There Is No Such Thing as a Work-Life Balance

by Celine Hosea We live in a unique age where multiple contradictions regarding self-optimisation exist simultaneously, much more so than in other periods of history. The ideal modern person encompasses difficult or near-impossible elements to attain side-by-side. For instance, industrial capitalism and ideas of good parenting evolved more or less simultaneously. The categorisation of emotional neglect as child abuse emerged only recently, right alongside rapid advancements in technology and increased career responsibilities. We are expected to be more present and emotionally accommodating parents yet spend longer hours at work. We are encouraged to take on side hustles and respond to emails outside…

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My Colleague Thinks Working From Home Means I’m Available 24/7

How do I get her to back off? BY ALISON GREEN for Inc. A reader asks: I work at a small company, almost completely from home. I go into the office about twice a month, and for the most part, it's been a dream. I am vastly more productive and have found that my mental health has improved drastically. Since the transition, I have done everything I can think of to set clear expectations as far as when I am available. I have specific, set hours when colleagues can expect me to be at my desk. I use away messages to…

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A Two-Minute Burnout Checkup

by Chris Bailey for HBR Burnout is devastating. A few years ago, deep in the throes of it, I found myself grasping for tools or frameworks to help me get to the other side. If you’re facing a similar situation, let me share a few things I wish I had known earlier. First, I’ll outline the basics about the signs of burnout and the aspects of our work that tend to cause it. Second, I’ll share a two-minute burnout checkup I created to monitor my own mental well-being and to make sure I don’t reach the point of burning out…

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