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Lesson Learn-ing: Don't Over Commit

As a young designer, you start to learn quickly what your limits are and how those limits are quickly reached. Over time you get a better understanding of how to manage your time and how to keep yourself from exploding from being over worked. I think it’s completely natural to want to take on ALL the projects that come your way and I’m not sure you fully understand your limits until you’ve been pushed to them, over and over again.

After 3.5 years work experience since graduating design school, I feel I am JUST now getting a good grip on this concept of being over-worked and the idea that I have limits. With the experience that I’ve gained in those 3.5 years, I can now say that I can spot the warning signs of being over worked. I can (for the most part), tell people NO…even though the project will most likely be awesome. I’ve also learned that I don’t have to take on all the projects that come through my email. I’ve learned that both myself and my clients benefit from me only taking on projects I’m extremely passionate about. I’ve learned that it’s not about the money for me. I’ve learned that my nights and weekend are for me and my family….all things I didn’t really understand until just now.

Are you struggling because you continually over commit yourself to your work? If so…STOP…haha. I know. Easier said than done.  Experiment with passing up some jobs, taking the evenings for yourself, and working only when passionate. I’d love to hear about how you guys have worked through this idea of  “over-working”.

Here’s another great post about the glorificaton of “busy”. Thanks Eva.
Above photo: Annaleena Leino

11 comments on “Lesson Learn-ing: Don't Over Commit

  1. I really enjoy reading your blog :D. Just have to say.

    I’ve been working through this myself, as I’m sure many young designers or career minded folk are. We are fed so much fodder about working your butt off for success and there are so many people to compare ourselves too. I had an “aha!” moment when I realized I’d rather have valuable relationships and laughter than any kind of material or career success. I haven’t had as much trouble slowing down as I have letting go of feeling guilty for slowing down. I can’t help but feel like I’m not measuring up because I’m not running a thriving freelance business AS WELL as working full time.

    But I truly do see the fruit of it! I’ve gotten used to the open ended saturday rather than the extra 6 hour work day. Its beautiful. I’m developing new hobbies! And it definitely gives me more joy in the jobs that I do take on.

    1. Thanks for stopping by Laura. I’m glad you like what you read here. I totally hear you when you talk about the guilty part of NOT overworking. I think that will go away with time. 🙂

  2. I know what you mean! I believe I’m approaching my almost over-working phase (which usually happens before a vacation) so I’m tempted to turn some things down. I do try to keep things at a manageable pace to avoid over-working and feeling burned out. It’s so easy to do in any creative industry, especially when the demand is available. I’ve been just learning my limits over the past few years and trying to keep myself in check.

  3. such a wonderful post! I always feel like I should be doing more more more when I compare myself to others, but the truth is that I have a full-time job, run a blog and do freelance work and I can only handle so much!! I’m finally starting to be okay with saying no to things. It’s such an important skill to learn.

    1. Your comment made me remember that almost harder than saying “NO” is actually not comparing yourself to others. It sounds like you’re doing an amazing job!

  4. Not just with work, but with life in general I have found that I like to over commit–and then everything goes to crap. But, when I don’t over commit I then guilt myself into feeling like I am doing something wrong by not helping or doing when something needs to be accomplished. I think part of the problem for me is the mentality that everything is my responsibility. Lately I have been taking a step back from that, and while there is a bit of chaos–I am slowly moving towards a good balance. The feeling on either end of the spectrum isn’t good!
    xo

    1. I hear you Jillian. It’s really tricky to keep yourself somewhere in the middle of the spectrum and I totally agree with you when you say that you feel everything is your responsibility. In a sense, I think it is…but being happier with less is most likely the key…right?

  5. I came to this realization this morning after I literally broke down and cried because I didn’t wake up at 4am to finish some freelance client work before heading to my FT job.

    Since this morning, I’ve declared no more clients for the next few months as I give myself time to focus and me and my projects.

    This post couldn’t come at a better time, thanks!

    L.
    x

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