Being emotionally invested in your job can be a good thing as it shows passion and dedication to your work. However, when that investment becomes too intense, it can lead to burnout, anxiety, and stress. Here are some signs that you may be too emotionally invested in your job:
Overthinking - You spend a lot of time thinking about your job, even when you're not at work. You worry about how things will turn out and how others perceive your performance. This can affect your sleep patterns also — are you waking up in the middle of the night worrying about some work-related issue?
Sacrificing your personal life - You put your job ahead of your personal life and often miss out on important events or activities. You find it difficult to relax and enjoy your free time. There isn’t a clear delineation between work and home — and you constantly mix them, so both are not getting enough focus.
Lack of boundaries - You are always available to work, even outside working hours, and find it difficult to say no to work-related requests. “Your laptop is never closed."
Burnout - You feel exhausted and overwhelmed, both physically and emotionally. You struggle to find motivation and enjoy your work as much as you used to.
Negative emotions - You often feel frustrated, angry, or sad about your job. You have a negative attitude towards your work and colleagues. This is a major ‘tell’ — time to change your situation or environment.
If you recognize these signs, it's important to take steps to manage your emotional investment in your job. Here are some tips for reducing the intensity of your emotional investment:
Set boundaries - Decide on specific working hours and stick to them. Learn to say no to work-related requests outside of these hours. At first, it will be difficult, but after a while, you’ll thank me.
Prioritize self-care - Take care of your physical and emotional well-being by getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising regularly. This is the first one to fall off your list of to-dos. Make sure it takes precedence on your schedule.
Disconnect - Make a conscious effort to disconnect from work when you're not at work. Avoid checking work emails and messages outside of working hours. Use your commute to power down and disconnect — change your mood from work mode to home mode.
Focus on the positives - Shift your focus from the negative aspects of your job to the positive aspects. Recognize and appreciate your successes and achievements. Starting a gratitude journal is a great way to start..
Seek support - Talk to friends, family, or a mental health professional about your feelings. They can provide a supportive and non-judgmental ear. Too often, we tend to bottle up our emotions — talk to someone.
Take a break - Consider taking a short break from work if you feel overwhelmed and burnt out. Use this time to recharge and refocus. Even a half-or full-day will recharge your batteries.
Being emotionally invested in your job and caring for yourself is important. By setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and seeking support, you can reduce the intensity of your emotional investment and maintain a healthy work-life balance.