I have been working hard since I was at school - then on to Uni, getting good grades and off to my grad scheme. TBH I haven’t stopped working hard. And I got tired of that last year. Working hard for other people, having to keep my mouth shut and smile when I really didn’t agree with decisions being made or how people were being treated. I got fed up of workload that was drowning me and constant pressure. I didn’t sign up for this, it wasn’t fun anymore and I had had enough.
As you may know by now I quit my job without a plan. This is one way to totally decenter your career that’s for sure! It’s actually great because you cannot be defined by your job or career because… you don’t have one! That’s when you notice, and learn, the other things about yourself. And what you want to chat to people about or think about in your spare time. It isn’t your job. It’s the hobbies you have, the people you’ve seen, the adventures you’re planning. And so much more. I think I forgot these things could and should take up more space!
I have always loved a challenge - this year I cycled from London to Paris for charity (best experience ever!) and I have found this can be a really effective way to actively give space to yourself away from your job. It also builds your identity because you have other things to think about that aren’t the latest round of amends to a deck your boss seems to think are critical. They’re not.
When you plan your week ahead - instead of starting with work commitments start with you. Gym, coffees, breaks - then plan in the work, not the other way around (easier said than done but give it a try!). Decentering work happens in the small planning moments and the big challenges but it all helps! No one gets remembered for their job once they’ve gone…
What would you advise to help decenter the job/career?