Work Prompt #10: Do you prefer a dynamic, fast-paced environment or a more stable, predictable one? Why
Welcome back all, I hope you are all taking it easy on yourself at work this week.
Last week we discussed: If you can learn one skill to level up your work, what will it be? Thank you to all who participated and shared their thoughts for discussion. I enjoyed them. I hope you all did too. If you didn't share yours, please share them here and I look forward to reading and discussing them with you.
This week's prompt: Do you prefer a dynamic, fast-paced environment or a more stable, predictable one? Why
Today, I want to discuss a topic that often arises in our professional lives: whether we prefer a dynamic, fast-paced environment or a more stable, predictable one. Both options have their merits, and I believe it's important to understand the pros and cons of each before forming our preferences. So, let's dive into it and explore the reasons behind our choices!
I think mine is sort of a hybrid. The work itself is consistent but the information I deal with changes. I've heard other coworkers complain when it gets slow but I haven't known what slow is for over a year.
I do know that in my previous job, I didn't like the long stretches of nothing because I didn't feel like I was productive or contributing anything. Now I just want to feel like I'm not traveling through rapids in a teacup.
Currently I'm doing 2-3 things at the same time and I haven't even touched the quarterly report which is due next week.
@Enthenia It sounds like you have a lot on your plate right now and are feeling pulled in many directions. The constant changes and multiple priorities can certainly make it difficult to feel productive or in control at times. What aspects of your work do you find most fulfilling when things are less hectic?
@ASilentObserver Well it's been so long that I don't really remember.
Yesterday I went to start the quarterly report only to find out that someone else did it. If assignments are goimg to be changed, say something! Just because I have one less thing to do doesn't mean I'm caught up. I have mandatory training videos to get out of the way now.
I don't understand why having some sort of structure in this company is so difficult especially when it comes to naming and storing data.
@Enthenia I can understand how unexpected changes at work can be frustrating. It sounds like clear communication is important to you for staying on top of your tasks. Your feelings of being caught off guard come through. What aspects of this situation are most bothersome for you?
@ASilentObserver I think how it's implied that I do all the communicating. If I'm given a task to complete, why would I think that someone is going to do it? I mean, if I have three jobs to do, why would I randomly stop one and think: "Gee. I wonder if I still have to do Task C?"
That's not logical to me and besides, wouldn't that responsibility fall on the shoulders of the supervisors since they're making the changes?
@Enthenia It seems the lack of clear communication about responsibilities is frustrating and leads to uncertainty. You care about doing your work well, and unclear expectations can make that challenging.
@ASilentObserver I'm personally a fan of balance between short term faster pace and then a short term calm as I burn out very easily and stress a lot, but I also loose motivation or get bored fast. I'm team urgency and interest motivation thanks to my ADHD, so it helps to keep things switching to keep me entertained but prevent a burnout too
@sadcat13 Thank you for sharing about how you approach different environments. It sounds like finding the right balance is important to you. What kinds of activities or approaches help you feel engaged without getting overwhelmed?
@ASilentObserver The most helpful thing Is choosing a job where it is impossible to take my work home. That way, even if I have a busy day, and we have a lot of things to do, my anxiety won't follow home and I won't be burning myself out in working on the stuff in my free time or feel pressure to do stuff. In my job, I have no way to take the store home. My workday starts with stepping in the store and end with stepping out of it. Absolutely perfect. Honestly, as someone who had a highly specialised highschool and uni where I had no free time at all and had no moment of the day not thinking about work and being under mental pressure. I enjoy this work setup so hard. I never had such a great work-life balance then I have now
The variety is naturally provided by the work I do since daily, I serve a lot of customers, each with unique requests. Someone wants glue. Someone comes with an entire list and I run around helping them find it and explain the differences between products. Someone comes in and has a very sweet interaction with us. Then someone has an order they are picking up. Or new stuff arrives or we restock the shelves. Then there is noone in the store. Then there is a person here and there. Then three people want something from me all at once. I think my job has a perfect combination of peak busy and calm.
Also when choosing a job I had an exact criteria on mind it had to meet:
- a physical one to help me with my pains and devouring
- work with people, but not with pc or making phone calls
- it won't follow me home
- balanced pace, so no overwhelming grocery stores but also no excruciatingly boring expensive ones where there is not much traffic during the day
- no smell environment because it triggers my allergies
I'm very happy on my current workplace and we talked with my boss about leveling up my contract to have a more steady work hours count in a month since rn I have the we need you, you come type that is a bit of s problem with too little hours next month, and almost had it this one too. So we talked about upping It to make it a stable 80-100h a month. We will see if it will be possible with the company
@sadcat13 It sounds like finding the right work-life balance is very important to you. Having work that engages you without the stress of bringing it home allows you to fully relax after your shift. I am glad you were able to find a job that meets your physical, social and mental needs. Having work that varies through the day yet maintains a steady pace must be rewarding. It's thoughtful that you and your boss are discussing ways to ensure stable hours each month. What types of activities help you unwind outside of work?
@ASilentObserver I like to get creative when I come home. Reading or playing games is also nice. On my days off, I reconnect with friends and go places I want, for the first time in years without it having a negative consequence later in form of undone work
@sadcat13 It sounds like connecting with friends and exploring places without worries of work are helpful ways for you to unwind. I am glad to hear you're finding ways to reconnect and recharge.
Hi all. New here.
I used to think a fast-paced environment was exactly what I needed. I am an energetic person who loves to be creative in many different directions. I figured it would keep me engaged and excited to show up every day. Apparently, it was not the right thing for me.
I took on a few fast-paced jobs and burned out. I threw everything I had I into them. I enjoyed the movement and multiple levels of thinking. However, I had no time to really improve anything, sit down and think through possibilities, or daydream about what I want to accomplish in the job. I was constantly running from one thing to the next, never feeling like I caught up. The perfectionist, planner, and organizer in me did not do well with the high expectations that came with it. Didn't help to have a toxic boss in one job and I got fired from another.
So many triggers were hit in that period it left me burned out and in a deep hole. Coming out of the hole, I decided I needed a job that was not advertised as "fast-paced" and that would still allow for multiple levels of thinking.
I need predictability. I need to plan ahead. I need to be able to learn, adjust, and improve what I am doing. Thankfully, I found something that would allow just that. And it's a leadership position (which I enjoy). I thought for sure I would be bored in a year, but I have been here over 2 years and it's been the best environment as I heal from all the triggers from previous jobs. And there is so much room for me to make the job what I want that I am creating every day while planning.
Sooo grateful. Thanks for the prompt.
@HealingGriz Welcome to 7Cups Griz, I am Obs. glad to have you here with us. Thank you for sharing your experience. It sounds like taking on those fast-paced roles put a lot of pressure on you and led to feeling overwhelmed. I am glad to hear you've found an environment that allows for more stability and room to plan ahead - that predictability seems important for your well-being. What have you found most rewarding about having the space to learn and improve in your current leadership position?
Good question. My Manager and I work in collaboration which feels supportive. I have had the confidence to put some creative ideas forth that have come to fruition and made an impact as a result. It's very rewarding to see creative projects come to life.
@HealingGriz It sounds rewarding to have a collaborative working relationship where your ideas and creativity are valued and supported. Creating impact through projects coming to life must be very fulfilling.
Both. Fast-paced, but still predictable. I'm the go-go-go type of person when it comes to work. Even when there's nothing to do, or I've finished all my tasks, I will still try and find other things to do. I can't stand it when I'm wandering around with nothing to do, unless it's been a long day, and rest is needed to recharge.
@ASilentObserver
@Jaeteuk It sounds like keeping busy and active is important to you. Having variety in your work helps the time pass enjoyably. You are driven and productive. Many find satisfaction in accomplishing much in a day. At the same time, it's good to also make time to recharge when needed. A balance can help avoid burnout so our energy and creativity remain.
My workplace is fast paced and dynamic, but as I age, I am now at a point in my life where, after working in this field for over 20 years, I'm wanting something slower and predictable. So the end goal is retirement. According to my countdown clock, I have exactly 1100 days as of today. Seems like a long way away but in reality its not. January 2027.
@CyclingThroughLife It is understandable to want more stability and predictability after so many years working in a fast-paced environment. Your countdown of 1100 days seems like planning is underway to make the most of that time for rest and enjoyment when it arrives. What kinds of activities or goals help you envision the slower pace you're hoping for in retirement?
@ASilentObserver
@luckylistener
That makes perfect sense. Everyone has their own preferred way of working. What would you consider some of the downsides to your current work environment
@ASilentObserver I did a test through Princeton university to see what kind of work environment I prefer and it said that I enjoy one where I'm allowed my freedom to research and work independently then to come and share what I've learned and be valued and respected for it.
@communicativePond1728 hmm, makes sense. It sounds like you value autonomy in your work, which is completely valid. It can be difficult when these aspects of work don't align though. What do you think might be some next steps for you in terms of finding a role that fits your preferences?