No sooner than the words slipped off my tongue, did I immediately regret uttering the truth out loud: I haven’t taken more than three to four days off in a row in 10 years.
Since buying the True Dakotan in 2015, I haven’t taken what most consider a “real” vacation. I’ve mastered the “turn and burn” trip that would allow for a long weekend away to visit friends and family or attend an event, but always made it back for press deadline, relying on my trusty MacBook Pro to pound out stories, edit photos and design ads while I was away from the office.
So, back to the regret I felt when sharing this truth out loud. It wasn’t so much the statement itself, but the context in which it was shared.
It was late April 2025, and I had just sat down for lunch with journalist colleagues from around the state at the South Dakota NewsMedia (SDNA) Association’s 142nd annual convention in Aberdeen. They were weighing in on a panel discussion earlier in the day, which, along with three fellow South Dakota publishers, I had the honor of helping lead.
The panel, titled “I get by with a little help from my friends,” covered proven tips to help journalists publish a quality news product on deadline by utilizing help from community members, technology, and a variety of helpful tools.
Audience engagement throughout the panel discussion was energetic and symbiotic. It’s safe to say everyone in the room felt connected and supported, especially when the panel discussion turned to selfcare.
Like many professions, burnout is becoming alarmingly common among journalists, and according to a survey conducted by Muck Rack last year, highstress levels, workload, and the “always-on” dilemma are factors that contribute to the emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion reported by respondents.
Listening to the discussion during the SDNA panel in Aberdeen — and knowing that I have experienced these feelings too — made me realize that burnout is a collective reality, and selfcare is vital for the future of our industry.
Attendees shared a wide variety of brilliant ideas, and the discussion was open, thoughtful, and uplifting. I’d even go so far as to say everyone in the room left with not only a good idea to take back to their newsrooms but also a powerful glimmer of hope and optimism.
Returning to the lunch conversation held after the panel, and the puzzled, concerned looks on my colleagues’ faces, I quickly realized it was time to do something about my admitted lack of time off.
How could I lead a panel about preventing burnout and remaining vibrant in a journalist role when I hadn’t followed that advice myself ?
Later this week, I aim to change that.
I am taking a six-day family vacation, and the True Dakotan office will be closed from Friday, May 30, through Thursday, June 5. We will be open during regular business hours on Friday, June 6.
The June 4, 2025 print and e-edition will be published on time, and you, our valued readers and advertisers, shouldn’t know the difference.
While my goal is to limit remote work as much as possible while on vacation, I understand that urgent situations may arise during our absence. I will have limited access to email and cell phone, and can be reached at 605-350-4906 or kristi@truedakotan.com.
As always, thank you for your support and readership, and for understanding our need for a pause after a decade of deadlines.