This blog post is a summary of my latest Youtube video. Video is attached at the bottom of post.

Defining "Sustainable" in the Context of Work

When we talk about sustainability, it's common to think in terms of energy efficiency. However, the focus here is on sustaining your own health as you progress through your career. Sustainability means looking beyond a single project deadline to your long-term career growth and impact.

Tip 1: Setting Boundaries

Create Work-Life Separation:

One of the first steps is setting boundaries between work and personal life. Using features like dual SIM cards can help you manage work profiles on your phone, ensuring clients respect after-hours boundaries. While some after-hours work might be inevitable, disabling work-related notifications after a certain time can be a lifesaver.

Know Your Limits:

Understanding your own work hours, both hard and soft limits, is crucial. For example, you might find that your productivity wanes after midnight. Recognizing when to stop can prevent mistakes and enhance efficiency. Identify tasks that require intense concentration versus those that can be completed during less high-pressure times.

Tip 2: Delegate and Prioritize

Develop a Work Forecast:

When managing multiple projects, creating a Work Forecast Matrix can be invaluable. It visually maps out tasks and deadlines, allowing for a clear presentation of workload to employers, and identifies areas where help is needed.

Use the Eisenhower Matrix:

To efficiently prioritize tasks, the Eisenhower Matrix can be a useful tool. Tasks are categorized based on urgency and importance, helping you decide which to tackle first or delegate.

For example:

- Level 1 tasks are urgent and important, requiring immediate attention.
- Level 2 tasks are important but not urgent, scheduled after Level 1 tasks.
- Level 3 tasks are urgent but not important, best delegated.
- Level 4 tasks are neither urgent nor important, suitable for delegation or postponing.

Tip 3: Seeking Help

Understanding when to ask for help is crucial. Always perform due diligence before consulting others. Research or brainstorm potential solutions before approaching a supervisor. This preparation enables more efficient meetings and portrays you as proactive rather than just a problem-bringer.

Bonus Tip: Consider the Worst-Case Scenario

Assessing the true urgency and importance of tasks by contemplating the worst-case scenario can help prioritize effectively. Asking questions such as "Will the building collapse if this isn't done?" helps gauge task priority and urgency.

Applying These Strategies

These insights come from personal experiences and are designed to be easy-to-apply concepts in time and project management. They aim to aid you in sustaining your love for your work without burning out. Remember, sustainable work practices are about more than just energy; they're about sustaining you.

Hear from my Podcast guests in Architecture Siol!

For more insights, you might enjoy my podcast series, "Architecture Siol!" where I discuss career journeys, struggles, and successes with other architects. It's a treasure trove for those contemplating career changes or needing inspiration in managing workloads.

Conclusion

I hope these strategies will provide valuable insights you can apply in your workplace. I'd love to hear your opinions on sustainable work practices.

Feel free to share your thoughts or let me know if these strategies have helped you via Youtube.

Until next time, take care!