Does your job make you feel like you work to live, or live to work?

Question

I've had different jobs that have made me feel both ways. The jobs where i live to work means that I love the place and the work I do, but I tend to overstress on things and eventually burn out. On the other hand, the jobs where I've just worked to live, meant I was really not inspired and just collecting a paycheck, which I found depressing and soul crushing. Has anyone had these same feelings?

Lady Pele · Answer

I think what makes a difference for me is how I am treated on the job.  If I feel valued and can see how I’m contributing to the overall success of the department or company, then I typically look forward to going to work each day.  If I don’t feel valued, successful, or productive, then my enthusiasm takes a hit and it makes getting up to face another day more difficult.

Christy Mattingly · Answer

Yes! Work-life balance is always a struggle with jobs you love. It helps to create transitional habits. Set a silent alert to notify you when it is time to wrap up for the day. Put together a ritual to help you transition from work to personal time. Make plans with friends or a significant other so that you don't stay at work too late. Get involved in hobbies or sign up for a cooking class-things that enrich your life and are outside of the realm of your work. Take vacations. Do whatever brings you the most peace.

Lea Fichter · Answer

I've had both types of jobs.   The worst was when my boss was a micro manager, and didn't even allow us to have a personal conversation with the other people in the office.

My favorite role where I  live to work and can honestly say I love my job is my current position as a recruiter.  I have a great work/life balance and flexibility, which helps since I have  2 young kids at home.

Shareyell Hatton · Answer

yes me

Anonymous · Answer

A constant balance but definitely feeling more like work to live these days. I love Christy's advice above though!

Anonymous · Answer

Absolutely - I have been on both ends of this and soul crushing is the perfect way to describe a job that you are unhappy in. I think so much depends on liking your colleagues as well.

Jemia Williams · Answer

One job can make you feel this way. I can honestly say I have felt both ways a few times throughout my 6+ years with my current organization. The first thing I had to do was learn to be open with my leaders and let them know when something was off with me.

As I progressed in the organization I started doing things that fueled my soul. One thing that really changed my entire outlook on some of the challenging parts of my job is just changing my scenery. I am fortunate enough to be able to work anywhere. And sometimes I just need a new change of scenery to change my mood.

Working kneed deep in D&I work can be a huge downer. The needle moves slow. So working to live can show up more often for me. In those moments I go back and think of the wins I did have and put myself in an environment that is going to increase my mood.

Crystal Rhineberger · Answer

Actually a bff and I were just discussing this. YES there is some work you will feel you live there
More rewarding jobs are a happy medium and then some well we are just there to further advance ourselves shall we say.
I am currently in one that honestly would probably let me live there if they could lol

Does your job make you feel like you work to live, or live to work?

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