If you’re not in the trade, I don’t think you’ll understand the amount of pressure a self-employed decorator can find himself under. It isn’t easy running a business, especially when you need to cover every role yourself.
Don’t get me wrong, as you book work in, you can make sure it’s spread out. However, you still need to keep up with quoting, customer care, admin, cleaning tools, organising materials. All this eats into your evenings and weekends. Then you have jobs that run over, or regular customers who “just need a feature wall doing”. Or “it’s just one room, can you fit us in”.
You forget what it’s all about sometimes. You just get so wrapped up in the work, that your work / home life balance is all to pot. Your family don’t see you; your mental and physical health suffers and so does your energy levels at work. You end up working stupid hours, but slowing down because you’re knackered, so you’re earning crap money anyway.
A good work / home life balance for decorators is vital. Not just for the people who depend on you, but for you too. Taking the odd day off to go fishing, or play golf, or even taking your kids to the park. You will not cope with life unless you take time for yourself. I know your business is important, but even that won’t last if you don’t.
As decorators, we suffer with ailments as we get older anyway. We’re bound to! It’s a physical job. That’s another reason to get your home / life balance in check. Can you imagine how knackered your body is going to be by retirement age if you don’t get your work/home life balance sorted now.
Anyway, you might just roll your eyes at me waffling on. I haven’t said anything you don’t know already. It’s something to think about though.
Don’t Become Too Attached to Your Work
“If you are what you do, then when you don’t, you’re not “
Judge yourself on your effort more than your standards.
If your mind is anything like mine it will tell you that “you’re not good enough “
It will never be satisfied which turns into feeling inadequate and anxious spiralling into depression and lack of self-worth.
The real you is more than just “a painter “
Don’t buy into it.
Pat yourself on the back and remind yourself that you are doing your bloody best!!!!
I speak from experience.
Day-to-day life is hard enough at times. A lot of people I know are also self-employed, which comes with its own toll. The trick is, to not to become too attached to your work. Whatever stresses you endure whilst making a living, leave it at work. Family comes first, and it is your family life that defines you.
If anyone is struggling, I have a Facebook group which may help. Feel free to join, you’ll be made to feel welcome.
Much compassion love to all my fellow painters.
Noisserped (Depression at Work)
Have I got your attention?
I thought if I spelt the word correctly, many of you would ignore the article and turn to the next page. Why do I say this you ask? Because it’s a known fact that people who suffer from this have a problem admitting to it and don’t want to discuss the subject. It’s a health issue that affects more than one million Australians a year.
Still not sure what I’m talking about? Look at the word in a mirror. Yes, that’s right! I guess we all know someone that is, or has suffered from it. Maybe even yourself!
My first encounter
Over 35 years ago I was sitting next to my wife’s cousin at a wedding function. Great bloke with a wife and a few kids. A couple of years later his wife came home, opened up the garage door and found him hanging from the rafters. Since then I have personally known others that have taken their own lives. In fact, in the last few years I found out through Facebook, a couple of painters and decorators did exactly this. It’s so sad. The problem can be solved, or at least reduced, if:
1. You admit to yourself you have depression and talk to someone about it.
2. Be able to recognize the signs of depression in others and either give them support, or advise them who they should see.
At present, I know three people that are suffering depression; one being a close family member. So this has been a subject I’ve wanted to talk about for a while but wasn’t quite sure how to approach it, or how to write it. I feel the best way to get the message out there would be to leave it to the professionals and copy and paste an article from the ‘Lifeline Support’ website.
‘Everyone feels sad or down sometimes, especially during tough times. Feeling sad or upset is a normal reaction to difficult situations. But, if you have these feelings intensely for long periods of time and are having trouble with normal activities, you may be experiencing depression.
Jon Mears recently recorded a 2-part special episode covering depression for decorators on his podcast, which you may find useful.
What is depression?
Depression is more than just feeling sad or low during tough times. People with depression can have intense negative feelings for weeks, months or even years, sometimes for no good reason.
Unfortunately, many people with depression don’t recognize it or get help. But, it is treatable and most people with depression go on to lead happy, productive lives with the right treatment for them.
Some causes of depression
Relationship problems or conflict – e.g. separation/divorce, difficult/abusive relationship
- Job loss, especially long-term unemployment
- Loneliness or feeling isolated
- Excessive drug or alcohol use
- Having another family member who has depression
- Having a serious physical illness
- Changes in how the brain functions
- Personality factors – e.g. anxiety, low self-esteem
Causes of depression vary from person to person because of a mix of personal risk factors and difficult life events. It’s also common for people to experience depression and anxiety at the same time.
Signs of depression
- Feeling sad, ‘flat’ or down most of the time (for two weeks or more)
- Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy (for two weeks or more)
- Feeling tired or lacking energy and motivation
- Moodiness that is out of character
- Increased irritability and frustration
- Increased alcohol and drug use
- Changes in your weight or appetite
- Having problems sleeping or sleeping all the time
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Feeling restless, edgy or slowed down
- Having difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Thinking repeatedly about death or suicide
If you are experiencing a number of these symptoms, you may have depression. It is very important to visit your GP or another health professional for a full assessment and to discuss treatment options.
Helpful tips for treating depression
Taking steps to manage depression is important for your current and long-term health. Depression is an illness that can get worse if left untreated.
See your doctor – Talk to your doctor about how you’ve been feeling to find the most appropriate treatment for you. Your doctor can also refer you to a psychologist or other mental health professional for treatment, sometimes with a rebate through Medicare
1. Talk to someone you trust – Talking to family, friends, a counsellor, minister or a crisis line, can help you develop an understanding of your situation and help you move forward. There are some very effective treatments through psychologists/mental health professionals that can make a real difference.
2. Look after yourself – Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly and get enough sleep. Ensure you have a good work/life balance.
Exercise has been shown to help reduce depression. Take time out to relax and do things you used to enjoy, even if you don’t feel like it now. When you have depression it can be hard to get motivated, but it’s important not to isolate yourself.
3. Be aware of your feelings – Noticing changes in your mood and thoughts and identifying what situations make you feel good and bad can help to stop negative thought pattern
4. Keep safe – You may be having thoughts about dying, that it may be better to ‘not be around’ or you don’t know how much longer you can go on. These thoughts are common when people feel very depressed. If you have these thoughts, get help straight away.
Noisserped – Depression at work
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