Moving out to avoid the dreaded burnout…

May 12, 2025

Here our Group General Manager and event freelancer extraordinaire shares his experience of moving from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah (RAK).

So, after years of convincing myself that living in Dubai meant constantly being ‘switched on’ and available (apparently sleep was optional), I finally accepted reality. Spoiler alert: being available 24/7 actually doesn’t make you better at your job. Who knew? (And why didn’t anyone tell me???)

Cue my recent move from the non-stop rise and grind of Dubai to the considerably calmer Ras Al Khaimah. Trading the relentless buzz of Dubai for the calm, golden coastline of RAK wasn’t about escape. It was about elevation. Out here, there’s space to breathe, think, and build. It’s not about disconnecting from the work; it’s about reconnecting with the purpose behind it. And believe me, nothing sharpens strategy like a bit of sea air and a screen that’s not cluttered with 37 open tabs.

Turns out, constantly juggling flaming torches while balancing on a tightrope (also known as event management) is not the healthiest long-term career strategy. Burnout is sneaky like that, it doesn’t announce itself with fanfare; it just slowly replaces enthusiasm with exhaustion and turns creativity into endless cups of coffee.

I recently stumbled across an image titled ‘15 Habits of Event Professionals Who Don’t Burn Out,’ and it hit a nerve. Hard. It felt like someone had taken notes on my past life and turned them into a checklist. It was like reading a receipt for every reason of why I packed and moved. Uncanny. Two days in the office, three working remotely from the peace of RAK? Turns out, I was ahead of the list.

Why this new approach? Well, first off, treating my energy like a finite budget isn’t just clever advice, it’s essential for survival. It took a while, but I’ve finally learned the revolutionary concept of saying ‘no’ to problems that aren’t mine to fix. Revolutionary, I tell you. Turns out fewer fires to fight means more time for actual strategic thinking, who knew?

Moving to RAK wasn’t about running away from work (tempting though that was). Instead, it’s been a calculated shift to recharge my batteries regularly. Now, I have the breathing space to spot potential issues before they arise and genuinely enjoy those quiet wins without the constant background noise of the city.

Don’t worry, clients and team, I haven’t vanished into oblivion. Remote doesn’t mean removed. I’m visible, accessible, and plugged in whenever the team needs guidance, feedback, or just a healthy dose of dry humour to get them through the day. I’m still here, fully accessible and ready to help whenever needed. It’s amazing how removing myself from the constant churn has allowed me to become more creatively present for everyone involved.

This new routine isn’t about slowing down ambition. Far from it. It’s about sustaining ambition, enthusiasm, and creativity for the long haul without wearing exhaustion as some misguided badge of honour. My move to RAK isn’t a retreat; it’s strategic positioning, making sure I deliver exceptional results without sacrificing sanity or health.

Burnout isn’t a badge of honour; it’s a warning sign. And I’ve decided to heed that warning. This new schedule is my promise to myself, my team, and my clients: I’ll show up refreshed, clear-headed, and ready to craft those unforgettable experiences we all love. Because real success shouldn’t require caffeine drips or hourly pep talks, just some good old-fashioned balance and a healthy sense of humour.