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How to Be Productive in Existentially Stressful Times
Micro-control inoculates you against career stress, even when the future is weird and precarious
Whether it’s the unemployment numbers, work-Slack-channel chatter, or the general state of things that’s feeding your anxiety, if you’re a human being with a job in the year 2020, you’re likely feeling concerned about your employment future.
The first time I was laid off — from what I thought was a dream job at a television network — I was devastated. I bounced back eventually, but that was only the first time I was laid off. And here’s what I’ve learned from my decades in the pathologically unstable field of digital media: The problem is bigger than you and, thus, utterly unsolvable by you. Stressing about whether you’re going to be laid off won’t actually help your career (or your mental health). And it ruins your day. What’s worked for me is going small. Call it micro-control.
Here are three small ways to feel more hopeful and be more productive.
Ask your boss uncomfortable questions
When career anxiety is making it hard for you to work well, it’s time to get real with your boss. If it feels possible given your relationship and their management style, try having a…
