It’s only January but aren't we all burnt out much ? Sure I am. There is another month of unbearable winter (I just can’t layer clothing and call it fashion), everyone seems to be hyped about new projects (and as freelancers we are 100% responsible for minor hiccups somehow), there is pressure (early 30’s here we come) and constant reminder in the likes of Instagram (see what I did there) by people our age having it all figured out already (Forbes under 30, husbands, cute babies, houses and winter travels in remote tropical locations… God I need to unfollow some of these).
And there are of course, what I call them, THE EVILS OF MODERN WORK CULTURE (especially when your work is remote) creeping out from every corner of our digital screens.
Shout out to everyone who has been guilty (me), read on and try not to be THAT person again. Thank you.
The Liking of The Heart
Rated: 1/10
*minor eye roll and a loud exasperated sigh*
Anything that resolves in a ping of notification, including but not limited to : the liking of the heart via Instagram DM’s (why are you that person though?!), the ‘hey we should catch up sometime’ from a lady you haven't seen since grad and my favourite : the festive congratulatory videos and images forwarded from someone else (yep, you are that special).
Here is the thing : I am working. You are working. We are all hustling to make that dream job come true, meet the deadlines before midnight and just look up from our phones when we cross the road. Don’t bring attention to yourself from 9 am to 5pm unless you are looking for a deep connection.
I have never told you this, but I am telling you now. Stop liking the heart. Adios.
The Myth of Inbox Zero
Rated 2-4/10
*brings out mild stress levels (high blood pressure to some) quickly brought down by a cup of coffee in the cutest mug possible & your favourite swear word in a foreign language*
I really hope they are teaching e-mail culture in high school right now. Everyone has that one colleague who keeps sending the one liners that simply pile up in the puddle of newsletters, promos, the ‘just checking back ins’ and so on.
To all corporate moguls out there: we don’t give a shit about your e-mail newsletters. We signed up for the sales. It is that easy.
To everyone else: keep it simple and to the point. Don’t spam. Don’t ask to meet up if everything has been spoken of in the e-mail.
To everyone else who has been struggling just as me: hang in there. You will never hit the magic inbox zero count. Let it go.
Group
Chats
Rated 7/10
Group Chats
Rated 7/10
*might be a cause to nightmares and nervous break downs if notifications are on*
If you can’t quit them, hop in only in designated time frames. Sooner or later your co-workers will learn that your availability is limited and so… haha just kidding. But it will save you some self inflicted emotional drama. Try it.
Voice Mail
Rated 10/10
*one of the main triggers to misbalancing your emotional well being*
It drops unexpectedly, like a present you never wanted but now will have to unwrap and pretend that it will do.
Is it a detail you will have to fix in the upcoming project ? A catch up? Something you have forgotten to do because another assignment was also in the voice mail and is forever lost in the thread of chaotic whats app conversation (r.i.p.)?
Should I be taking notes after you ? Are you the Majesty Queen of England ?
Sending a voicemail is only appropriate when :
you are a person with limited range of motions (that limits your movements or activities)
you are at the head of a powerful country (read Queen. I know you think you are one, but unless you are Beyonce herself, this is up to a discussion).
A Thread of Voice Mails in Group Chats
Rated…. never mind. This is the hot potato of all evil.
You didn't even know it was (the hot potato of all evil) until you were in a severe coma of burnt out after discussing a minor detail, that, turns out (oh surprise) did not matter in the long run.
Lead by example and do not inflict harm on others by scrambling thoughts off the floor in a cloud of ‘ummms’ and ‘wells’ and heavy breathing.
Anything that shoots your anger issues through the roof while keeping up with evernotes, email threads and whats app voice mails ? Spill.
Nobody reads this blog, its safe down here.
