When GenX women are done…they are DONE, done.

I couldn’t be prouder to be a GenX woman today.?I recently read about New Zealand Prime Minister (and fellow GenX-er), Jacinda Ardern. According to reporting NPR, Ms. Ardern resigned her position, not because of scandal or a higher role she was pursuing—but simply cited “burnout”.

Why am I proud?

It certainly isn’t because of the abhorrent abuse and misogyny she faced in the role. No woman should have to endure that on ANY job.

Helen Clark, who is the former Prime Minister, stated with NPR, "The pressures on prime ministers are always great, but in this era of social media, clickbait, and 24/7 media cycles, Jacinda has faced a level of hatred and vitriol which in my experience is unprecedented in our country".

So simply put, I’m proud, because she was over it, all of it and she chose herself.

Note to interested parties for future reference:?When GenX women are done,…they are DONE, done.

Generation X women are redefining the rules and look of success. At a time in life when many are taking stock and beginning to look ahead to retirement, Gen- X women aren’t content to accept limiting expectations as normal- we continue to think bolder, challenge stereotypes, and look for opportunities that will push us even further into what we want our lives to look like. Even if pushing means going home, getting off the ladder, starting a small business with a hobby we love, or simply doing something else….anything else.

As entrepreneurs or high-ranking leaders in corporate America, we understand that it is possible to go after more than just wealth accumulation; finding ways to strive for perfect work/life balance is important too and here’s what we found out.

There IS no balance.

Something always suffers. Sometimes it’s your marriage. Sometimes it’s your kids. Sometimes it’s your job. Sometimes it’s YOU.

With the sage wisdom that usually comes with age and experience, comes an appreciation of the importance of knowing when enough is enough. Jacinda had had enough.

Gen X women are also pushing back against the hustle and grind culture that has become so pervasive throughout our society. The grind culture is a concept driven by the idea that "success" requires one to be constantly hustling, often sacrificing their rest, health and wellbeing for both their career and life. Gen-X women are rebuking this ideology, recognizing that the accepted definition of success needs to evolve beyond burnout in order to really make long-term improvements not only professionally but also personally.

Tricia Hersey of the renowned “Nap Ministry” pens this powerful quote in her book, Rest is Resistance, A Manifesto.?Ms. Hervey states, “Rest, in its simplest form, becomes an act of resistance and a reclaiming of power because it asserts our most basic humanity.?We are enough.?The systems cannot have us”.

I’m NOT telling you to quit your job…perse. I am saying if the thought of a nap on occasion scares you… like you could “never”..then you may need an shift in how you can better value you and what your soul needs.

As we begin to make small changes toward well-being and reprioritize our lives, being a part of a community to that will support you through your journey is critical.?Finding new definitions of success without having burnout will take a village. I JUST started a mid-lifestyle brand called Sage Creative. It’s for mid-lifers (men and women) who are sages in wisdom and experiences but need creative new ways to live the 2nd half of their lives. Pop on over…we’re just getting started.

In the interim: Here are 5 simple things you can do to prevent burnout, and get CLOSE to work/life balance:

1.????Set and KEEP boundaries. When work is over, shut it down. You are not a 24/7 employee. On your off days, BE OFF. BE AWAY. BE UNAVAILABLE.

2.????Limit your social media access. You need opportunities to detox from what others are doing, saying, thinking and feeling. Pick a day a week, or even perhaps weekends but give yourself a break.

3.????Watch your scheduling.?You need manage your calendar and your families. If you know you have a busy season with their practices and events, try to pull back on taking new or complex assignments at work. Be strategic.

4.????Integrate self-care into your everyday life. Time at the gym, or spa days are great…but so is a walk around the block or quiet time with a book. My self-care time is my drive time. Somedays I drive in silence, pray or think…other days I listen to an audio book. But I take NO calls unless it’s an emergency.

5.????Strengthen your bench! You need community and people in your circle (strong plug for Sage lol) but choose those that will keep you accountable to being true to yourself and nudge you when signs of burnout are looming.

###

Camille D. Jamerson is the Founder & CEO of The Camille Company which owns CDJ & Associates, a boutique consulting firm as well as Sage Creative, a new mid-lifestyle brand. Camille is available for public speaking and will be launching a new mastermind mentor circle for GenXers. If you would like to stay in the loop or get her on your stage reach out to Reema at [email protected] who manages 94% of her wild mid-life!