Work Prompt #11: Are you taking care of your well-being?
Welcome back all, I hope you are all taking it easy on yourself at work this week.
Last week we discussed: Do you prefer a dynamic, fast-paced environment or a more stable, predictable one? Why 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: Are you taking care of your well-being?
Your career success is closely tied to your overall well-being. Ensure you prioritize self-care, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and seek support when needed. Remember, a burnt-out situation is unlikely to help to thrive in your career. So, let's dive into it and explore the reasons behind our choices!
Are you taking care of your well-being?
Yes, much better than I did in the past. I quit drinking alcohol and smoking/consuming MJ starting in mid December 2023 (but I decided to count it for Jan 1st 2024, easier to keep track to celebrate for later!). I recently stopped drinking caffeine. I have been cooking and eating in more instead of eating out. I have been going to the hospital now, instead of neglecting my health.
There are a few things I still need to work on... my house has became a mess, and I need to clean... its hard sometimes due to my health, BUT having a clean home should be a priority, as it can contribute to health too.
Furthermore, due to quitting everything cold turkey, my appetite has been out of whack. I dont feel like eating at all sometimes and become nauseous, and that's is a health issue. I try to force myself, but its hard to eat. My sleep schedule is recovering still, sometimes I can't sleep due to sharp chest and rib pain, along with back pain...
I used to go for walks but have slowed down on it. I don't like leaving my house and being bothered by people unless I really need to leave the house. I have a known stalker and there are people who will do me harm and one who nearly made me unalive... so its scary. I am waiting to leave this city, so I can feel safe. My long distance partner will come visit me in about a few weeks, so I'll feel much safer then.
We plan on moving in together in the near future and out of this city. We both have some things going on that we need to deal with first.
But yeah, once he is here, I will feel safer to go for walks outside.
Heh, that was a bit of a long ramble...
@ImpudentIncognito I am glad you shared, Impudent. It sounds like you have made significant progress in taking care of yourself by quitting smoking, alcohol, and caffeine, and cooking at home more. Congratulations on these positive changes! Understandably, quitting cold turkey can cause appetite issues, and I am glad you are aware of the importance of maintaining a balanced diet. self-care is a journey, and it's okay to take things one step at a time.
@ASilentObserver Thank you so much for your kind words! ✨😊
You are making great progress to self-care for your well-being. Cutting out habits that makes your health at risk, and starting new actions to make your life better.
I can't wait until you and your partner starting living together away from this scary city you live in. Until then, keep working on improving your health. I'm rooting and cheering for you 💖
@Jaeteuk Thank you so much! I'm rooting for you too, to reach your goals/dreams. I can't help but keep looking forward and feeling fired up! 🔥💪Just ready to start the next chapter in life.
Same with me! Can't wait to move on from the "norm" and actually feel like I'm living for once.
Am I taking care of my well-being?
I could probably use more sleep but the cat has been waking me up at 2 a.m. with a request togo outside. Since I have a dog again, I can't leave the patio door open for the cat to get out because the dog barks. And even though I have a white noise machine, the dog atill manages to bark at the neighbors coming home from work (they have late shifts). Unfortunately, there isn't much I can do about that.
I keep my hands busy by doing pictures even though I'm no artist and I do my classes the best I can as well as a language app I have on my mobile. I'd like to spend more time on creative writing but my afternoons after work are spent playing outside eith the dog then playing more inside. She has to get worm out so she doesn't chew on things late at night.
@Enthenia It sounds like you have a lot on your plate with your pet care responsibilities and finding time for self-care activities. Managing a household with pets can be challenging, especially when they have different needs. You seem dedicated to making time for your hobbies and interests, despite the disruptions. How do you prioritize your own well-being amidst all these responsibilities?
@ASilentObserver
I don't know if it's prioritizing so much as a mindset. Being just me and a couple of animals, I CANNOT get sick because I have bo one to fall back on. So I do supplements, eat as healthily as I can, wear braces, and try not to overdo things which is hard with a dog who has way more stamina than I ever had.
@Enthenia It sounds like you care deeply about maintaining your health given your circumstances. Taking proactive measures by eating healthy, wearing braces, and avoiding overexertion shows resilience. We got this. we are all in this together with you Enthenia
@Enthenia
Gah sleep stuff is the worst for me; I get so bothered by being woken up.
And I've struggled with that so long...basically since lockdown to even today.
I use noise cancelling headphones, and wear them over earplugs too, both of which take contortionist level skill to sleep in.
Then I blast some kind of noise to counteract anything random I might hear like noisy neighbors, the construction happened right next door or the ghosts of Christmas past.
Organic brown noise is my favourite right now. I want to try green next.
@communicativePond1728 well I have a white noise machine for the dog (really helped New Year's Eve because it dampened the sound of the fireworks so she wasn't bothered too much) but I am prone to being run over in the middle of the night by the dog or the cat. I have an actual bed but there are too many things she can chew on in the bedroom (she's gotten better but I discovered a destroyed piece of mail on the floor this morning) so I have a folding mattress I put in the hall at night.
Unfortunately, the dog/cat chase sometimes comes in my direction which makes it hard to stay asleep when an animal is using you as a stepping stone.
@Enthenia yeah. When they do construction or renovation next door, or when neighbors muck around, it shakes my whole home, and me awake, or distracts me from whatever I'm focusing on.
I've been trying to see it as the opposite trigger; training my mind to interpret it as a soothing signal to relax and enjoy.
@ASilentObserver
Are you taking care of your well-being?
Well, I recently sat down with one of my parents and had an honest talk about how much pressure I've been under doing their jobs and all. I was shaking, but I told myself I would do it and I did. Hopefully, they understood what I was saying and they said they would make some changes and I they really seemed to mean it this time. I've always been scared to be completely honest around my parents but I let it out that day with no filter so I really think they heard me this time. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I feel a little safer than before. Still thinking of moving out soon, but I feel lighter.
I have a long way to go, but it's definitely a step in the right direction for me.
@JollyRacher That sounds great! You must feel relieved after finally expressing yourself honestly to your parents. It takes courage to communicate your needs, especially when it comes to such important aspects of your life. Please know small steps can lead to significant progress, and your determination to find a solution is commendable. Keep up the good work and stay focused on your goals. How are you feeling about taking this step?
@ASilentObserver
Excited, and a little scared. Still, it was necessary. Not just for me, but for my siblings as well. I don't want them to struggle like I'm struggling, so this also draws attention to the way they should be treated as well. I'm trying to keep afloat and pray things get better from here on out.
@JollyRacher It sounds like taking this step was a difficult decision with mixed emotions. You care deeply about your siblings and want the best for them. Keeping afloat during challenging times requires strength and resilience.
My well-being. There is no such thing as work-life-balance. It's all about work, because I don't have much of a life aside from work. Of course, I'm also trying to work on that, as I'm working towards that career change and wanting to get out of here. Leave my current job and go achieve my dream career.
I just sent off another follow-up email to my job offer. I plan to send one off on a monthly-basis until I hear back from the company I want to work in. I even left work 30 minutes earlier tonight, as I want to send it off before I go to bed. It's good timing, I sent it off at 8:45pm on January 31st, and at the company, it's February 1st at 12:45pm. So, my plan is to send it, so they receive it on the first of every month, until I hear a reply from them.
I'm actually going to be quite busy this year it seems. I looked at all my colleagues vacation days for this year.. there aren't many months without shifts. The only free month is April, with a few weeks in in Sept, Oct. and Nov. Otherwise, it seems that I'll have many shifts covering everyone's vacation especially one colleague who is retiring by July, she's taking all her vacation in May and June. Compared to previous years, I'm working much more in the first half of the year. It's good, but that also means I don't have much time off.
I'm hoping to hear back from that job offer I sent out, so hopefully a career change is in the near future. I can't wait to get out, especially if another problematic colleague joins the team after the other's retirement. And I seriously need a change in lifestyle, and I highly believe the only way is a career change that would get me out of the country and go overseas. That would be the benefit of my so called, well-being.
@ASilentObserver
@Jaeteuk It sounds like you are feeling overwhelmed with work responsibilities and wanting more balance in your life. Pursuing a career change to achieve your dreams takes dedication in sending follow ups each month. What hopes do you have that this new path may bring?
If this career change succeeds, I will be doing my dream career. So, my well-being would be more balanced. To be out of the country, to be in a new place will hopefully help in being more confident and free from worried I have in the present. Meeting new people, expanding my social network, I'm hoping this new path will be a change for the better.
@Jaeteuk It sounds like this career change could be fulfilling your hopes for more balance, confidence and freedom from worries in the present. Moving to a new place and meeting new people may help expand your social network. I am thinking and rooting for you, Jae. <3
@Jaeteuk I'm extremely happy for you!!! 😄 I sincerely hope you can reach your dream job soon! I can relate to a lot of what you say. Doing a job you despise or have no passion for can make a person feel miserable...I've went through several jobs and I become burnt out after dealing with the same, monotonous routine and unhealthy/toxic work environment that sometimes bleeds over to my personal life.
I promise myself to no longer do overtime anymore. It's too stressful and life is too short. I want to spend time with my family (son & partner).
I'm trying to change careers and move out of this city and I would LOVE to move out of the country, but my partner has a medical condition -- want to make sure he gets checked up first before he's able to fly anywhere. So, we're settling with moving out of the city AND state! I'm excited! 😊 It's just gonna take a bit...I also have some medical issues as well, making it hard to work, unfortunately. ☹️
My partner is looking to get his CDL license currently and I'm trying to get my real estate, but have been putting it off due to health issues. 😅
But anyways, I think you have great goals and I'm rooting for you! 💪🎉
The tasks I do at work, I do have passion for it.. and for most colleagues that I get along well with.. it's just that one problematic colleague i keep mentioning about. But now, I just avoid her at all costs. To keep my mental health intact.
Because I know of more colleagues will be retiring in the next 2 years, and my seniority is not high enough to get their full-time positions.. more problematic past colleagues will be interested in these positions, so, I'm starting to make that career change and follow my dreams. As it may take some time before I can actually get the job and start working.
But just knowing I'm continuously taking steps towards this dream career, is feeding positivity into my everyday mental health state. Like last night, I left work 30mins earlier, quickly got home, washed my dishes (dinner I've packed for work), got changed and sat at my computer. Typed out and sent my first follow-up email regarding my job offer. And I ended up getting a good night's sleep. For the past week or so, I've been waking up at least once in the middle of the night. But last night, I slept through. When I thought I was waking up middle of the night, I looked at the time, and it was only 4 minutes to my alarm for 7am!
I just feel that if I could leave the country, be working my dream career, it's like naturally forcing myself out from my comfort zone. Meeting new people, being somewhere different geographically, and not needing to worry about how I'm always on alert back home, because of all the traumas and memories I have here.
Moving out of the State sounds like the best choice for you! Especially when you have dangerous stalkers in the neighborhood.
I have a colleague, nurse, who's husband is trying to get into Real Estate too.. but, has failed the English test twice already.. I guess they need it for those whose English us not their first language.
@ASilentObserver
Thank you for this. I try my best to. I know it still needs some work, but I do take time to take a break, breathe, and recharge. AND, I have learned to set boundaries with work and personal life.
@bouncyMusic133 that's great! 👍
@communicativePond1728
Thank you
Hello- I have not been very good at this in the past few weeks, but I am learning to slow down and recognize my limitations.
@KatrinaDavisHicksLMFT Hello Katrina, thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. It can be challenging to prioritize our own needs when we are busy helping others. What has helped you slow down and focus on yourself?
I have a healthy 50-hour workweek balance. Forty hours of work is good as long as I am efficient with my time. I want to grow and complete goals as well as anyone. But I also want to want to keep advancing. If I stay average, I will be average. So 10 hours of growth a week to push forward and use that time to be ahead of the game is a big deal.
Work-life balance is a dangerous word as it can help you keep healthy, but it can also be taken advantage of in a lazy way. If you want to keep moving up in life, not just career but personally, there are going to be times when you are going to have to throw away the balance to get crap done and take the wins waiting for you.
@Urbartender It sounds like you value hard work and dedication. Finding a balance between work and personal life can indeed be challenging. What do you think are some benefits of throwing away the balance sometimes to achieve success?
@ASilentObserver
Great question.
It's imperative to recognize that the amount of time one dedicates to their career is highly subjective and contingent on various factors such as personal ambition, industry demands, and professional responsibilities. In many cases, entrepreneurs, CEOs, and executives often find themselves committed to an average of around 50 hours per week, given the complexity and demands of their roles.
Setting rigid time limits for achieving success can indeed influence project timelines and deliverables, potentially hindering progress. In dynamic career fields where collaboration across departments and operational efficiency are crucial, success often hinges on ensuring smooth operations during working hours while dedicating additional time, perhaps up to 10 hours a week, for strategic planning, organization, and review during off-hours.
It's worth noting that in many professions, the standard workload typically falls below the 50-hour mark, especially for seasoned professionals who have honed their efficiency over time. However, your personal commitment to pushing beyond these benchmarks as a means to differentiate yourself and ascend the professional ladder speaks volumes about your drive and determination.
Ultimately, finding the right balance between dedication to your work and personal well-being is key. While striving for excellence is admirable, it's equally important to prioritize self-care and maintain a sustainable approach to achieving your career goals.
@Urbartender It sounds like you value hard work and dedication in your career, but also recognize the importance of setting boundaries and maintaining a healthy balance. Do you feel there is a place for flexibility in how we approach our careers?
@ASilentObserver
Throughout your life; you have choices on the path you take. You can work to be a C, B, or A student in school. Generally if you want to get top scores, you are going to sacrifice the balance by studying late nights and perfecting you homework and projects, some students might be doing school work 50-60 hours a week.
Sports is the same concept; to be the best, you must work out and practice. on your own, taking even more time away from balance
As an adult, you have options; there are plenty of entry-level to mid-level positions that pay decent, and you can have that flexible balance.
Anywhere in life where you must compete with others to grow, you will have to sacrifice balance to succeed. The smaller the opportunity, the more people will fight to get that spot. and every time you quit or slow down, it is the opportunity for someone else to catch up and surpass you.
What are your values? What are your goals? What are you willing to give up to achieve those goals?
If you want to go far and hit the top 10% you have to be willing to sacrifice and not make room for flexibility. I do have personal time, I call them weekends :P (at least some of it)
Its not for everyone, actually its not for 80% of people I suppose, but I prefer to just keep at it.,
@Urbartender It sounds like you believe that achieving success requires sacrifices, especially when it comes to finding balance in certain areas of life. You value determination and perseverance, but also recognize the importance of setting priorities based on personal values and goals. Finding the right balance between work and leisure can indeed be challenging, and what works for one person may not work for another.
@ASilentObserver I feel like I need to put in more self care in my life these days. Recently I’ve overworked myself and it has not only affected me, but those around me as well. I’ve taken days off as well to help recalibrate my mental health, which is the first step. I had to have a heart to heart with a coworker after she noticed that there was a pattern of behaviors that involved her, and asked if she offended me, which she didn’t tbh. It worried me bc I thought I offended her, which she told me she didn’t, but she wanted to make sure if I was okay. Plus, there were important parts in my position that I should’ve taken care of that completely swept my mind. Plus, the stress also took a toll on my physical health. My supervisor has also been encouraging these days, and knows I’m human, as we all are, but I want to make sure I’m able to perform my job successfully as I have these past 4 years. How can I balance it out for myself?
@crimsonTortoise4761 Thank you for opening up, Crimson. It is good to know that you are aware of what's going on inside your body and that awareness allows you to recognize that something needs to change. I am glad you are already taking small steps towards that by taking days off and talking to your co-worker. Your every step is counting and we all here as well with you to support and to listen.
@ASilentObserver
I don't know if I am taking care of my well-being because sometimes I fall behind or am steamrolled by life, so my priorities aren't as established as possible.
But also I try. I just finished the free anxiety course on here, and do affirmation work and use self care tarot, animal spirit and other cards to help.
I've been using a gratitude journal and also read self help books usually every day. Sometimes I call helplines, come here and do walking, sitting or other meditation.
I don't want to affirm that nothing is working, because that's probably not true and is a negative affirmation. But I do feel like I'm running in place.
@communicativePond1728 good to hear you have been doing a lot to take care of yourself and find what works for you. You are right, it can feel like running in place at times. What feelings come up for you when you think about feeling like you are running in place?