So, you’re in marketing? Chances are you’re balancing back-to-back Zoom calls, managing at least eight open browser tabs for work, and endlessly scrolling through social media in search of inspiration.
Late nights spent glued to your screen, answering emails, or fine-tuning content pillars for your next big campaign probably hit close to home. If that sounds familiar, you might be heading straight toward Burnoutville—without even realizing it.
But don’t worry, it’s time to change course and head toward a healthier work-life balance, where finding harmony between work and personal life becomes more than just a buzzword. Here’s how to make that shift:
- Set boundaries, not barriers
Think of boundaries as the guardrails on your highway to success. Without them, you’re heading straight for burnout. Decide on your work hours, and for goodness’ sake, stick to them! Set an end time for your workday and when it’s about time to call it a day, prioritise items to tackle the next day for a smoother workflow!
Pro tip: Use alarms to signal the end of work. When it rings, drop that mouse like it’s hot. This isn’t just about discipline; it’s about survival. Write down your boundaries. If you’re feeling fancy, laminate them and display them like a Nobel Prize – because let’s face it, saying "no" deserves an award. However, balance is instrumental. Don’t be that one person who refuses to do anything beyond his or her designated job scope. If a task is assigned to you a couple of minutes before the end of a business day, it’s best not to go “Super Saiyan” and crunch it out immediately. Neither is it wise to say you won’t do it. Determine the tasks’ importance and negotiate for later (more sensible) deadlines whenever possible.The key to perfecting this balancing act is to be what Bruce Lee says martial artists ought to be – as flexible as water. Not only does water fill in the shape of its container perfectly, but it also has the power to bring down mountains. Use sensible judgment and know when and where to say “no”.
- Collaborate, instead of offloading
Oftentimes, there may be instances where you are requested to do a little something that may not align with your current role, like actually whipping out your phone and shooting that next viral TikTok video. This is where a wee bit of lateral thinking goes a long way.The most natural response for most would be to offload the task (if possible) to someone else whose job is to actually shoot videos. Instead of doing so, perhaps a better idea would be to collaborate – you could request a brainstorming session with that someone and have him or her oversee the shooting process.In the event that you still end up shooting the video yourself and the final result isn’t as expected, no one can fault you for it because you did what you could do within your realm of expertise and you did consult someone with the proper skill set. In the long run, this approach to executing tasks will have a positive effect on your career, as well as your social life. Try something before saying no.That being said, if you are indeed being pressured into doing TOO many things outside of your scope and are already at your limit, it’s a wise move to speak to your superiors and if that doesn’t help, it may be time to seek greener pastures.
- Work smarter
The advent of new technologies *cough* AI *cough*, makes it easier for many of us to get through our daily workloads. From translating conversations in real-time to developing code, AI is an amazing tool that helps to lighten your workload and get you through your workday faster. Naturally, practice due diligence when using tools like ChatGPT or when you’re opting to use tools like Synthesia or Dall-E 3.
- Take your vacation days… seriously, take them
Newsflash: vacation days are not trophies to collect and admire. They’re meant to be used. And no, responding to emails from a hammock doesn’t count as a break.Plan shorter, more frequent vacations. Extend weekends around public holidays, or take random days off to remind yourself what daylight looks like.Oh, and if you’re one of those who don’t use their leave, let me gently remind you: You’re getting paid to not work. Need I say more?
- A mental health reminder: You’re not alone
If your stress feels overwhelming, seek help. Many countries, including Malaysia, are stepping up to address mental health challenges. With initiatives like MENTARI and the HEAL Line, professional help is just a click or call away. Remember, asking for support isn’t a weakness – it’s a power move.
- Boundaries are the new black
In short, Sun Tzu was indeed wise when he said, “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.” Once you know your limits and capabilities as well as the challenges you face daily in your work, you’ll be able to better handle them once you take a step back and adhere to the boundaries that you’ve set. Prioritising your well-being is the best investment you can make – not just for your productivity, but for your overall happiness. Remember, a healthier, more balanced you leads to better results in everything you do. Take good care of yourself – you’re important!
Curious to know about how we can help offload your digital marketing efforts? Schedule a chat with us today!
