Occupational wellbeing is something that affects all of us during our lifetime. However do we truly understand its significance and is your occupational wellbeing genuinely as good as you think it is? I sat down for a chat with Emma, a career coach, to get her take on occupational wellbeing. Here’s 9 important things I learnt from Emma:
1. Occupational wellbeing needs a holistic view
Occupational wellbeing is not just about the things on the surface that we think are really important, like the job title or financial compensation. We need to take a more holistic view. We often think ‘I’m making enough money so I have good occupational wellbeing’ or ‘I’ve got a really good job title so I should feel good.’ These are just small segments of a bigger picture. If we’re looking at occupational wellbeing holistically then we also need to consider how we feel about our job satisfaction, our work environment, whether what we’re doing feels aligned with our personal values and goals, whether we have work life balance that allows us to do all the incredible things we want to outside of work, career development which also promotes personal growth, and job security and stability.
2. Occupational wellbeing isn’t separate from other areas of your life
I believe that personal and mental wellbeing at home is fundamental for maintaining your occupational wellbeing at work, and vice versa. When your occupational wellbeing suffers, it can impact your home life and relationships. So when we address occupational wellbeing, we are inherently addressing our social and mental wellbeing as well.
3. Being able to express your needs in the workplace has to be a priority
I no longer have to pretend to be someone I'm not at work. While achieving success in your career is amazing, it's equally important to recognise when you need to slow down or request a quiet day to focus, regardless of whether you're a business owner or an employee. It's not a matter of entrepreneurship versus employment; it's about embracing your authentic self and feeling secure enough to voice your wellbeing needs.
Many people hesitate to be their true selves in a professional setting, often feeling compelled to wear a mask. When you tell your boss that you're experiencing certain challenges and need to work from home, it's common to feel a sense of failure or inadequacy. Running my own business has allowed me to be kind to myself and prioritise self-care. The key is to find a workplace where you can openly express your feelings, and find an environment that acknowledges your humanness, and understands that we're not machines but individuals with genuine emotions and needs.
4. You need to take occupational wellbeing into your own hands
Regardless of whether you're employed or running your own business, the responsibility for occupational wellbeing ultimately falls on your shoulders. This is where the real inner work becomes important, as it can often require challenging conversations with your employer. Particularly for women in male-dominated industries, initiating change can be difficult.
If your company hasn't considered policies such as menstrual leave, consider taking the initiative to introduce the idea. Step into the role of a trailblazer. Though it may feel uncomfortable, it's about granting yourself the authority to spearhead change within a business. This is where the transformation in occupational wellbeing begins—when we take ownership and accountability. Could yours be the voice that leads and fearlessly engages in those tough discussions?
5. Your job doesn’t have to be your passion
Of course the ideal scenario is to have a job we're passionate about, but for many this might not be a realistic option. There's a lot out there at the moment that if you dislike your job, you should simply quit. However, it's essential to recognise that this perspective comes from a place of privilege. In the current cost-of-living crisis most people cannot simply resign and pursue their artistic passions, for example. The shift occurs when we reevaluate our jobs and acknowledge that they may not align with our passions but are fundamental in supporting our hobbies and interests. It's about reframing the role of our job and what it represents in our lives. What truly matters is setting aside time to continue indulging in those passions that bring us fulfilment.
6. Your job does not define you
We often place a lot of pressure on our jobs, defining ourselves by what we do. When meeting someone new one of the first things we do is ask about their occupation, assuming it's one of the most significant aspects of their identity. Instead we should be asking about their passions, desires and beliefs. Your purpose is inherent in you, and how it manifests doesn't necessarily have to relate to your job. Society tends to rank people based on their professions, making assumptions about their income, lifestyle, and intelligence. This societal pressure to prioritise job titles can negatively impact occupational wellbeing when people chase prestigious roles for recognition rather than following their true desires. We need a shift in societal mindset to recognise that a job doesn't define a person, allowing people to pursue what truly resonates with them.
7. Consider working on your mindset before changing jobs
I’ve had many instances where clients have approached me expressing their dissatisfaction with their job and wanting to change. However, it's often their mindset that requires transformation. They've elevated their job to a pedestal, granting it the power to influence every aspect of their life. Some hop from job to job in search of happiness, overlooking the importance of inner work. Mindset often accounts for 90% of the equation. I see this with instances of imposter syndrome. Even in a dream job, lacking confidence can impact occupational wellbeing. Therefore it's crucial to address our inner thoughts and beliefs.
8. Recognise your career development is separate from your current job
It’s important to recognise yourself as an individual separate from your job and invest in personal development, such as courses and online workshops, independently from your role. This cultivates personal growth that isn't directly tied to your current job. So if your circumstances lead to a change in your employment, you've still nurtured your professional development within yourself, making your job separate from your personal development. We often leave our personal development up to our employers, but it's vital to take ownership of this ourselves. We should ask ourselves, "What can I do for my personal growth outside of my company to ensure I'm taking care of myself, whether I stay in this job or choose to move on?"
9. There are many societal narratives that I feel aren’t serving our occupational wellbeing
Instead of saying "No one loves work," I believe in finding joy in my career, even though not every day is perfect. Shifting our perspective from negativity to gratitude for the opportunity to work can make a difference.
The notion that "to be successful you have to hustle" is toxic. I prioritise work-life balance and believe that it's possible to be successful without burning out.
Choosing “job security over job satisfaction” can lead to staying in unfulfilling roles and fearing change. While job security matters, I also advocate for seeking fulfilment in your career and not settling.
There's no singular ideal career path for everyone. The idea that “there's one prescribed route to success” can make people feel behind and force them into roles that don't align with their aspirations. Instead, we should follow our own desires and not be confined by societal expectations.
A little bit about Emma
At just 24, I hit a breaking point in what appeared to be a hugely successful career. I was managing a team of 8 and sat in C-suite meetings, but would spend every day crying in the toilets. I was experiencing burnout, imposter syndrome, and overwhelming stress. My personal life suffered; I argued with my partner, struggled to sleep, and turned to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol and drugs. March 2020 marked a turning point, allowing me to slow down and reevaluate. Sobriety also became a crucial step, and I realised the importance of balance. It gave me the gift of time to establish my coaching business and prioritise my mental health. It's a reminder that we must be willing to put in the work for our wellbeing.
Now my primary focus revolves around helping others find clarity and confidence in their careers. I collaborate with high-achieving individuals, often in highly regarded roles, who sense an internal void. Many lack the confidence to explore alternative paths, hindering their pursuit of job satisfaction, work-life balance, and personal development. My role involves providing a clear roadmap, instilling confidence, and facilitating alignment with their vision. Some may wish to remain in their current roles but need guidance on how to align their careers with their values.
Work with Emma
I offer private 1:1 mentorship programs spanning 3-6 months, structured around four core pillars: clarity, strategy, confidence, and performance. These pillars serve as the foundation for uncovering barriers, defining future goals, crafting actionable plans, nurturing the confidence to execute them, and equipping you with the tools to transform your vision into reality.
I'm not the right fit for everyone, and that's perfectly fine. I'm here to collaborate with individuals who are committed to making big changes, engaging in difficult conversations, and putting in the necessary effort to realise their goals. My approach is not suited for those who require constant motivation or expect me to do the work for them. Clients should be willing to invest time and energy in their transformation.
If you're not yet prepared for significant change and prefer to explore at your own pace, I offer a range of free resources, including a podcast, a Facebook group, and open DMs. When you're ready to take the leap, we can dive right in.
I have personally worked with Emma and can honestly say she helped change the course of my life. Visit her website here to find out more.
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