Can I have it all ?
It is possible to create a sustainable blend of a fulfilling career and enjoyment of life beyond work , confirms Dr Jenny Brockis – provided you recognise what you need to keep yourself safe …
Loving your job is something many others would be highly jealous of . Because being in a role that allows you to play to your strengths , plus demonstrate your efficiency , your superb organisational skills , and your ability to always stay 10 steps ahead in anticipating what is needed next , makes your work a joy .
It ’ s great to take pride in your ability , to gladly step up to a challenge , to put in the hard yards and many extra hours , without question . That ’ s what you ’ re paid for , right ?
However , the biggest challenge for those doing work they adore ( working alongside people they admire and respect deeply , and always bringing their best self to everything they do ) is you can start to lose sight of the fact that you ’ re doing too much . You ’ ve taken on too many additional tasks . You ’ re beyond tired . But you rationalise this by reassuring yourself it ’ s only temporary .
Did you know , though , that pushing yourself too hard for too long can seriously backfire ? You ’ re at increased risk of burnout or mental mood disorders … And sadly simply taking a long weekend off isn ’ t the answer .
So , what ’ s the answer ? This is about recognising that it is possible to create a sustainable blend of a fulfilling career and enjoyment of life beyond work . Yes , you can have it all , the caveat being recognising what you need to keep yourself safe .
One good thing to come out of the chaos and heartache wrought by the pandemic has been having to step back from your ‘ usual way of doing ’. We now have the headspace to consider : w Is how you ’ re working sustainable in the longer term ? w Have your family and friends been expressing their concern about the amount of time you spend at work ? And despite dismissing this , deep down , you suspect they ’ re right ? w How often have you used work as an excuse to justify why you can ’ t attend a friend ’ s birthday party or take a weekend off with your partner ?
54 Executive PA | Summer Issue 2023