What do you do if your strategy career is taking a toll on your well-being?

In my case, living with bipolar disorder, this is a serious consideration. I do several things. One, I excelled in sales. Initially, I did not want to engage in sales, but it worked for me. Flexible scheduling. Independence. Significant rewards. The ability to communicate. High-energy environments. That said, I was candid with my employers. I seldom travel. I box several days per week. I have to eat lunch. I take breaks. I am a major producer. And, I have limitations. These are two things I know for sure. I have yet to meet employers who do not appreciate me and who have not worked with me. I have always been successful. And, if I am not attentive, it can be disabling. Acceptance in all things. I face stigma. I earn respect.

Strategy is a demanding field, but well-being must not be compromised on. To find a balance: - Recognise the signs of burnout and stress - Establish healthy boundaries and time management - Delegate well and trust your team - Practice mindfulness and stress management techniques - Seek professional help if necessary - Communicate with your manager and discuss workload adjustment - Evaluate your priorities and consider strategic shifts within the organisation - Invest in yourself and explore new skills - Remember why you started and rekindle your passion Hope this helps!

One thing I have found to be helpful when you're feeling stressed is to turn your attention inward. Listen for the background soundtrack of thoughts playing in your mind. When we have critical thoughts about ourselves or we imagine other people judging us negatively, these beliefs can amplify our stress levels. Taking time to pause can sometimes be enough of a reset for evaluating what we are saying to ourselves and find clarity on how to move forward. Staying curious about the future is another strategy we can implement for dealing with stress. Tolerating uncertainty is a skill we can develop.?

A strategy career can take many forms. For example, I have worked within public sector organisations providing strategy advice on policy options, and I’ve worked as a consultant providing guidance to clients on organisational strategy. In addition to the organisational and cultural context, it is useful to consider if you are a good fit for the type of strategy work you are doing. Perhaps you like to dig into the detail of a strategic option rather than spread your thinking across the wider canvas of organisational strategy.

My work-life balance might appear unconventional to most people. I arrive early, but I also leave earlier than the standard schedule. While I’m willing to put in 9-10 hour workdays, I recognize that my mind occasionally leads me down unproductive rabbit holes. I’m actively learning to say “no” when necessary, but I’m equally committed to seizing opportunities that align with my capacity. Requesting accommodations can be challenging, especially when your needs aren’t always clear or consistent. Effective communication is crucial so that those around you understand what to expect.

Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life to prevent burnout. Define specific times when you will disconnect from work-related activities and prioritize time for relaxation, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones.

Make your physical and mental health a priority. Incorporate regular exercise, nutritious meals, and sufficient sleep into your routine to support your overall well-being. Practice mindfulness or meditation to reduce stress and promote mental clarity.