Being at peace with being just "good enough."

Anonymous

November 15,2022 at 3:16AM UTC

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Being at peace with being just "good enough."

I've been running myself into the ground since landing this great job at a well-known org two years ago. I've been very enthusiastic about the work and role from the get-go and have been giving 110%. Well, I'm starting to wonder what's in the future for me there. I can stay in this current role for another two years or work a little harder to really excel and perhaps get a great promotion.

Honestly, though, I'm getting a little burned out. I have a rough commute, kids, other life commitments... and I'm starting to think I should just let some things go and be "good enough" but not stellar, at this job. I'm not used to thinking that way, but I think it's something I need to do, at least for the next few years until the kids get a little older and I feel like I have more control over my schedule. I'm afraid I'll be moving myself to a low-ambition track. Still, it's probably for the best to step back, do well and accept working at this even level for a while. I think my boss many expect more but right now, I just don't think I can live up to those expectations for the time being.

What do I think this will entail? Not dreaming up big projects, not staying late, maybe taking a mental health day here and there, and letting other colleagues take the lead on things and shine for it.

Anyone else quietly take a step back and not regret it?

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AnonymousNovember 15,2022 at 2:45PM UTC
Just because you're taking a step back now doesn't mean you won't excel again in the future. I've taken a step back from my work before and did not regret it. It was the right thing for me in that moment.
AnonymousNovember 16,2022 at 9:16PM UTC
Agree! It's difficult to know the right thing to do. There really isn't one path to take. It sounds like you are an overachiever, like me. It's hard to know when good enough is good enough!
I have shifted my priorities over the years to align with the ages and stages of my kids. It was worth it. I may not be doing now what I envisioned early on in my career, but my goals have pivoted too. Life is full of changes and transitions.
Take time to care for yourself! Rest is important to be your best whether it's at work or at home.
Jeni KolstadDecember 1,2022 at 4:43PM UTC
Work boundaries are so important! I've seen myself step in and step back at various times in my career. You should be able to say NO to something when you are overwhelmed and it is absolutely okay to just do your job and not beyond your job. Life is so much more than work!
Paulla Fetzek, MSEdDecember 2,2022 at 12:35AM UTC
When I turned 50, one thing became glaringly obvious to me. While I have few regrets thus far in life, I had to admit that I'd spent a good deal of it up to that point on things that JUST. DID. NOT. MATTER.
This most certainly includes work.
I'm sick of jobs that think you're not a good employee if you don't give 110% effort. If you come to work every day on time - do the projects that are expected of you - complete what needs to be done - and do it accurately... You are a good employee.
If someone else wants to spend 10 hour days, grab extra work, and look for other things to involve themselves with... Good for them. It doesn't make them any better an employee than you. It simply means they're ambitious.
Life's too short to be spent on things that don't matter. When I'm at work, I still give all that I can. But back when I turned 50, I stopped making it the focus of my life.
Janice HongDecember 3,2022 at 6:28AM UTC
It’s really about what is important to you and what you prioritize, and it is very, very personal. There is absolutely nothing wrong with slowing down a bit.
I had a friend say she couldn’t believe she was at a stage in her life where her career was taking a backseat to her personal life. I suggested that she reframe it as her prioritizing this time in her life with her kids at this age, which she will never get back. It is absolutely a valid choice.
Make the choice that is right for you!