this post was submitted on 05 Apr 2025
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I have a kid who's just starting full time work out of college. I'll tell you what I told them: you'll get used to it. You will eventually settle into the habit and it becomes routine.
However, there will be tough times where you need to work hard to motivate yourself to go to work. Those happen.
What works for me during those times is the same that works for me exercising (which I hate): one step, one mile, one day at a time. Tell yourself it's just one more day to the weekend or to vacation. Have something to look forward to.
Burnout also happens. What works for me there, is to draw an absolutely strict line between work and life. You need to fight for your work/life balance. Maintain friendships outside the office.
When you're not working, try to do something not related at all to work. If that's working on improving your health, that's even better. A healthy body and healthy mind has more energy. Do literally anything except working or thinking about work. If you can't turn it off, practice setting boundaries until you can.
Finally, and this surprised me as I realized that all the stupid corny stuff we do in the office: luncheons, raffles, TGIF, "just another day in paradise", and that, are coping mechanisms. Play along, but don't get sucked into a negativity spiral. Humor can be a great stress reliever, but watch out for HR watchdogs.
This entire thing is so tragic.
Yes, it is. But it's the reality of being a working stiff in America today.
I have absolutely no doubt that you are doing everything in your power to prep your kid for the reality. I dont mean to disparage you in any way, I'm just sad that we're here. Hard work alone isn't enough anymore.
No offense taken at all. I just agree it's a sad state of affairs.
I don't mean to be a doomer and I do try to give my kids more than a black and white picture. I'm not a parent who tells them to just suck it up. I support them every step of the way.
But I do try to keep their expectations realistic. I think it's fair to let them know that what they see in glossy college ads isn't typical.
Finding a job you actually like can be hard. Working 40 hours a week can be hard. But eventually you will manage it. It's not glamorous, but it pays the rent.
Usually you have to play the cards you were dealt while you look for better opportunities. Few people can afford to be out of work for a long time. I consider myself very lucky to be able to sit here right now and discuss work/life balance on Lemmy, rather than trolling the Internet for jobs.
I got sucked into one by talking to a new negative coworker and didn't even realize it.