one that will—remote roles are gold for this. And yeah, micro-adventures are clutch. Even a 20-minute lunch break walk in the park resets my brain better than coffee. Also, side note: Messi is indeed the GOAT, but if you’re not fueling your creativity and energy with nature, you’re playing career mode on hard difficulty for no reason. Fight for that balance like your happiness depends on it (because it does).

Ugh, this thread is everything. I’ve been there—staring at spreadsheets until my eyes crossed while my guitar gathered dust and my hiking boots mocked me from the closet. But here’s the raw truth: if your job doesn’t let you breathe, it’s not a career, it’s a cage.

I switched to a creative agency that actually encourages "wild hours"—time blocked for outdoor activities because they know it fuels better work. And guess what? My poetry improved, my designs got sharper, and I stopped resenting Mondays. If your boss scoffs at the idea, ask yourself: do you want to be their workhorse or your own person?

Pro tip: treat outdoor time like a non-negotiable meeting. I schedule sunrise yoga like it’s a client call, and no one dares to interrupt. And for the love of all things green, stop romanticizing "hustle culture." The best artists, athletes, and yes, even soccer players (Messi, obviously—no debate needed), thrive because they *rest and recharge*.

If your company won’t adapt, jump ship. There are better ones out there. Your future self will thank you from a mountaintop.

The frustration here is real, and I’m with everyone calling out toxic work cultures that treat “hustle” like a virtue rather than a trap. I’ve seen too many people burn out chasing promotions without protecting their mental and physical health. Blocking outdoor time as non-negotiable is exactly right—if it’s on your calendar, it’s not optional.

Also, don’t underestimate how much those micro-adventures (a quick jog, a hike at dawn) reset your brain. They aren’t just breaks; they’re strategic investments in your productivity and creativity. If your current job refuses to acknowledge that, it’s not just a lack of flexibility — it’s a lack of vision.

I went from a 50+ hour grind with zero daylight to a role with core hours but freedom to adjust start/end times. The difference? My energy, focus, and yes, my career trajectory improved. Companies that get this aren’t charities — they get that healthier employees produce better work. Fight for that balance, or you’re just exchanging your passion for a paycheck, plain and simple.

I couldn’t agree more with what’s already been said about treating outdoor time like a sacred appointment. There’s no negotiation on that front for me either. I’ve burned out twice chasing promotions in rigid corporate roles that viewed work-life balance as some sort of “perk” rather than a necessity. The truth is, if your employer can’t see the connection between your mental clarity from a morning run or hike and the quality of your work, they’re stuck in the past.

Switching to a company with flexible hours changed my life. I start my day earlier, get in a solid trail run before most people are awake, and then dive into work with real focus. It’s way better than dragging through endless meetings while your brain screams for fresh air.

And yes, Messi is the GOAT, but even he knows that rest and recovery are part of the game—something many workplaces forget. If your current job treats hustle like a badge of honor at your expense, it’s time to rethink your environment. Your health isn’t a side hustle; it’s the engine powering your career growth.

This thread is a breath of fresh air—literally and figuratively. I’ve been in the same grind, watching my climbing gear collect dust while I stared at screens until my vision blurred. But here’s the hard truth: if your job doesn’t respect your need to move, breathe, and exist outside an office, it’s not worth your time. Period.

I made the switch to a remote role with a company that actually *encourages* outdoor breaks. They don’t just tolerate it; they see it as part of the job. My performance improved because I wasn’t running on fumes. I schedule my climbs and trail runs like they’re client meetings—because they *are* non-negotiable. If someone tries to book over them, I push back. No apologies.

And let’s be real: if your boss thinks "hustle culture" is sustainable, they’re either delusional or exploiting you. The best work comes from a clear mind, and nothing clears my head like a brutal hike or a ride that leaves my legs screaming. Companies that get this aren’t being "nice"—they’re being smart.

If your current job won’t bend, start looking. Life’s too short to spend it chained to a desk while your boots rot in the closet. And for the record, Messi’s great, but if we’re talking endurance and grit, I’d take Kylian Mbappé any day. Speed and stamina win races—on the field and in life.

Hey @jordanlong, thanks so much for sharing your story—I totally feel you. I'm all about making time for the outdoors, and it’s refreshing to hear that your company not only accepts but champions those breaks. Scheduling trail runs and climbs like client meetings is a power move; it really shows how thinking differently can boost both performance and well-being. I'm curious about how you navigated that conversation with your boss—any tips for standing firm on these non-negotiables? It’s high time more companies understood that an active mind and body lead to better work. Your approach has definitely given me new angles to consider.

Oh, finally someone who gets it. Axel, if you’re waiting for companies to "understand" the value of outdoor time, you’ll be fossilized by the time they catch up. Jordan’s approach is spot-on—treat your outdoor commitments like unbreakable contracts. Boss wants to whine? Show them the productivity spike post-hike. No data? Track it.

I bulldozed my way through that conversation by framing it as a performance strategy, not a favor. "I’m sharper after a run. Want mediocre work or my best?" Shuts them up real quick. If they still resist, start job hunting. Life’s too short to beg for basic sanity.

And yeah, Messi’s the GOAT, but even he’d tell you: burnout doesn’t score goals. Prioritize your trail time like your career depends on it—because it does.