To Work or Not to Work: That’s the Question
Achievement plays a crucial role in my life. Growing up, it was ingrained that I needed to excel in everything I do.
While doing your best is important, I need to force myself not to overdo it.
My work-life balance isn’t the healthiest. If you ask any of my friends, they’ll tell you I take on too much at once. Most of the time, I hate to say that they’re right.
Have I worked every single day of a week? Yeah (probably multiple times this summer). Did my photography end up on the cover of a magazine? Also yes. But was I carefree? Absolutely not; I was holding on by a thread.
Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do. The fact that I can photograph and tell people’s stories for a paycheck is amazing. I just have to remember breaks and a social life outside of work is necessary.
From a workaholic to you, here’s some reasons a work-life balance is crucial.
It’s important for your mind and body to get rest.
I forget that I have chronic disabilities and push myself to the extreme. Next thing you know, I can’t walk or feel like I’m going to pass out. Saying no isn’t a bad thing; sometimes it’s the only thing to keep your sanity in check.
You don’t need to be creating something 24/7 to prove your talented.
Read that again. I’ve always felt that I should be starting something new as soon as I finish a project. No breaks, no rest. If I didn’t start right away, my mind would tell me I was lazy and undeserving. Want to know something? That’s not true at all. I just have to remind myself of this constantly.
Taking on too much at once is not being “good under pressure.”
I always used to tell myself, “Oh, I work GREAT under pressure. That’s where I thrive.”
Honestly, no. I can survive working under pressure, but if that demand never lightens, I break. Being constantly stressed is not good for your body or your mind. Over the summer, this feeling would get so bad I wouldn’t be able to eat. I was too stressed to even do the basic necessities.
Overdoing your passion will make you hate what you love.
This is honestly so true. Freshman year, I did so much photography I didn’t want to pick up my camera at all. I associated it with work instead of what I loved, and it took me years to even start taking pictures for fun again. Pace yourself; it’s so important to keep the passion alive.
Everyone needs a social life.
You need something that’s not related to work; it doesn’t matter how small that is. Whether it’s getting coffee with a friend once a week or a group gathering, it’s needed for your mental health. Everyone deserves to have fun. Deadlines can wait.
Take it from me: you do not want to overwork yourself. Once you get into that toxic mindset, it’s incredibly hard to get out. Everyone deserves a break; achievements will still be there when you come back.
Sincerely, Abbey
Photography: Abbey C.