Glad for Monday: Lessons Learned in the Gap

It feels unusual to be genuinely excited for Monday, but here I am. This coming week I’m starting a new-ish chapter in Patient and Family Relations with the Mass General Brigham Medical Group. My role that will be mostly remote, with just a little hybrid flexibility.

In some ways, this feels like coming full circle. I’ve worked in Patient and Family Relations before, and I know how meaningful it is to be part of the team that helps patients and families feel seen, heard, and cared for. But stepping back into this work after a pause feels different. I’m bringing with me not just experience, but lessons I picked up in the space between jobs.

Here are a few:

• Rest is not wasted time. Taking a break between roles wasn’t always comfortable—our culture pushes us to constantly do something. But giving myself permission to pause let me recharge, reset, and think clearly about what I wanted next. That space was just as valuable as any professional training.
• The value of alignment. A title, salary, or schedule can look good on paper, but if the culture doesn’t match your values, it will never feel right. I had to experience that firsthand to really appreciate it. This time, I feel confident that the work I’m stepping into is aligned with who I am and how I want to contribute.
• Good leadership matters. During my time with Mass General Brigham, I’ve seen how much of a difference the right leader can make. Having a boss who not only supports but invests in your growth, who listens and creates space for balance, changes how you show up at work. It’s a reminder that leadership isn’t just about outcomes—it’s about people.

Those lessons make this return to Patient and Family Relations feel even more meaningful. This is work that sits at the intersection of communication and care—where listening, problem-solving, and empathy aren’t “soft skills,” but essential ones. It’s work that matters, both in the individual conversations and in the larger mission of Mass General Brigham.

And I’m grateful that this role is designed with balance in mind. Working mostly remotely gives me the chance to focus deeply and structure my days in a way that supports both my work and my family, while still staying connected to the heart of healthcare.

So yes, I’m glad it’s almost Monday. Glad to return, glad for the chance to apply what I’ve learned, and glad to step into a role that feels purposeful, aligned, and led by someone who truly inspires me to bring my best.Here’s to fresh starts, to lessons learned, and to the kind of work that makes Monday something to look forward to.