No, you can't
Just pick my brains or hop on a Zoom call
No, you can’t have the first draft by tomorrow.
Nope, I’m not free for a “quick” Zoom call this afternoon
Nah, you can’t “just” pick my brains.
Maybe it’s the increasing pressure of working, living, eating and pooping all in the same building every single day with no reprieve… or perhaps it’s that many businesses are in desperate need of a structured marketing strategy to save them from the edge of oblivion… or it could just be that my tolerance for BS is currently at a historic low… whatever it is, one thing’s for sure: people are so damn demanding right now.
In all seriousness, I think it’s a combination of all the above, plus a few other factors. Work used to be a place to go to escape domestic pressures, and family time was a reward at the end of the week over a meal at the pub. But now you're doing your job, caring for small humans or pets, maintaining a household… and trying not to have a breakdown.
My thoughts are with those who actually have children because I am just about staying afloat with only two very low-maintenance long dogs and one adult man to keep alive.
This is not directed at anyone in particular, nor am I saying that you should never make last-minute requests. But as the lines between work and life have become increasingly blurred, so have many people’s understanding of what is okay.
It’s not okay to text or WhatsApp message suppliers - especially not outside of office hours. Ew.
It is okay to only check your emails once or twice a day - you do you, hun.
It’s not okay to turn everything into a Zoom call
It is okay to say no to working with people who repeatedly push, or even transgress, your boundaries
This tweet from Amy Westervelt said it best:
I know we’re all craving human interaction right now, but a zillion Zoom calls a day is anything but fulfilling - it’s actually exhausting us even more. Get your social kicks elsewhere - like in our Discord server for freelancers (shameless plug).
Well, this turned into a bit of a rant so I will leave you to enjoy your Wednesday in peace. As always, you’ll find me on Twitter.
📚 Kings of The Wyld by Nicholas Eames: Imagine if 20th-century rock bands were embarking on a fantasy adventure. Yeah, that. It’s bloody good.
📽 One of my favourite YouTubers Contrapoints is back with an epic 90-minute feast about JK Rowling and TERFs.
🎙 FKA Twigs on Louis Theroux’s podcast talking about creativity and why she is suing ex-boyfriend Shia LaBoeuf. I am so sad that there is only one episode left of Louis’ podcast for this series. It’s been the perfect companion to my runs.
Enjoyed this? You might like these past issues:
20 January: I’ll be happy when
13 January: Why you’re tired all the time
6 January: Just keep going
23 December: A book recommendation for every mood
16 December: Burnout might not be what you think it is
9 December: Whatever happened to ‘be kind?’
2 December: The best briefs are anything but
25 November: Welcome to the busy-ness Olympics
18 November: Too many cooks spoil the broth (and the marketing campaign)
11 November: Everything is different now, so why are you trying to live like before?
4 November: Lockdown Part II: Here's my manifesto 📜
28 October: Why business owners don't talk about depression
It’s ok to admit it’s all too much. I’ve had the frankest of conversations with my wife and stepson this week. We all eat, work and poop in the same building, all of the time. I too have been pestered to the corners of the earth but a clients project manager. No more. Enough is enough. Project exhausted. Nick bloody exhausted. Business is just about to fall off the cliff. Considering contracts but more and more, after over ten years of decent business. Closing. Working for someone.
A small part of me wants to find some glimmer of hope. Sorry this is turning into s post rather than a reply, so I’ll leave it here.