![]() What could be more infuriating than to be so good, at the job you hate, that you keep getting more and more work on your plate? For a long time, this was a particular curse of mine. Not only was I really capable, I was absolutely determined to make senior management, as well as being so bloody helpful that I felt I couldn't say no to anybody; well, except maybe myself, my family and my friends. I would work my backside off all day long on the things I needed to do, meanwhile my boss and colleagues would constantly be on at me to do a new project, write complicated spreadsheets, help them problem solve, attend yet another meeting, and so on and so forth. It got to the point where my 9-5 didn't end until at least 7pm and was often 9pm or even later. At extreme points, I've been known to still be in the office at 1am and often found myself unable to sleep for thinking about it so would go back in at 3 or 4am, particularly on a Saturday morning. Meanwhile, my husband was putting my children to bed and I was just there to get them ready in the mornings. Yelling at them to get up, get ready, checking on homeworks, PE kits, whipping up packed lunches and breakfasts and hustling them out the door to school. I was wretched with guilt. My babies were growing up without me, and I would joke at work (to conceal my heartache) that they'd soon be calling me auntie Jo. I never saw my friends. What little time I had away from work had to be dedicated to my family. After all, it was the only time I was around. On the rare occasions I did socialise, it was with my work colleagues, because I hadn't seen my real friends in months (or was it years?). The treadmill of going through the motions had me well and truly in it's grasp. And, as for time for myself? Well, that just wasn't going to happen! And what do you think happened to little workaholic me? It's quite simple really I was thought no better of. My career dead-ended. I lost out on the lion share of 6 or 7 years of my children's lives. My marriage broke down. My next career move was a total bomb as I took the same mentality with me. And for what? For a career that didn't really MEAN anything to me, other than an opportunity to compete and earn more and more money. I was 36 years old, and I didn't have the first clue of what I wanted to do with my life. All my career and family dreams had disappeared and I realised that I had no idea what I was working for any more. Fortunately, I was down but not out. I decided to change my life and that's exactly what I did. I took inspiration from the fantastic (if slightly cheesy), well known US coaches and speakers, like Tony Robbins, Jim Rohn, Seth Godin, Brian Tracy and Les Brown. I read and watched and listened and learned about all of the ways to get inside of my own head and figure out a way through. And that's really what inspired me to be here. So, that's why my first programme is designed to help you to quit your job and get a life. If you think you might be stuck too, why not check out my free webinar, or get yourself a copy of my free cheat sheet? Both will provide you with loads of detailed steps to get in touch with what you really want, plan your future, find the courage, and take action to create the life you deserve. Go on; you're worth it! Jo xx
2 Comments
Debbie Evans
7/10/2014 06:36:38 am
Hi Jo I read your piece about being too good at the job you hate. That's exactly where I am. Except I was made redundant. 6 weeks ago my daughter has been diagnosed with severe anxiety & depression and I feel as if I've completely lost myself I just don't know what to do? What would you do? Practically speaking?
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Hi Debbie. It's certainly challenging to be left without a position that has possibly defined you for a long time, but in some respects it's the best thing that can happen. Often being pushed is a lot easier than taking the plunge off your own back. The mistake that a lot of people make is to miss the fantastic opportunity that's available. Instead, they panic, job search like crazy, and jump straight back into a crappy situation. You didn't mention whether you believe your daughter's anxiety is related, in some way, to your work situation. Regardless, take a little time to do some soul searching, and spend time appreciating the important people and things in your life. I can't recommend the free webinar and cheat sheet (links in the article) enough in terms of the practical steps you can take to make sure that your next opportunity better suits you and your loved ones. Jo xx
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