Like most Autodesk employees I have just returned from our annual week of rest and holidays, plus a bonus few days this year courtesy of our leadership wanting employees to relax after a challenging 2020 which felt like never ending Zoom meeting and unpredictable situations in life and work. I’m grateful that Autodesk thinks about the challenges of their employees and those that have been cooped up for months with many challenges as well as the mental exhaustion and feelings of burn out (raises hand).

While I didn’t have to worry about how to school my child at home like many were surprised to fit into their daily list of jobs, I did have my own challenges and struggles including having gotten sick last spring at the beginning of the COVID pandemic. I also recognize and am grateful that I can do my job from home and haven’t lost any direct family members like some friends and colleagues, or have the jobs of my friends in the medical field having to deal with the uncertainty and scary situation head on. 2020 may be known as the year of so many heroes who stepped up at great risk and adversity. Science, Technology as well as the human spirit shown bright.

One thing that keeps coming back to me is that I’m a people person and rely on community and connection, 2020 has been difficult. I can’t wait to get to see everyone again, not in a Zoom meeting. I have my fingers crossed for a AU 2021 or AU 2021 or some other event in person and safe.

What I did for the 2.5 weeks off 
Got a new grandson! Congrats to my middle son and his wife on getting the cutest tax deduction in right before the end of the year. I could only visit with him on Facetime but hoping for a day soon I can go visit in person.

It was a first holiday season that I had not been able to travel to see my kids and grandkids in person, that was difficult. It was also the first holiday break I didn’t get to travel to a nice warm beach or snow ski trip.

I also did a bunch of hiking, snowshoeing, planned and unplanned home repairs an projects, ate too much, and most importantly not checking email and internal work tools.

Some photos from my week of rest and holiday.

Columbia Gorge Adventures
See a 360 https://kuula.co/post/7j1Bj

Trip to the Oregon coast

Mount Hood

I even snuck down to the Autodesk Portland office to see the neighborhood and building from the outside. I sure miss that office and my colleagues there.

I am looking forward to 2021 with optimism and hope that I will see everyone in person again and things will be better for everyone. Don’t forget to support your local struggling people and businesses not doing well.

-Shaan

PS: I just realized my 23rd year at Autodesk ends with 2021, and my 24th year begins.