How do people just put your head down, do the work, and clock out?
I’m having a really hard time at work lately, and I’m stuck.
I’ve been applying to jobs left and right, with no luck lately. The job market is shit right now.
But I’m working, I have a job. I feel like I have job security. And I get paid fairly well. It’s not great, but it’s enough to pay the bills I currently have.
But my biggest issue is that I allow myself to get so stressed out by the work. I overthink everything, and I work myself up over the smallest things
For context, I work in a glass shop. People order glass for windows, showers, shelves, mirrors, storefronts, skylights, etc. I work in the front office. The entire shop is understaffed. Because of that, our lead times are long and the quality of our work is spotty because every now and then, our guys have to hurry through one job to get to another job.
All day long, I just sit at my desk, fuming, listening to my angst music, and just power through my stack of paperwork, emails, and work orders to process. I should also be answering the phones but I just can’t be bothered to talk with customers on the phone. Plus, we have 3 more associates to help with that.
Al day long, I’m at my desk, just ruminating and obsessing over what can be done to improve workflow, how to revitalize the company, how to make work easier for myself and everyone else, and I just get myself worked up. I don’t want to talk with anyone, I don’t respond to questions well, I’m just not fun to talk to.
Then, I look over at coworker, an older woman, who is just so carefree , she does her tasks, answers the phone, calls people back, files things away, etc, does basically the same work I do, and while I’m sitting and fuming, she’s talking about her dogs and her plans to work on her garden and saying things like “welp, it is what it is”.
How do I get to that level of peace? The ability to just clock in, put my head down, do my work, and clock out?
Jobadvisor
It sounds like you're in a really tough spot right now, and it's completely understandable that you're feeling stressed and overwhelmed. It takes a lot of self-awareness to recognize these patterns, especially when you're in the thick of it. It's also great that you're actively looking for ways to improve your situation, even while acknowledging the current job market challenges.
You're seeing a clear contrast between your experience and your coworker's, and it's natural to want to find that sense of peace. The good news is that it's absolutely possible to shift your perspective and approach to work, even when external circumstances are challenging. It often comes down to managing your own reactions and expectations, rather than trying to fix everything around you.
Shifting Your Mindset for Work
Here's how you can start cultivating that "put your head down, do the work, and clock out" mentality:
1. Focus on What You Can Control
It's clear you care deeply about your workplace and want to see improvements. However, a significant source of your stress seems to stem from trying to solve problems that are beyond your immediate control as a front office associate.
Identify Your Core Responsibilities: Make a clear list of what your job actually entails. Processing paperwork, emails, and work orders are clearly on that list. Answering phones is too, even if you're currently avoiding it.
Release the Burden of "Fixing" the Company: While admirable, ruminating on workflow improvements and company revitalization is draining your energy. These are often leadership-level concerns. You can offer suggestions through appropriate channels, but don't carry the weight of implementing them. Your coworker's "it is what it is" attitude comes from a place of accepting what cannot be changed by her alone.
Micro-Focus Your Day: Instead of looking at the mountain of issues, focus on the next task right in front of you. Can you process one work order? Send one email? Answer one phone call? Breaking it down into small, manageable chunks can make it feel less overwhelming.
2. Set Boundaries and Detach Emotionally
This is perhaps the most crucial step for achieving peace at work.
Emotional Disengagement: You're investing a lot of emotional energy into your work environment, and it's leading to burnout. Think of your job as a transaction: you provide your skills for a set number of hours, and in return, you get paid. It's not your personal mission to save the company. This doesn't mean you don't care about doing good work, but it means you don't allow the company's problems to become your emotional problems.
Time Boundaries: When you clock out, really clock out. Avoid checking emails or thinking about work. Dedicate that time to things you enjoy.
Information Boundaries: You mentioned you're listening to "angst music." While music can be a coping mechanism, consider if it's contributing to your agitated state. Perhaps switching to something more neutral or even uplifting could help shift your mood. Limit conversations about work problems with coworkers if they tend to fuel your frustration.
3. Embrace "Good Enough"
In an understaffed environment, perfection is often an impossible standard.
Let Go of Perfectionism: You mentioned the quality of work is "spotty" because guys have to rush. This is a systemic issue, not a personal failing on your part. Do your best within the constraints you have, and then let it go. Your job is to process, not to guarantee flawless outcomes for every order, especially when the shop itself is struggling.
Focus on Completion, Not Perfection: Get tasks done to an acceptable standard and move on. Overthinking every detail will only slow you down and increase your stress.
4. Re-engage with Colleagues (Even a Little)
You mentioned you don't want to talk to anyone, but isolating yourself can actually amplify negative feelings.
Observe and Learn: Your coworker is a great example. You don't have to become best friends with her, but observe how she interacts. Notice how she handles phone calls or customer inquiries without getting flustered.
Small Interactions: Even a brief, neutral conversation can break the cycle of rumination. Ask about your coworker's garden or dogs. It humanizes the environment and pulls you out of your head, if only for a moment. This can also make the workday feel less like a solitary punishment.
Take Those Phone Calls: While it might feel daunting, answering the phone is part of your job, and avoiding it likely adds to your internal stress and perhaps even to the burden on your coworkers. Start by taking one call, then two, and build up. The more you do it, the less intimidating it will become.
5. Prioritize Your Well-being Outside of Work
Work stress can spill over, but having strong coping mechanisms outside of work can act as a buffer.
Hobbies and Interests: Make sure you have activities that genuinely bring you joy and help you relax.
Physical Activity: Exercise is a fantastic stress reliever.
Mindfulness/Meditation: Even a few minutes of focused breathing can help you calm your nervous system and gain perspective.
2 There are many free apps and resources available.Sleep: Ensure you're getting adequate rest. Fatigue can exacerbate stress and make it harder to manage emotions.
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It's a process, not an overnight fix. Start with one or two of these suggestions and see how they feel. The goal isn't to become indifferent, but to develop a healthy detachment that allows you to perform your duties without sacrificing your mental peace. You have a job that pays your bills and offers security – that's a significant positive in this market. Learning to navigate the challenges within that role, without letting them consume you, is a valuable skill that will serve you well, no matter where your career takes you.