I'm Living Everyday Like a Hustle.....

.... And it's killing me.

The hustle culture of today has everyone thinking that they need to have 2, 3 sometimes more jobs and side hustles to make ends meet. It glamorizes working 9 to 5, and then working 5 to 9, and managing other side hustles that have you glued to your phone 24 hours a day, just to get that extra sale.... all while you're still trying to grab that promotion in your 9 to 5. Hustle culture sucks, many - not all - employers take advantage of it, and it's why we are now seeing a new culture set in - The Burnout Culture.

Trust me when I say, I get that. Been there.... and still there. I definitely will not be sitting on my soapbox with this one. I'm guilty. I always hate when people say "I don't know how you do it" with the sound and look of pity after they find out I'm swinging two jobs, and I have three kids. It seems like you're either admired for "all the hard work" or pitied because you have to work that extra gig. Neither are a compliment... and neither are appealing.

Hustle culture just doesn't pertain to those working more than one job, but also for those who overbook their schedule with just STUFF. Kid stuff, extra curricular stuff... just STUFF. Running from one thing to another with a steady diet of take out and fast food, and maybe 6 hours to sleep in between getting up to do it all over again. Today's version of hustle culture does nothing but stress you out, affect your mental health, rob precious time with family and friends, and eventually..... it's going to make you sick. Bring on the chronic illnesses like hypertension, cardiovascular disease and even some cancers - which are triggered by chronic stress.

The older I'm getting, and now approaching my 42nd birthday, is the more I'm starting to appreciate the concept of work-life balance. Losing my father suddenly just before the world was plagued with COVID-19, and then living within the pandemic over the last 2 years, really opened my eyes as to how quickly life can change, and often beyond our control. I realized I needed to take control of how I wanted to live and spend time with the people I loved and cared about the most. The hustle of life pre-pandemic life no longer made sense. I appreciated the lockdowns because I didn't have to go work that other job. Life slowed down, I slowed down, and I knew that if I wanted to enjoy more with my family and friends, improve my mental health, and overall health, I needed to make change. The hustle just tripped over it's own feet.

Work life balance can be tricky to do. It sounds nice and trendy, but in reality if you have demanding job or an employer who isn't flexible about work schedule, doesn't have a first clue about work life balance, workload or continuously keeps denying your requested time off - especially without thought - it can be down right impossible. Some employers haven't caught on that to keep employees happy, productive and to reduce sick call outs, they need to have adequate time off - without having to sell their soul to Satan to get it. They make short staffing, deadlines and operational needs the employees problem, when really it's the employer's problem. You would think losing employees and high rates of sick time would be an indicator they are burning staff out, which would in the long run affect staff morale, and overall operational goals. Burned out employees stop caring, become indifferent and miserable, call out sick and eventually leave.

On the contrary, if you have an employer that recognizes this important trend, you're golden. Going to work and being productive is not such a bad thing. They feel valued, appreciated for their time and efforts and have no problem helping out in a pinch. They know that down the road when they need time back, they will get it. If you do need to make a little extra money on the side, because that's life, make sure your side gig is flexible, and something you love to do.

So how does one accomplish a better work life balance?

Balancing the demands of work, family and finding time for yourself is challenging. With some thought, intention, planning and practice - you can find ways that offer greater balance and overall wellbeing at work, with family, and yourself....even with a side hustle.

1. Decide what is important. This is a must. MUST! Creating time and space for the things that matter the most is a decision. It is really important on a regular basis to do a check in with yourself to see how you are spending your time, and energy to see if it aligns with your priorities. When your priorities are clear, you can arrange your schedule to make time for what matters.

2. Set goals and agreements with your partner. Voice to each other what matters most. Communicating what you want and need in your partner is helpful in planning your time together as well apart. Plan your date nights - I'm not kidding here - so important. Collaborate so that a clash of priorities doesn't upset the needs of your home and work life. If you're single, communicate with your family and make plans to spend time with those you love.

3. Cut back on your commitments. 100%. When things get to that point of you're only stopping to sleep, time to limit non-essential activities you and your family are involved in. NO is a powerful word, and don't be afraid to use it. Say no to things that are low priority and contributes to your family's drain.

4. Create quality time with family and friends. Creating boundaries and learning to be present is an intentional decision and act. In today's hustle culture in a world that sees multitasking as a skill, it is also counterproductive towards keeping up and nourishing relationships, your own personal health and overall wellbeing. Make sure when you're with family and friends , let your calls go to voicemail, turn off your device , stop the housework and have fun with each other.

5. Be Realistic. Creating balance is personal. Don't expect it always be perfect because life isn't that way. Keep in mind what's important for that day, and go with it.

6. Make time for YOU!!!!! I can't say that enough. Whatever brings you joy.... find it, make time for it and do it. Ever heard that phrase "you can't pour from an empty cup"? Your own mental health is so important, and just giving yourself a few minutes a day of downtime can restore balance and re-energize. Being intentional about arranging time for yourself will help you reconnect with yourself, the one that matters most.

P.S. you have my permission to walk away from anything that doesn't bring you joy.

xoxo

Amanda