Post-pandemic, working isn't necessarily something that most people enjoy, but the priority should be to find work that energises you.
We're now just over three months into 2024 and already, I know work is getting to be a struggle for some people. But that shouldn't be the case.
Work shouldn't be something you do every day because you have to and it pays the bills. Your job should be something you enjoy and actually look forward to doing.
Sadly, that isn't the case for the majority but it could be.
As a publishing hopeful, I'm subscribed to The Bookseller – the publishing industry's magazine – and also The FLIP - Female Leadership in Publishing.
The FLIP recently conducted a survey and hosted an event that spoke about the results. Some of the results showcased at the event include how much of the publishing workforce suffers from burnout.
The results are quite frankly fascinating, but what stood out to me in The Bookseller's article was a particular quote by Hachette's consumer insights analyst, Amanda Ahadizadeh. In the article, Ahadizadeh is quoted as saying:
"This is so important – knowing the work that drains you and the work which energises you."
This quote stayed with me after reading the article because, in my opinion, it is such an important message.
In the modern world, it is easy to suffer from burnout, to become overwhelmed with stress and to have low days. But that shouldn't be the case.
There are a lot of quizzes and tests out there that one can complete to find out what personality type they are. There are also different activities you could do to reflect and assess how your work affects you.
It can be very difficult to maintain a work-life balance, but becoming aware that your work isn't energising you is the first step to achieving that.
If you find that when you're working, or once you've come home from work, you are very tired, don't want to talk to others or have physical symptoms such as a headache, then your work could be draining you.
However, if when you're completing your work, you find yourself smiling, excited to complete projects and looking forward to the next day, then your work is something that energises you.
There will always be tasks that are tedious yet necessary and we would all probably prefer not to have to complete them. For example going through emails, filling out paperwork, and general admin chores.
But if you have a job that energises you and doesn't necessarily feel like work, then it becomes less of a chore to do those tedious tasks.
Burnout and stress, whilst common, shouldn't be a regular occurrence.
We should all be able to enjoy our work without needing several cups of coffee to keep us awake and focused.
I recently changed up my working station to a coffee shop near me, which improved my productivity and also my mental state for that day.
Altering little things like that can make a world of difference so, if you're feeling drained at the end of the workday, reflect on what happened to make you feel that way. Was it bringing work home with you? Staring at a screen for too long? Not getting enough sleep? Or something else?
If you've suffered from burnout and feeling exhausted from work, I hope this blog has helped you realise the importance of feeling energised by your job.
Let me know in the comments some of the ways you ensure you're not overwhelmed by work and try to have a semblance of a work-life balance.
Until next time...
This is some great advice! I felt like this recently and you're right that taking a step back to look at what is actually draining you really helps.
Great advice and something you’ve learnt yourself over the last few a years!
More people should take the time to look at their own situation and see if they can change, even the tinniest thing, to help improve their situation.
I just need to find a job now 😆
It’s so easy to get drawn into work to the point of being burnt out. The problem comes in not recognising it early enough in the daily cycle, and day after day it just spirals deeper even further. You’re right in that understanding and realising how you feel after any level of work is so important. It’s far too easy to feel like there isn’t time to reflect on it, work is a necessity for most after all, but even the slightest thought can help. Imagine a world where everyone loved their job, no matter what it involved… wow, the world would be a much happier and less stressed place! 😊