THE MYTH OF WORK/LIFE BALANCE: Self-care is not enough

[@MajasticFantastic]

These are the only sane words I have heard on stress and self-care in a while. I used to be big on self-care, journaling, meditation, healthy eating, etc. up untill a year ago when I got my degree and joined the work force. Now I work 8-4 and suddenly I don't have time . I work an administratve position in a big office and while I like the job I am basically doing 3 people's jobs. I leave already exhausted at 4PM, 1 hour long commute, go get groceries and some other errands, come home at 5-6, make dinner, eat, shower, do dishes, laundry, try to keep my place somewhat clean, and then it's 10PM and I have to wake up at 6AM. So if I want 8 hours of sleep I have to go to sleep NOW (also too exhausted to do anything else). Now repeat. How do most people function like this? How do people have hobbies and go to the gym??

[@BOSSDONMAN]

It's all about compromises

[@the1stmetalhead]

@@BOSSDONMAN yeah those people are sacrificing on social/romantic life. They might have sex with other people or prostitutes but no deep connection with a human being. To those people the only thing that matters is their work and gym. Most of us are not deep focused individuals. We are happy when we are average in a variety of things.

[@ConnieQuiza]

Every situation is different but for the majority of ppl there can be consequences when you have to compromise and that can have a domino effect on other important parts of your life especially if you are a working parent. For example, if you can’t keep up with the daily care tasks around the house, then for some ppl it can impact their mental health.

[@CrawlingPOA]

You spread it out to different days. Do laundry one day after work. Maybe work out two or three days after work. Plus the weekends. Laundry is usually done on the weekend for me. Journaling during breaks or just for a set amount of time or until I feel some relief. The biggest struggle for me is meals particularly breakfast but electrolyte powder, protein powder, and quick things like oatmeal and breakfast bars help.

[@nannuky1128]

as someone who joined workforce just a few months ago at a whopping age of 25, almost 26 (yes, I was postponing it as much as I could by prolonging my studies), I have been feeling quite jaded about this whole adult life. Work is suddenly my priority, I can't just skip it like I could skip classes at uni, and it restricts me time-wise in quite a painful way, be it seeing my friends or seeing a doctor, and don't even get me started on my hobbies and just... living my life. I really hope I get to see a 4-day work-week becoming the norm - here in Europe it's being brought up more and more often in various settings.

[@IshtarNike]

Omg me too! I was even later at like 27 and man is it fucked up. It feels like such a pointless task. I'm so tired and burnt out after work all I can do is spend money on food and entertainment to numb myself until I have to go to work again. But I only feel like that because of work. It's a vicious cycle and seems to only serve rich people and those who don't actually need to work.

[@NoThing-wc3cs]

I currently work 4 days a week and also live in Europe. I make less money but enough to pay for everything. Yes I chose this obviously because I want more time to just have fun and do what I feel is important for my well-being.

[@relativexistence505]

Any tips on how to ease the transition? My boyfriend of 3 years is 25 and about to graduate school for audio engineering, I can tell he is also prolonging his school because of the anxiety of joining a new lifestyle completely dependent on his passion and drive, any tips of things you wish people had said or did for you during that transition?

[@BOSSDONMAN]

At least you guys get decent amount of PTO in Europe

[@reaganharder1480]

I'm 26 and just started university for engineering after like 7 years in the workforce, and for all the people who talk about how stressful university and especially engineering is, all available indicators point to my mental health being the best it's been in years. It probably helps that I'm one of those freaks who pretty well doesn't need to study, so the amount of work I have to do outside of classes is fairly minimal, but like... My day doesn't have to start at the same time every day, I hardly have to talk to anyone I don't want to talk to, expectations are clearly laid out, and most of my days have less than 6 hours of classes. Maybe it's just that I'm well suited to the university environment, but I feel like most people complaining about how hard college is are doing so because they haven't experienced the 9-6 life yet...

[@PaperParade]

I have not found something I resonate with more than this. I’ve been exhausted for years, and sick, and trying to figure out how to heal and I can’t. The stress and trauma never stops.

[@m2pozad]

Are you doing the single mother heavy lift?

[@PaperParade]

@@m2pozad No, I’m not a parent.

[@annap1171]

I feel u

[@IshtarNike]

My main problem with this type of advice is that usually the whole issue is that people don't have the ability to reduce their stress. It's not like life is an RPG and you can choose your occupation and stress levels. You end up in a situation and it usually takes months or years to properly get out of it. You can't just reduce your stress by willing it be so.

[@valnsky]

Being adult is terrible. I am an accountant also a perfectionist and absolutely unable to relax. 5 days a week I wake up at 6, arrive at work at 7:30, work throughout my lunch, leave work at 4, go home, rush to go for a run before it gets dark, then rush to cook food for my family, clean up, talk to family abroad, laundry, prep lunch for the next day and it is 10 pm and I feel dead. Lay in bed stressing about inflation, family, health and have a rubbish sleep. Then it starts again the next day. At the same time I can’t afford to take time away from basically life, which is what I need. How do you break the circle?

[@rgonzalo511]

When automation hits you and everyone else will have plenty of free time. Hopefully we have a roof over our shoulders and food on the table with it .

[@ahdorbfidks]

@@rgonzalo511 or when your kids get older you can teach them to help you around the house/ be self-reliant

[@1.and.only.]

Try getting a remote position. Make meals that last a couple days and/or order out. Workout in the morning. Delegate household chores. One load of laundry per day. Ask for help.

[@dontforget3113]

I found a job where I can cheat my employer of his time to do my side hustle on the clock. Learn to become the villain. You'll be much better off.

[@kevinjacobson969]

Get out of accounting.

[@squidwardtentacles4234]

I’ve always wondered how people have the energy to even live their lives working 9-5s. I’m exhausted by the time I get home and it feels as though I don’t have time to do anything else.

[@EricTitansSmith]

Have you looked at your diet? Smoke? Drink?

[@bobbyc1120]

I've come to the conclusion that they don't. That's why stay-at-home wives exist. That's why childcare exists. Declining wages forcing both partners to work explains why so many Americans are frazzled, stressed, obese, disconnected from their communities, and overly materialistic. There's no time in their lives for anything other than the worship of money and sacrifice.

[@veronicalagor4771]

​@@EricTitansSmithNone of those will fix an overly stressful work, hence the subject of the video

[@gabrielguyenot3960]

Very refreshing to hear. The 8+ hours work day (including the commute) is not optimal for our bodies. Yet we are gaslight into sinking our most precious time and energy toward someone else's project. It is ironic that in an age where food has been the most abundant it has ever been, where shelter can be constructed faster than ever, people are working longer hours than actually needed. All in the pursuit of profit and speed. Capitalism is not bad, but greed 100% is. We live in a culture that would rather waste mountains of food if it can't get someone to buy it, and where shelter is made poorly, but treated as an appreciating stock supported by renters who will lag behind in life and never own anything. There must be a way where people can still work, offer services and contribute, but without destroying their bodies and minds on the way.

[@KarmasAB123]

"It is ironic that in an age where food has been the most abundant it has ever been, where shelter can be constructed faster than ever, people are working longer hours than actually needed." It's the legacy of the cotton gin.

[@admirbarucija2018]

I feel really stuck when it comes to work. On the one hand, several of the people who work with me are my best friends, but on the other I hardly have time for hobbies or doing stuff I enjoy these days

[@r4lfxd]

Just a heads up, they are not really your friends. They are only your friends while you're on the job. Once you quit, you won't hear from them. It's like in school, you only talk because you share the same burden of attending the same institution every day.

[@MsMizz1]

Working to live really is inhumane. The concept of “making a living” is nonsensical. It’s soul crushing and harmful to society to continue operating within these systems. Agreed it is rooted in the exploitation of power.

[@wolfiesasha887]

Indeed

[@raychell1]

Yes!! It is also really frustrating to be labelled as lazy if you want more time to just be you

[@aos-archive]

Try living off the grid for some time if you think it is inhumane. No food, no shelter, no goods. You forage, scavenge, hunt and defend yourself, every single day.

[@RicochetForce]

@@aos-archive There is always a goddamn weasel arguing in favor of this miserable, exploitative system.

[@ProfessionalBirdWatcher]

What? Do you mean living to work?

[@daylynh8282]

I loved the "rant" style of this video. And you hit the nail on the head, these are all the things I've been feeling as well.

[@tworune]

This is why I switched my Uni degree while I still could, and I'm so grateful. I went into Computer Science initially because that's what I thought was "right". I hated nearly every moment of those two years, to the point of breaking down in the middle of the exam room. I finally made the decision to switch into something I've always been passionate about at the start of last year, and it's been one of the best decisions I've ever made. I'm actually excited to go into classes, actually making friends.. plus the retail job that I maintain casually really encourages me to try and get into my field of interest long-term. I'm sure there will be downsides at times to making a career out of my passion, but I believe it'd be so much better than slaving yourself away at something that leaves you empty.

[@JaneParkerBowls]

What did you swap to?

[@tworune]

Animation

[@madeleinedacey8489]

I was thinking something similar about the "loneliness epidemic" the other day. I think that for most people it is not an issue of lacking social skills or the desire to socialize. For most people, it is simply a struggle to schedule time with other people, especially when they are drained from work. People need the time, energy, and "third places" to just hang out (without spending tons of money).

[@The_Ice_Cream_Police]

Agreed about the comment on how it's not just capitalism, but power itself. Those in power tend to exploit others below them on the power structure - meanwhile pushing the notion that if you're not giving 110% to your work, then you're just unambitious and expendable. My happiest days were when I was working a part-time job, and was able to spend time drawing or just reading on my off-days. I'd get judged for being "unambitious" for not falling in line with the careerist mentality, but I genuinely felt free and loved my life full of creativity and learning.

[@alinaaubakirova9630]

Ana, I’ve watched your content ever since the pandemic started and I appreciate it because it feels like a personal therapy session for free. You’re amazing and you’ve helped me in my life so much without even knowing❤️ thank you

[@AnaPsychology]

Thank you so much for saying that❤️

[@PinkYellowGreen2023]

I appreciate you posting this video. You have to focus on pleasureable things as you live your life. You will die if you don't find a pleasureable escape from the grind. Ive worked 48-60 hours a week...it took me writing out a schedule and sticking to it in order to enjoy my life. Also, adults can not enjoy life if they have no money or means to make money! So Im glad that you at least have a job AND understand the abuse of POWER in the workplace. It is out of control!

[@briannajanae2074]

My job is an office job that could easily be done from home (and was during COVID), now they have us coming in the office 2x a week for "equity" purposes and I have legit no work life balance. Those days are so rough between work, the commute, and just coming home dead tired. I'm lucky if there's enough time to eat dinner and go to bed, just to do it again. It's lip service when management says "work life balance" to us. They don't care; we're a cog in the machine.

[@Thulite_Orb]

I wake up at 3 or latest 3:30 AM. I get to work on a cold, often rainy or heavy fog travel to get there and clock in at 5:30. As a carpool, I get home at 4:00. Do most chores. Cook my lunch and get my uniform clean. Thoroughly shower and do my hair. Rinse and repeat. I often sleep quite early, and as soon as I close my eyes my hand is moving on its own, mimicking applying my mascara as i think its already time to get up and get ready for work. Best advice- delegate household chores. Several pairs of uniforms. Exercise? Hike or walk. Its the only way i stay sane and actually see the sun or stars or nature. It sucks, but remember rule of ten. Ten minutes till half hour, more half hours and my shift ends soon. 🩷

[@Blue-Spirit]

I used to work at a suicide and crisis line and the turnover rate within 6 months was 90 percent. The company was always spouting this rhetoric about how we are responsible for our own mental health and how this job requires self care. The problem is that they would also use this rhetoric to drum people out one after the other. I was one of the last people to leave in my class and durring my time i saw so many people show up so happy to save lives turn into husks of there former selves just from a month or two of working here. I have so many close relationships that were built and destroyed in this space over this one idea that your ability to self care is the problem. There is not enough self care you can do to have a fulfilling life in a toxic work environment no matter how much you love the work itself.

[@butterscotchwm]

Honestly WFH has been the only thing that's made "living my life" possible. But it's also stifling the opportunity for me to meet my coworkers and form relationships with them, so I still feel isolated. Feels like I can't win.

[@Grace_Psychology]

I’m someone who had to quit their job because of mental health issues and moved back home with my family. I’m 23 (we are all having a great time since I moved back and I am happy to be making progress with my anxiety. I’m very happy with my life, but I feel like whenever others hear that’s I’m a jobless 23 year old who lives with their parents, they look at me like I’m a loser with a bad life.

[@theshinythings123]

My city is so expensive that pretty much everyone either still lives with their parents at 23 or with roommates. I think it's a great opportunity to relax and focus on your mental health without worrying about rent. I noticed when I was in periods when I had very little schoolwork and no job I was relaxed and I found a new hobby and started going to the gym. As long as you are happy that's what matters.

[@gaylordtv561]

you still have time start asap

[@veronicalagor4771]

Honestly, it's probably jealousy. Being able to be supported by loved ones when unemployed is a luxury. Like I know I don't have the option even if I wanted, because my parents couldn't support me if needed.

[@BOSSDONMAN]

Over half of adults under 29 live with their parents. I make six figures and still live with my mom in my mid-20s. Seeing rents literally double in 2021-2022 was absolutely insane.

[@KiraHelenRose]

I work in a health food store. I’ve been there five years. I’ve put in so much, gone above and beyond, picked up the slack for so many lazy coworkers over the years. I’ve gotten raises for it, but in the end my hours somehow end up going down and so my raises are ineffective. I also sustained a repetitive strain injury from putting in so much physical effort. And when I returned from injury, my hours were once again reduced. My boss has no issue with all of the workload falling on a small handful of us and then hiring filler types for the rest of the schedule. This puts tons of stress on those of us who have always done the work. We pick up the slack and end up overworked. I’ve faced this in every job I’ve had. My work ethic is taken advantage of time and time again. Lately I’ve started doing less because I’m sick of being taken advantage of. But there are times I find myself still having to pick up the slack. This idea of quiet quitting is sort of problematic in the sense that it tends to mean two very different things. The truest sense of the term is for those tired of overextending themselves for no benefit, and thus they do their exact job description and don’t go above and beyond. The second usage is by those who have always been lazy and refused to even do the minimum of their job description (forcing their coworkers to pick up all the slack), they lean on the idea of “quiet quitting” to justify their laziness and lack of work ethic. I’ve seen these types at every job I’ve had. The ones who stand around chit chatting and doing absolutely no work. Or they constantly don’t show up to work, or they wander off so you have no idea where they’ve gone. Or they are constantly on their phone. Etc. This causes others to have to do both their own job and their coworker’s job at the same time. This isn’t a new thing, it existed before the pandemic. I’ve been seeing and experiencing it for many many years.

[@oliverrojas3185]

One night on a lunch break 4 years ago I was listening to public radio and a guest speaker stated that the circumstances lower income people find themseleves under is due to their decisions making. Thanks for bringing up this topic. I have been a full time night custodial worker for 10 years currently making $24.00 hr , a part-time day wharehouse worker for two years currently making $19.00 hr, and re-entered the food delivery contracting market seven months ago to take on less to no hours at my part-time job. At food contracting I currenlty average between $12 to $25 an hour depending on how many trips I make and the timeframe that I work. Today I am on leave from my part-time and unable to do my food contracting because yesterday I bent the front sproket on an e-bike. This morning I am attending to home cleaning, raking leaves, and e-mails.

[@phil5037]

I think many people make the mistake of thinking balance means having more time to pursue activities that provide short term reward like playing video games, alcohol, Netflix, or shopping. Real balance is cleaning your room, working out, turning a hobby into a skill, and helping friends, which you eventually learn isn't balance because these all serve the same purpose in different ways.

[@Gomangoman11]

This is what has attracted me to FIRE so much. Being able to check out at 35, and live a life I really want. I haven't found a better solution outside of this so far.

[@fterimage]

Lol, you mean Finance, Insurance and Real Estate? That's the reason why everyone else is suffering - you're just choosing to be on the beneficiary side of the curve.

[@mmmmdani]

Omg. Needed to hear this as a 1L. It feels good to be able to relate to you as a woman enduring professional development... As much as I want to be an attorney, it is amazing to me how normalized stretching yourself thin (to say the least), losing sleep, competing with your peers, self doubt, and imposter syndrome are in the legal field. There are so many antiquated practices in Law school and other professional post grad programs that seem to be in place just to compromise students’ mental health, and I don’t think that’s an overdramatic statement. This should be addressed more than just once at orientation.

[@trixie_nuit]

I love working: it gives me growth perspective, the chance to solve problems for other people and gain liquid money, that I can exchange for even more fulfilling experiences (like education, travelling, going out, nice stuff...)! I love being helpful and autonomous! Work is kind of self-care for me????? My own experience is that even if you're passionate about something: some days you just won't like the idea of doing it. But having a purpose makes it all easier... I'm 20, an autistic women, have no friends outside of my family and dog, barely get free time because I work as a cashier to pay for my law university. Even though it's not my ideal job I'm so grateful, it makes my actual dreams tangible. I'm obsessed about the life I want and this gets me through everything! ✨✨

[@maryannifeanacho4219]

Congratulations on finishing your novel. As a writer too I know how hard that can be. I just finished a short story two days ago and it was really fulfilling. Thank you for this video. It's calming to know I'm not the only one going through this stuff. I work 12-14 hour shifts as a healthcare assistant, ghostwrite for clients, work on my short stories and novels which actively working towards graduate school, keeping fit and generally surviving in a foreign country where I barely know anyone. I miss my family and my cats. Some days I want to break down and cry, other days I'm so empty and numb. My free time is usually for sleep. I feel guilty when I watch movies because I usually have so much calling for my attention all at once. I'll be 25 soon and my life seems all over the place. Been trying to figure out this work-life balance thing for a while but I've just come to terms with the fact that maybe I just have to be stressed at this period in my life just to get things in order.

[@cclark3]

5:14 that takes so much humility, thank you for mentioning that!

[@GinaBrittCo]

This is why I moved to Europe for a few months. They work to live not live to work. Yes they make less money overall but the amount of vacations and superior quality of life to Americans is a breath of fresh air.

[@Redvibes020]

Ive definitely been feeling this way about work/life balance. Im working towards my goals to become a neuropsychologist researcher because something I've always told myself even before starting fulltime is if I have to work atleast 40 hours a week, ik it needs to be something im passionate about. This idea of giving that many hours of my life away a week for somethig that gives me no fullfillment was, and is still, just absurd. Everyday I have only 2 hours of free time after work if i want to get a full 8 hours of sleep, but I push it by one more hour and go with the 7 hours of sleep because I want more time. I go to work, get home at 4 pm, take a shower and do my skin care by 5, make something to eat and then eat it by 6, then freetime by 9, and then I do my 30 - 40 minute excercise session and get ready for bed by 10(ik exercising right before bed isnt typically feasible but its been working for me). Wake up at 5:20 am for work and do it all over again. As you can see I try to squeeze in the self care that I need, but it sucks having such little free time to just relax.

[@2126Eliza]

Thank you for bringing to light what so many assume is just normal day-to-day operations. I feel like I’ve had to give up a lot for my stability and emotional health, and to be successful in my career. It seems like a trade-off for women. Maybe for men too. There’s just not enough time for anything. It’s driving me to want to become a solo practitioner, so I can do whatever I want and still afford to live.

[@marinasm825]

I plan on studying clinical psychology in the near future. Despite it being my dream career, I still have fears that it will interfere with other aspects of my life that I wish to pursue, such as art. I hope the world will progress in a way that allows people to make a living and have a life as well. Thank you for talking about this matter and congratulations on your pursuit in publishing your book- you are a big inspiration Ana!

[@LiamFlanagan-dd9wb]

Congratulations Ana on completing your novel and all the best with getting it published!!! Huge news!!! Also great video, keep up the great work!!! Thanks

[@angieperezascenciodelmoral3737]

It Is about power in general! You are absolutely right!!! Systems that are unfair to most of the population, but the ones on the top... I feel so burned out, AND lack of motivation, because i work so hard AND i do not think I have been appreciated in any job... Not even as a human being, sometimes It feels like we are just disposable props (equipment objects)

[@LorieMusic143]

Thank you for making this video Ana. I been struggling with my work that I’m not passionate about. I signed a contract basically saying I can’t quit the job until 2026. I’m grateful for the opportunity that I have with my work, but I just know it’s not my purpose. I’m also in grad school working on getting my masters in marriage and family therapy. I truly believe that that’s my passion & life and I know 2026 will fly by & by then I can pursue my passion :)

[@themoosegoose]

I joined the workforce about a year ago in a very fortunate field (tech) in one of the biggest companies. Whilst I see their efforts on work-life balance, a lot of it seems to be performative. The truth is, when your customer/client/stakeholders need you, you need to put in the work. I've had some days working 10 hours just to wait for a customer phone call, or working on Saturdays because of an business-ending catastrophe. I have decided no company deserves my loyalty; I moved countries to arguably a worse company work-life balance wise, but I've just about tripled my pay. Next up is to find a company in the field I have always wanted (finance) that hopefully also helps me more. Just trying to tick boxes of the things that I want for myself while also making sure I get the most out of any job (connections, pay, benefits), and absolutely do not feel indebted to a company because they chose to take me in. It's never personal for companies when it comes to firing their employees, so why should it be personal for employees to 'fire' their company?

[@BOSSDONMAN]

In reality, depending on the business and domain, a lot of those clients don't actually need deliverables deployed anywhere near as soon as they claim.

[@daviddziuk9806]

Watching this I know why I choose to subscribe to your channel. I find you to be an amazing thoughtful and insightful person. Damn straight, call it for what it is. As a worker, I have always believed that one should always give one's maximum effort in doing a job as best that I can. But, as an employer when I was offering a job to someone I offered them what they were worth. Mike was a worker that I paid $9 dollars and hour in a minimum wage job, $4.50 at the time, because I had seen how he worked in the past and knew he was 2 to 3 times the worker most of the carry out at the garden store were. It cost me money but it was worth it because this young man made my job so much easier, I could trust him to do his job to the best of his ability and knew that when he was on the lot doing his work he made sure that everyone under his authority did the same.

[@kaileyparts1289]

I’m getting my doctorate in physical therapy and this is something I’ve been thinking about too. I’m doing my first clinical which is a 40 hour work week and I’m basically paying tuition to work. It’s so frustrating because I love my field too and hard to put in the work to learn while also not being compensated for it.

[@maxwillson]

This is why I quit my previous job. When the pandemic broke out, corporate management thought about paying out our vacation pay, but instead they decided to urge us to use it. We didn't have enough workers to fill the voids of people taking time off. I ended up quitting. It was a lose, lose in my view point. I was flabbergasted at this decision.

[@leokiralla4449]

Internships are crazy exploitative and it's tough because in a lot of fields (like mine which is physical therapy) the reimbursement rates aren't increasing so there is a lot of pressure to abuse the free labor of interns to stay profitable. We should use internships to help develop the next generation and learn from them at the same time. Instead they often get minimal supervision and a huge workload

[@DolphinGirl826]

Thank you so much. Everything you said was so fucking on point. I am also in the mental health field, going to be pursuing my master’s next year, but like you I also have a passion for creative writing and performance, and I’m trying to figure out how to live my passions and make money at the same time. What you said about the 40 hour workweek only working if its ur biggest passion ever is so true and something I’ve been feeling for some time. I recently decided to cut my hours and go to part time (30 h/wk) because of burnout and I think if I could do this forever and make enough to sustain myself I would be so much happier… the system needs to change for sure. Thank you so much for your insight 🙏🏼

[@angelocozzolino1748]

Very interesting reflections. I've especially liked the game of drawing a circle and brainstorming what you can control and what you can't. Bravissima Ana!

[@thegiftofguidance]

SOOOOO MUCH RESPECT FOR YOU ❤️❤️ preach it.

[@MELLMAO]

It also drives me up a wall. Especially when your health condition IS a major cause of stress. For example, my chronic pain condition is already bad on it's own, but paired with college and all the obligations of an everyday life, it is extremely hard. As you said, many of us are already taking active steps to lessen the effects of stress, yet parts of it are inevitable. Are we just supposed to abandon our education/jobs/duties in order to avoid stress? Silly advice, truly.

[@gabbylikestowatchstuff]

I feel this so much. It is so difficult to have chronic pain on top of all that. For me, it’s not college but working wise and I had to cut back from a full-time position to go into part-time roles. So the future looks uncertain. I wish there was more work-life balance because of these circumstances. You truly do not need 40 hours to get most of the work done in a week, it is such an outdated system.

[@nicih9251]

Very much agreed! I also feel like many PsyD programs would preach self care but then schedule assignments and exams in a way that makes even proper sleep impossible. Also I 100% agree with being a psychologist as one part of your identity, not the only part.. many of my friends don’t really have a social life anymore and ask questions about assignments every Friday and Saturday night. I’m from Germany and don’t know if that is more of a European mindset to take more time off or consider work as only one part of life. Very interesting and refreshing to hear your perspective!

I appreciate your videos, Ana. I like the "everyday life" topics. Also, you are an inspiring person. Thx.

[@armandodelapaz1547]

Wow. Super appreciate this rant! Resonated with alot of my inner dialogue lol -

[@realbartsimpson]

Thank you for drawing more attention to this matter. 40 hour weeks are just too much.

[@Kutiekittylove]

Not everyone enjoys making their passion their job. I don’t like making art for other people or continuing to do a project based on sales. So making an art business wouldn’t work for me though I do it for hours daily. The way I practice art is not a viable business and I haven’t enjoyed hired positions. Plus the problem of burnout is still rampant in creative fields as well. It’s just that other jobs want so much from you as well in a topic you’re not interested in. I’d like a 3rd more chill option. Like we work less hours (part time) but still have enough to live a comfortable life. And if you want to live a lavish life or are passionate you can climb the ladder. I love part time retail it just doesn’t pay enough.

[@jonathancangelosi2439]

I’ve been having similar frustrations with work-life balance as a PhD student. Anytime I try to put more “life” in my work-life balance, my advisor reins me in. I’m expected to work weekends and “be passionate” about my research, but if I’m being honest with myself I’d rather be teaching. So I feel like I have to pretend to be passionate about my research in order to get the degree I need to pursue the teaching career I want. Thanksgiving recess is the first clean break I’ve had this entire semester to focus on my hobbies. I’m doing everything I can to avoid burning out, but it’s really hard sometimes. There’s this constant tension of “should I be working right now?” that saps the joy out of any break I take. Also, the point about “reducing stress” is absurd. The only surefire way to reduce stress is to neglect my responsibilities, to procrastinate, to focus on my hobbies more, to reduce my productivity. The solution isn’t for us to reduce our stress, it’s for working conditions to be less stressful in the first place.

[@Luemm3l]

that is exactly why i quit, only difference, i was just at my masters and already burned out. worked weekends as a simple TA as well. I love sciences, but the working system is inhumane as hell. short term contracts, competition for grant money, jobs, constant pressure from the publishing system, less time for everything really. yeah, that is my outlook for the rest of my life? bye. not that after my 180 career switch into web development the crunch is less. not as bad as the scientific life, better pay, but the underlying conditions are same-y. i am passionate about both things, but not to the point of neglecting your own physical well being.

[@pereii]

There are certain jobs that need to be done, but very very few people would ever find them enjoyable. It’s a supply and demand issue. If everyone just does what they’re truly passionate about, maybe you’ll have let’s say hypothetically 30% of the population being creative writers and 10% doing physical labor or administrative desk jobs. But for a societal and economical system to function what if you need the numbers flipped? Everyone dreams of glorious work. But the garbage still needs to be picked up, sewers need to be cleaned, grocery needs to scanned, etc.

[@EbonyHoopGyal]

I appreciate your knowledge. You're wise beyond your years. You deserve compensation for sharing!❤

[@BethePandaGames]

So I don't normally like listening to Psychologists, and I think its because I don't like to be told what to do by someone random.... With that being said you have a really good way of sharing this information not as a direction but as useful information. (Plus for free) Thank you.

[@lisalahlou4992]

I work as a teacher ( my country is corrupted and all )and a part time freelancer ( artist) I'm underpaid as a teacher and it takes 12 hours at work place, and many hours at home preparing and all, let alone personal life chores and responsibilities! I feel overwhelmed and unhappy!

[@BugHunter-ik5hd]

Despite working in a passion I experience burn out to the point of affecting health. My perspective is that a work routine without almost total flexibility is detrimental to mental health in the long term, even if work gives fulfilment. Buddhists say ‘life is suffering’ and I think this is what they are talking about. Thinking about it as part of nature has made it less painful.

[@devynryan1341]

I relate to this so much! I'm feeling the exploitation of being a recent college graduate and all the entry level jobs are about minimum wage since I have no paid experience. I'm trying to find forms of passive income right now and I'm considering making a KZbin channel as well as investing in stocks. Thanks for your thoughts because as an introvert, I didn't consider a KZbin channel until I found channels like yours where people are clearly introverts but still able to make a successful channel!

[@terrylbell6378]

"I don't think it's a privilege to do what you love, I think it's your right!" - I agree + I can't wait to read your novel, looking forward to it. 🙃😎✌️.

[@brianpeterson7028]

4:15 it literally is. One point of capitalism is to keep workers too busy to have time to rebel

[@no1172]

Not sure how big you're trying to go with your first book, but high schools or colleges with a printing press will publish new/outsider authors who apply, I know my alma mater did. Good luck and can't wait to read!

[@hollywood499]

Keep us updated on the book! Im not someone who loves reading, unless it is online lol, but I love your perspective. Esp on topics that are old and tired, I feel like the freshness of it & feel acknowledged for things I also notice. I hope something gives soon...we are all very tired & I miss good customer service. As someone who has been in the industry for over 12 years (thanking my Anthropology degree), I can't believe the service my partner and I received at a Hyatt Hotel. I thought I was at the DMV!

[@Banbro88]

Just watching this is making me anxious. Gosh, being unemployed is great.

[@Nicole-rq8ix]

I agree with everything that you are saying. Literally everything. But if we all have a right to do what we are passionate about, then who is going to be working at McDonalds? No one is passionate about that. I just wish we lived in a different world where we could do what we want. That's why I love the Star Trek optimistic future where menial jobs were eliminated through the invention of food replication, etc. But lol, that is just science fiction for now.

[@VforVanity10]

I thought about it, too. How about rotating, i.e. those who didn't found their calling yet or aren't interested in a carreer can just switch jobs every couple of weeks or months, so the frustration with the same old thing doesn't overwelm a person. I mean a mutual agreement without a fear of losing the income.

[@valnsky]

I am very passionate about McDonalds. Honestly if I could afford to work there and pay my mortgage I’d flip burgers all day long

[@m2pozad]

@@valnsky lol!

[@jonathancangelosi2439]

I think the ideal scenario is fully automating those jobs so that nobody has to work them. But if we don’t do that, then there will probably be people who aren’t really passionate about anything and would be fine working those menial jobs. I’ve met people who said they don’t believe in “dream jobs” because work is just work. They do it to live, but it’s not the most important part of their lives. They don’t have a “favorite subject” in school, or a field they want to pursue. They just want a simple job to make enough money to do things they actually care about. It’s a different mindset, but a valid one. Also, if we’re that concerned about nobody wanting those jobs, I would say that those jobs probably need to be made more desirable in the first place. Working for a soulless corporation that doesn’t give a crap about you is not an enviable position.

[@Nicole-rq8ix]

@@valnskyok well i dont think there are enough people like you lol

[@louisamorgan5150]

I love the "Can't you manage your work load" comment when I can't get everything done. Well a thousand years in a day wouldn't get all my work done.

[@santacruzdz]

Very valuable video. Thank you

[@lovedivasong]

Congratulations on the book!! I’m so exited to read it :3

[@Veronica_Villa]

Great video! Definitely validates how I feel.

[@thegreenray4010]

Your intro is really funky. I like it!

[@Jearrod]

How in the world are you taking vacations and putting away for retirement making minimum wage?

[@Kaytlin_]

The way I cope: 1. Only work hybrid work models (100% remote is even better), on the days you're at home, just do the bare minimum and then spend the rest of the time doing things for you. Try and get as much work done as possible on the days you're in the office. 2. 'quiet quit'

[@awong2668]

I am working to get to my passion but for now I work to attain health care. In my country we lose it at 26 so my job literally keeps me healthy. This video is super helpful because this whole time I feel like I have been failing the work/life balance when I need to approach it with not overworking myself and being more present for my life outside of it. From someone who's worked multiple jobs since I was 18 with no college degree, its insanely capitalistic, exploitation, and competitive to the point of exhaustion.

[@lindahebb4832]

Grateful for your videos.

[@rasenganKIDory]

I swear, Ana, please make a discord channel for everyone to meet. We could be really supporting each other probably in ways we don't even think of.

[@The-Oneness11]

I've been underemployed and homeless before. For me working is easier than not working.

[@BlackBat808]

*cries in medicine*

[@angelagutierrez_]

I hope your channel grow more ❤️

[@GrowingpumpkinsandgivingzeroFs]

I really enjoyed this video. Lots to think about

[@pretty948]

4:35 Ana, I really think you should look into anarchism as a political ideology. I'm not trying to push you into a box, but I really think you'd agree with it and fins it interesting :)

[@TheLaddie777]

I think if we had more worker owned co-ops where the workers reap the benefits of the company instead of the few wealthy share holders we’d be making serious progress in the direction of a true healthy work life balance. Get rid of the hierarchy and put everyone on an equal playing field.

[@joashtunison351]

There are simply not enough "love-able" jobs out there. The reality is that you need to change your mentality. What do you live for? Yourself, or others? It's easy to live for others and find your fulfillment in that when you're raising a family that you love. That's part of the reason the younger generation, of which I am a part, have become a bunch of cry babies. Singleness, selfishness, trying to have your cake and eat it too. Life is pain, but that doesn't mean life is misery. Find fulfillment in your labor in that it is the thing that supports those/that which you find truly fulfilling. Serve and grow your family, serve your God. Personal happiness is a cruel master. It should be a byproduct of doing the greater thing. Your never going to out run the reality of the fallen world we live in. Work hard, or avoid it and turn to physical and spiritual mush. Coming from a single dude who's only known hard, low pay, manual labor.

[@buriedtoodeep1508]

nicest rant ever.

[@zacharystrohschein6997]

This topic hits home🎯

[@zacharystrohschein6997]

likewise..Focusing on my locus of control has made a big difference in my life/mindset

[@checkitoutlove]

So authentic

[@pretty948]

Another lovely video!

[@chenholmes6393]

Anxiety disorder, a lot of people tend to have that

[@lindahebb4832]

Thank you

[@redhotkido]

If office politics didn’t exist and the social environment of work life was more ideal I’d literally be living in the office

[@scenepunk09]

Has she reveales what the novel is about? I will definetly consider buying it whenever it comes out.

[@jjjjjjjjkigghh8662]

Good luck on your novel!

[@aliveslice]

Brother I don't even have a job and I feel exhausted and like I have no time at all. How does anyone work a day job and do anything else is beyond me

[@audreypho5007]

Ana do you plan on having a podcast? I would love to see you and podcast and Spotify while driving to work 🥺🙏🏻💕 pleaseeee thank you so much.

[@Ziknich]

Why?, why did u skip the part where your loaf of bread opened the door and walked out at 2:57?

[@MsMizz1]

The exercise or coping approach you mentioned is similar to what Stephen Covey describes in his book 7 Habits of Highly Effective people. From memory he calls it circles of influence. I unconsciously use this practice as well with stress but it would be helpful to get it out through writing.

[@DaveGouda]

Kind of random, but what microphone do you use? It sounds great.

[@weignerleigner3037]

I disagree with the whole diagnosis. I think finding responsibility gives purpose and indulgence destroys purpose. I think Jordan Peterson gets it right. The problem is we have a soulless population. When life I just boiled down to doing what you like then it becomes awfully boring. Struggle builds character. I’ve been a truck driver for 8 years now I don’t love it but it’s taught me a lot more than I ever learned in public school. Its a mindset issue. You can be depressed about your situation, or find the silver linings and make the best out of what you have.

[@ProfessionalBirdWatcher]

Y'all should get a job where you're treated like a modern adult or be your own boss. Easier said than done but there's lots of options out there - don't feel like your current situation is the ONLY situation. Try some other companies and professions and see what fits you. Life sucks but it doesn't have to be miserable

[@charlie-jd3ls]

i wish i could get a good job and get paid enough to live i have to lie about being trans so they don't dock my wages 🙃 and im autistic and im constantly failing "personality tests" employers give and interview processes usually don't end successfully. the statistics for autistic unemployment aren't very accurate but from what they've studied it's around 80% unemployment for autistic people.

[@ryanvannice7878]

I was on board on your point about work stress caused exclusively by capitalism, especially from someone that has some real knowledge of communism. You lost me on your assertion that working in your passion is a right. I've found life to be a series of trade offs. Passions are not necessarily what you can make a living from and most have to make some choices.

[@finurra3905]

Yeah no. Any job you have will be draining. Period. No income = no money so? What in the world are we supposed to do? Even doing what you love, you will have less stress. The only difference is if what you are doing is fulfilling, it will hopefully outweigh the odds.

[@paulrhyne4]

❤️

[@lllunars4599]

Is your book fiction or nonfiction?