Working Wounded: Simplify Your Work Life
— -- Q U E S T I O N: My doctor said that if I don't want to have another heart attack, I've got to reduce my stress level at work. I need a paycheck but I don't need another trip to the hospital.
— Less Is More
A N S W E R: For many, Tim Nelson has the perfect job — he tests La-Z-Boy recliners.
But Tim cautions that sitting down, kicking your feet up and rocking back and forth is hard work. "It's not like they give us popcorn and a TV set to watch," he says.
If kicking back in a La-Z-Boy is tough, then kicking back from your career is even tougher.
It can be a challenge to leave the perks, paychecks and passions of a high-power job. Below are some questions to ask yourself if you're contemplating working and having a life too. For more, check out Downshifting, by John Drake (Berrett Koehler, 2000).
Downshifting doesn't mean that you're becoming a La-Z-Boy. In fact, it just might be the toughest assignment you'll ever tackle.
Online Ballot and Contest
Here are the results from a recent workingwounded.com/ABCNEWS.com online ballot: How much of a priority is keeping your top talent?
Given the economy, it's not at the top of my list — 15.6 percent. There are plenty of hungry people out there if they're unhappy — 31.3 percent. Retention is job No. 1 — 52.9 percent.
Winning Strategy
Our winning strategy for keeping your best people comes from Mary D. in New York City. "Mother Teresa once said, 'The worst disease is to be a nobody to anybody.' I can't believe how many companies don't acknowledge their best people. Take the time to get to know them, be sure they are being treated fairly, pay them well, be sure that their job challenges them and acknowledge a job well done. It's so simple and yet so few of us take the time to do it. A little consideration goes a very long way."
List of the Week
Bob Rosner is the author of the Amazon.com business best seller, The Boss's Survival Guide (McGraw Hill, 2001), a speaker, and founder of the award-winning workingwounded.com & RetentionEvangelist.com. E-mail him at bob@RetentionEvangelist.com.
