Get Growing! Tools and Strategies for Living, Working and Relating Well
"Work: Love It Or Hate It, Here's How to Make Peace With It"
April 25, 2022
We all have a unique relationship with work. For some, it’s all about survival. For others, it’s a reflection of who they are. Many have a love/hate relationship with work, otherwise known as an approach/avoidance conflict. Even a large number of retirees continue to work into the 'next chapter,' but on their terms. However we relate to work, it can remain a vital part of our lives throughout our lives.
COVID has significantly changed our relationship with work in terms of our physical environment. For many, home and the workplace are now under one roof, making it difficult to set healthy boundaries between one’s personal and work life. Let’s explore some of the most common challenges associated with work and how to overcome them.
Gonna have to face it, you’re addicted to…work: The workaholic is often fueled by passion, the desire to get ahead or the ‘high’ of being in the flow. But they can also be driven by desperation or fear that if they let up, even a little, it will all implode. What to do?
If you’re the first type of workaholic, start brainstorming a list of positive consequences associated with your work style. Now make a list of negative consequences. Compare your lists. Keep in mind that it’s not about the number of items on each list, rather the weight or importance of each item. If no one, including yourself, is suffering due to your work style, then proceed with caution. Just make sure work/life balance doesn’t get lost in the shuffle.
If you’re the second type of workaholic, ask yourself: Is my fear/desperation warranted? Sometimes they're just bad habits that provide an adrenaline rush to keep you going. But if your worst nightmare is nipping at your heels, take a time-out and reassess. Ask yourself, is this the right job for me? Am I living beyond my means? Does something need to change?
Work becomes you… literally: For some, work is not only what she/he does, it’s who they are. They are most comfortable working because it is a natural extension of themselves. While this can increase the likelihood of success, it might do so at the expense of their personal life.
These individuals often feel out of place when outside of their work environment or in the company of others who are not in that sphere. To become more multidimensional, it’s important to develop other areas of your life by expanding your interests, socializing with others outside of work and giving yourself permission to be who you are, instead of a job title.
Houdini and work: We don’t usually think of work as an escape, but if there are issues in your personal life that are stressing you out, what better way to escape, avoid or distract yourself then by plunging head-first into work? At least you’re accomplishing something, right?
Work can be a potent form of anesthesia, but eventually you have to face reality. The longer you wait, the bigger the issues get and before you know it, you’re dealing with a monster. Ask yourself, what is causing me to escape into work? What will happen if I continue to avoid these problems? What steps can I take to address them? Remember, nothing changes...unless you work on it.
Retirement and work: are we there yet? Once you reach a certain age, you may think it's time to stop working or at least cut back. After all, that's what you're supposed to do, isn't it? If you can't afford to retire in the traditional sense, then it might be a moot point. But just because you can afford to stop working, should you? What if you enjoy work or if you've always dreamed of taking it in a new direction, but never had the time? What if you enjoy the satisfaction, stimulation and structure that comes from work and don't want to give that up, at least not yet?
Well, you're in luck! Gen Xers and Baby Boomers have thrown the retirement rule book out the window. Barring financial concerns, retirement can be whatever you want it to be. It can include full-time, part-time or no work. It can include work that feels anything like work as you know it. Work is not a four-letter word. Retirement and work can creatively coexist. How cool is that?!
A Good Read:
"Love and Work: How to Find What You Love, Love What You Do, and Do it For The Rest of Your Life" by Marcus Buckingham
Want to improve your relationships at work? Check this out!
In the next edition of "Get Growing! Tools and Strategies for Living, Working and Relating Well," I'll be exploring self-worth and why there's a growing pandemic of low self-esteem in our country.
Please visit my Facebook Page. If you like what you see, Like, Share or Comment. I'd love to hear from you. If you know of someone who might enjoy this newsletter, feel free to pass it along. Haven't subscribed yet? What are you waiting for?
This issue of my newsletter has been lovingly dedicated to my late sister Sarell, who's courageous battle with cancer ended on March 24, 2022. She will be remembered as a woman with a tough exterior, warm heart and the courage to speak her truth.
"Work: Love It Or Hate It, Here's How to Make Peace With It"
April 25, 2022
We all have a unique relationship with work. For some, it’s all about survival. For others, it’s a reflection of who they are. Many have a love/hate relationship with work, otherwise known as an approach/avoidance conflict. Even a large number of retirees continue to work into the 'next chapter,' but on their terms. However we relate to work, it can remain a vital part of our lives throughout our lives.
COVID has significantly changed our relationship with work in terms of our physical environment. For many, home and the workplace are now under one roof, making it difficult to set healthy boundaries between one’s personal and work life. Let’s explore some of the most common challenges associated with work and how to overcome them.
Gonna have to face it, you’re addicted to…work: The workaholic is often fueled by passion, the desire to get ahead or the ‘high’ of being in the flow. But they can also be driven by desperation or fear that if they let up, even a little, it will all implode. What to do?
If you’re the first type of workaholic, start brainstorming a list of positive consequences associated with your work style. Now make a list of negative consequences. Compare your lists. Keep in mind that it’s not about the number of items on each list, rather the weight or importance of each item. If no one, including yourself, is suffering due to your work style, then proceed with caution. Just make sure work/life balance doesn’t get lost in the shuffle.
If you’re the second type of workaholic, ask yourself: Is my fear/desperation warranted? Sometimes they're just bad habits that provide an adrenaline rush to keep you going. But if your worst nightmare is nipping at your heels, take a time-out and reassess. Ask yourself, is this the right job for me? Am I living beyond my means? Does something need to change?
Work becomes you… literally: For some, work is not only what she/he does, it’s who they are. They are most comfortable working because it is a natural extension of themselves. While this can increase the likelihood of success, it might do so at the expense of their personal life.
These individuals often feel out of place when outside of their work environment or in the company of others who are not in that sphere. To become more multidimensional, it’s important to develop other areas of your life by expanding your interests, socializing with others outside of work and giving yourself permission to be who you are, instead of a job title.
Houdini and work: We don’t usually think of work as an escape, but if there are issues in your personal life that are stressing you out, what better way to escape, avoid or distract yourself then by plunging head-first into work? At least you’re accomplishing something, right?
Work can be a potent form of anesthesia, but eventually you have to face reality. The longer you wait, the bigger the issues get and before you know it, you’re dealing with a monster. Ask yourself, what is causing me to escape into work? What will happen if I continue to avoid these problems? What steps can I take to address them? Remember, nothing changes...unless you work on it.
Retirement and work: are we there yet? Once you reach a certain age, you may think it's time to stop working or at least cut back. After all, that's what you're supposed to do, isn't it? If you can't afford to retire in the traditional sense, then it might be a moot point. But just because you can afford to stop working, should you? What if you enjoy work or if you've always dreamed of taking it in a new direction, but never had the time? What if you enjoy the satisfaction, stimulation and structure that comes from work and don't want to give that up, at least not yet?
Well, you're in luck! Gen Xers and Baby Boomers have thrown the retirement rule book out the window. Barring financial concerns, retirement can be whatever you want it to be. It can include full-time, part-time or no work. It can include work that feels anything like work as you know it. Work is not a four-letter word. Retirement and work can creatively coexist. How cool is that?!
A Good Read:
"Love and Work: How to Find What You Love, Love What You Do, and Do it For The Rest of Your Life" by Marcus Buckingham
Want to improve your relationships at work? Check this out!
In the next edition of "Get Growing! Tools and Strategies for Living, Working and Relating Well," I'll be exploring self-worth and why there's a growing pandemic of low self-esteem in our country.
Please visit my Facebook Page. If you like what you see, Like, Share or Comment. I'd love to hear from you. If you know of someone who might enjoy this newsletter, feel free to pass it along. Haven't subscribed yet? What are you waiting for?
This issue of my newsletter has been lovingly dedicated to my late sister Sarell, who's courageous battle with cancer ended on March 24, 2022. She will be remembered as a woman with a tough exterior, warm heart and the courage to speak her truth.
