The Work Happy Newsletter - 2nd Edition

Welcome community, to the 2nd edition of the Work Happy Newsletter, dedicated to navigating careers and overcoming challenges in today's ever-changing market!

In these uncertain times, there are many hurdles you may face in your professional journey.? My mission is to provide you with the insights, tools, and inspiration needed to thrive, no matter what the market throws your way.

I believe that every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Together, we can transform uncertainty into a platform for your success.? In this issue I have written a coaching article on making tough career decisions and raised the question - "can any of us have it all?"??

Comment below to share you're thoughts with the Work Happy community and if you would like a particular topic covered just let me know.

I'm excited to support you on your journey and look forward to your views and comments.

Warm wishes, Sandra

Can any of us have it all?

The 4-day working week has captured Parliament's attention under the new Labour leadership, sparking debate about its potential to transform our careers and work-life balance. But is it all it's cracked up to be? Let's dive into the pros and cons of this alternative work schedule as we try to answer - “can any of us have it all?”

Pros:

Improved Work-Life Balance - reducing the workweek by one day can significantly enhance work-life balance. With an extra day off, there's more time for family and rest. This balance can lead to increased well-being as you have more time for you. Right?? Let’s see the con below.

Increased Productivity - studies show that a shorter workweek can boost productivity. With fewer hours to complete tasks, we become more focused and efficient. The theory is that well-rested employees are more motivated and productive.? I have found that to be true if the resources are in place to support the day off.

Talent Attraction and Retention - offering a 4-day work week can make a company more attractive.? When a salary rise has been an issue I have asked for more flexibility instead of pay.?

Con:

Potential Overwork - while a shorter week might seem appealing, it can lead to burn-out if the same amount of work is expected in fewer days. I have done this and nearly had burn-out trying to do a full-time job and manage a team in a four day week.? The pressure was immense and in reality I never switched as there were no resources in place to cover the 5th day.? So agree with your manager and team what happens when you’re not there.

Conclusion

The 4-day work week presents a compelling case for work-life balance but I believe no one can have it all.? I have spoken to many industry leaders about this and they agree with my motto ”that you can have everything you want but not at the same time”. ?Sequencing is key.??

Prioritise ruthlessly to focus on what has the most consequences for your life, at any given time.? For example, if you start a family you may want to lean into childcare but as children get older you decide to take on more in the workplace.? Even with sequencing there will be fine tuning adjustments every day.?Children get sick, parents may need care, and you will need adhoc time off for school and family activities.? This is not a binary choice and your career will ebb and flow with the tide of life and its demands.? I do not believe you can have it all.? You have to sequence.?

A four day week can help but to make any new work schedule work you need great communication.? I learnt by trial and error to not cover the 5th day.? I communicated to clients that I did not work on Friday and completed urgent tasks during 4 days and delegated the rest.? I stopped answering emails when out of office and colleagues started to follow the new timetable.

It took time to adjust as I was full into people pleasing mode at the time.? But when I changed, life got better.? I managed to retrieve valuable time I had lost with my son by working a 4 day week.? This is not the only model and whatever you try will need time to bed in, but I recommend asking for a new way of working and giving it a go.

What do you think?

Leadership Spotlight: Kamala Harris

As we approach the US election on 5th November, this month’s leadership spotlight turns to Vice President Kamala Harris, who demonstrates how understanding and advocating for people's needs can create transformative change.? I will be saying more in a weekend post.

She's championed issues that matter most to everyday Americans - from protecting women's healthcare access to making prescription drugs more affordable for millions of families.

No matter the outcome on Tuesday, Kamala's people’s centred approach to leadership is truly inspiring.

This month, I have found some great resources focused on making better decisions and balancing life's many demands.?Check out below. ??

Best of Both Worlds Podcast

The "Best of Both Worlds" podcast, hosted by Laura Vanderkam and Sarah Hart-Unger, offers practical advice for those juggling career ambitions with family life.

Each episode delivers fresh insights on thriving across all life areas, from career development to family time. Perfect for professionals seeking practical strategies for work-life integration.

"Master Your Decisions" by Thibaut Meurisse

What makes this book particularly valuable is its practical framework for tackling important decisions, especially crucial in a complex work environment.

Whether you're weighing career moves, considering life changes, or managing daily choices, Meurisse's strategies help you make clearer and more confident decisions.?

?? Subscribe to the ‘Work Happy’ newsletter for more on building better careers, work hacks and personal growth.

Share your thoughts in the comments.