In the last three years, there has been seemingly endless documentation of employee disengagement, burnout, and even the coining of a new phrase, “quiet quitting.” These conversations are coupled with claims of “no one wants to work anymore” answered with the response that, “no one wants to work the equivalent of three jobs for the salary of half of one.”
Whether you’re an employer or an employee, I think we can all agree that the general sentiment is that the way we’ve been doing things isn’t working, and there’s a massive feeling of unhappiness and disengagement at multiple levels. I’ve seen it with clients, colleagues, and friends. I’m willing to bet you have too. And, you’ve probably talked about it. And listened to others talk about it. And then maybe talked about it some more. Is burnout the next pandemic? Has it been an existing pandemic since long before it was talked about? Maybe. Probably.
But there’s an expression about how you see what you’re looking for. Meaning, if you’re looking for burnout, you’ll surely find burnout. (Though I don’t believe anyone has to try very hard to look for it). My point is more on the flipside of the equation - if we look for engagement, satisfaction, or (dare I say it??) joy - will we find it? To be clear, I’m not suggesting that joy is just as common as burnout and that the problem lies entirely within our approach or perspective. But I do wonder where the stories about joy at work are - because surely there must be some, right?
Here’s another expression for you: Be the change you wish to see.
Y’all. I am currently experiencing joy at work. I’ve been experiencing joy at work for a few weeks now. In fact, it’s been well over a month. I have so much to say about my transition from “following the established career path that demonstrates success” to “establish some work-life balance and be happy” that I suspect it will be the subject of many other musings and ramblings to come. For now, I want to share a specific story of joy at work on a Tuesday afternoon.
The short backdrop for this story is that I left my full-time job as a VP of learning and development in mid-June to pursue a career as a free-lance consultant in learning and organizational development. And that is how I found myself on a flight from Denver, Colorado to Philadelphia, PA on Monday evening, about to deliver a workshop on Psychological Safety during Times of Change to a group of leaders the following Tuesday.
To clarify, the Colorado part was just because I was returning from vacation, not because I had a work gig there as well. But I share it because it’s relevant. And it’s relevant, because the phrase “Sunday Scaries” didn’t come from nowhere. And anyone who has experienced the Sunday Scaries knows that the only way to generate more anxiety than returning to work on a Monday morning after the weekend is to… return to work after taking a vacation. In fact, I’ve heard more than a handful of people say that the anxiety of returning to work after time out of the office almost negates the benefit of taking time off in the first place.
So, there I was, ending my vacation and flying right to work. It didn’t even occur to me that I didn’t have anxiety until I realized the one thing I was worrying about was the size of my suitcase and backpack since I was flying in from vacation. I worried that I might look silly on what others would view as a 1 day work trip when I clearly had well over a week’s worth of belongings.
Spoiler alert: No one noticed my bags. And if they did, they didn’t say anything.
That night I met a new colleague, and co-facilitator for dinner. Then later another colleague and co-facilitator joined us. The dinner was surprisingly good. The conversation even better. In the morning, I ironed my clothes, reviewed my notes, and got dressed in a way that felt appropriate to be in front of a room full of leaders. I met my colleagues again for breakfast, and then lunch, and then, it was game time.
The first participant to walk into the room immediately came up, introduced himself, and shook our hands. Others did the same upon entering. When I introduced myself and told the group that I was excited to be there because I feel so strongly about the topic, I wasn’t lying. And for the next 90 minutes I remained excited. And engaged. And, dare I say it, joyous.
The group was engaged and curious and reflective. They took risks and told stories. They made mistakes and helped each other learn. They leaned into areas of discomfort and paused to sit with new ideas. And at the end of the training they were energized, and shared their gratitude for the opportunity to attend the workshop, and the impact that the session had on them.
It was a 90 minute session, so it’s safe to say there is still work to be done. But we accomplished a lot in the time we spent together. And I felt like I got to make a difference.
When I was in college we did an exercise where we had to write one sentence that we would want written on our tombstones to summarize who we were.
That activity was nearly 25 years ago, so I can’t promise to remember my quote exactly, but I believe it was: “She cared and tried to make a difference.” Most of the different streets on my long and varied career path have afforded me the opportunity to make a difference in one way or another. And for that, I am exceptionally grateful.
On this particular Tuesday I was once again lit up by the idea that I get to care. And I get to make a difference. And not only does that relieve burnout, stress, and anxiety at work - it creates joy.
I’m not entirely sure where this next chapter is going to take me, but I do know that my roadmap will be highly informed by choices and opportunities that allow me to be the change I wish to see. And that change is LESS burnout, disengagement, and Sunday Scaries - MORE connection, engagement, purpose, and joy.
What are you feeling at work these days? I would love to hear about the experiences that bring YOU joy and make you feel alive and engaged!