A disturbing stat I recently read about the American work force is that 88.5% of males and 66% of females work over 40 hours a week. This equals out to 137 hours more per year than the Japanese, 260 more than the British, and 499 more hours than the French and essentially makes us the most overworked nation in the world. Consider that most educators continue to work after they “clock-out” and you end up with a thought that is truly disturbing when relating it to a work/life balance. A balance that is undisputedly connected to our mental health and happiness.
Lately I have found myself using the #lovewhereyouwork and #lovewhatyoudo hashtags more frequently and I can’t help but to feel incredibly grateful for that. I’ve been told by more friends, colleagues, and family than I can count that I “work too much.” And, they may be right but, I’ve been lucky enough to finally find a place filled with people that I love to be around. It wasn’t an easy journey to get here. If you know my personal story you know there were issues with ex-wives and poor pay, poor work environments, egos, and distance. It has been a journey that has been both educational (pun?) and character building.
This newfound love for work has helped me to see just how important what you do, the work environment, and the people you work with are. Anyone can make the argument that this applies to everyone, and I’m positive it does, but I believe it is even more important for creatives. That is because most creatives are emotionally or story/experience driven. We use these things to not only fuel our passion for what we do, but in many cases can even be the concept or topic for a piece or an entire body of work. And even though our work may at times be based upon negative experiences or emotions it helps to be in an environment that is positive and supportive to create it.
In a positive environment you will find yourself more apt to talking about your work, sharing ideas, and collaborations. Your failures will lack the weight they used to due to support and understanding from those close to you. You will likely discover new resources and methods along with those who can teach you about them. These are just some of the creative possibilities, the psychological potential within a positive environment is endless. It is no surprise then that my output of exhibitions (all 6 national) and the majority of my major conference presentations (3 out of 4) have occurred in the three years while at the University of Southern Mississippi.
So, what does this mean for you? I didn’t just stumble into this job. I prioritized, and planned for it, turning each experience I’ve gained into an attribute or skill to help me reach it. Though, at times this meant burning bridges to help light the way, it is still a path I do not regret and even recommend. I never stopped searching for it even though at times I felt as though I may never find it. You must be relentless in your search and unwavering in your perseverance because your contentment is paramount to your creativity and to your wellbeing.
