Your value is not tied to what you produce

katielu02 (27)Creative Millionairesin Steem Schools • last year

Many employers value us based on what we can produce and how quickly we can produce what they need. It isn't hard to imagine why. The more "productive" you are and the more you contribute to a company, the higher return that company gets. Naturally employers want you to constantly be producing something. But, our jobs can ask too much of us and our value is not tied to what we produce. Rushing to get things done and stressing about your job is not sustainable. This can lead to a feeling of job burnout, leaving us physically and/or emotionally exhausted. We are employees, but we are also humans.

Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich

In my opinion, people can be viewed as a resource similar to natural resources like lumber and water, which companies intentionally deplete for a profit. This means that we, as employees, have to recognize our individual symptoms of burnout and create boundaries at our jobs about what we are willing to do.

Think of your definition of the word "productive". What words come to mind? Is your definition of productive causing burnout? The old me would have pictured myself sitting at my desk, finishing a high-quality deliverable for a client. But that is not the only version of productive that exists. Rest, sleep, and recreational activities can also be productive. Without these things we most certainly cannot sustain working at our jobs.

Producing high-quality work can feel good, but watch out for employers that want you to produce goods/products at a pace that is unsustainable. And don't forget, your value is not tied to what you produce.

Photo by Sebastian Arie Voortman