How I Find a Healthy Balance Between Loving My Job and Prioritizing Wellbeing
If you're anything like me, you love your job. But is it possible to love it too much? I’ve been there – pouring myself into my work, only to realize that I was neglecting my own well-being. The truth is, when we become too invested in our jobs, we risk losing sight of the balance we need to stay healthy and fulfilled. So how can you find a healthy balance between loving your job and prioritizing wellbeing? Here, I’ll share the practical tips I’ve used on my journey to work-life balance.
Are You Too Invested In Your Job? Signs to Watch For
When you love your job, it’s easy to blur the line between dedication and over-attachment, which can do more harm than good in the long run. Whether you’re feeling these pressures yourself or you’re a leader concerned about one of your team members, here are some signs of being overly invested in work:
1. Irritability and Emotional Fatigue
Do any of these tell-tale signs sound familiar?
You internalize criticism and feedback can feel like a personal attack
You take work home with you and you struggle to disconnect after hours
You can’t stay calm when you’re faced with a high-pressure situation
You feel overly attached to your job title as part of your identity
Your relationships suffer because work stress spills over into your personal life
2. Burnout
The stages of burnout begin with drain and overwhelm, and often lead to becoming detached or cynical about your job. Eventually, your performance suffers. I've experienced these stages of burnout first hand. At the time, my colleagues and I worked way too much and used passion as a justification. In reality, we were suffering. I’ve seen this same mentality in clients, especially in my work with finance and sales teams where there is high pressure to perform.
3) Compassion Fatigue
Signs of compassion fatigue include a diminished ability to empathize, increased frustration, and emotional detachment. This often occurs when those in emotionally demanding jobs, like healthcare or long-term care, become emotionally exhausted from constantly caring for others. When I worked at a non-profit years ago, I saw how the signs of compassion fatigue crept in among my colleagues. Over time, this led to exhaustion, irritability, and a sense of detachment from the work we cared so deeply about.
My Journey to Finding Balance: 5 Tips for Wellbeing
Over the past seven years as an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that balance isn’t about perfection, but about finding a sustainable way to support both my wellbeing and my business. Here’s how I did that and how you and your team members can too.
Take a Mindful Approach to Feedback
If you get easily triggered by feedback, you’re not alone. Our minds tend to twist how we receive both criticism and compliments – exaggerating thought patterns like “I’m a total failure” when we receive constructive feedback or “I’m the best” when it’s positive.
Mindfulness has helped me take a more balanced approach. Rather than brooding over a constructive piece of advice I receive from a client when I get home from work, I’ve learned to ask a simple question: “What can I do better next time?” This reframes my thinking to take forward-moving action rather than beat myself up and dwell on the past.
2. Set Boundaries With Your Time
Setting clear boundaries between work and personal time allows me to be fully present in whatever I’m doing. Mindfulness helps me stay focused – I’m present in my tasks when at work, but when I’m baking, reading, or spending time with my husband or friends, I’m present with them. This mental separation reduces stress and helps me feel more refreshed when I return to work.
Of course, no one is perfect—sometimes work thoughts sneak in, but practicing mindfulness consistently has made a huge difference. Just like exercise builds my physical strength, practicing mindfulness strengthens my ability to stay present.
3. Find Joy Outside of Work
One of the biggest shifts for me was learning to embrace activities that bring me joy outside of work. Yoga, reading, baking, travelling – these hobbies help me recharge and remind me that there’s more to life than business. Whether it’s something creative, active, or relaxing, finding joy outside of work helps you return to your job with a clearer mind and more focus. For me, that joy follows me to work and allows me to show up as my best self.
4. Prioritize Health as a Foundation
Taking care of myself is foundational to taking care of my business. You must prioritize your health before work, not as an afterthought. I make regular exercise, meditation, meal planning, and rest non-negotiable parts of my routine. This investment in my physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing ensures that I have the energy and focus needed to give my best to my work. If you’re passionate about your job like I am, remember that taking care of yourself allows you to give more to the work you love.
5. Set Non-Work-Related Goals
Setting non-work-related goals is just as important as business goals – they help me stay aligned with my values and prevent me from living on autopilot. For example, this year I’ve focused on creative writing, dance, and sewing – activities that challenge me personally and keep my mind sharp. Slowing down to reflect on what you want in life allows you to speed up in the areas that matter most, ensuring your life remains fulfilling and balanced – even when work gets busy.
Craving Healthy Balance In Your Life?
Being passionate about your work is a good thing – but you need to take care of yourself to truly show up with your all. My 1:1 Mindful Mentorship helps busy professionals like you learn mindfulness teachings and practices that can help you recalibrate and find a healthy balance in your life. Learn more and join me for a clarity call.
