A job is just a job. It will not decide who I am.
Why does work stress bog people down? Why do people succumb to work pressures? How does a mere operational function become the dominating centre of your life?
That’s because we forget that a job is just a job. It is not you, nor is it an extension of you. It is simply a part of your life that is meant to enable you to lead a comfortable existence. Yes, it is as miniscule as it sounds. Why then all the fuss? What’s the deal with a 24×7 work mode?
One of my previous bosses once commented to his immediate reportees that family life was as important as work. His idea was to leave office early, spend the evening with family and kids, and once they’re all in bed, resume working through their remote access systems. He said anything more than 3-4 hours of sleep was a waste of time.
I say – Tragic!
The point (in my limited understanding) is to ensure that while at work, nothing other than professional matters have your attention, complete and whole. And once you are through for the day, let the laptop recharge, your greycells rest, and your heart lighten.
It is also important, especially in the age of office politics, that your colleagues and work culture don’t dictate to you the person you should be. Abiding by a dress code and office decorum is standard procedure, but changing your attitude to fit into an organisation in murder. After a career of 20-25 years you will be searching for the real you, in fact much earlier.
Be open to change, and accept evolutions, but never lose the essence that makes you the person you are. Retain ‘you’, no matter how difficult it may seem, because when the going gets tough, you will solace in being simply yourself.
