I haven’t been feeling great lately, and some kind of Sickness (hopefully not Covid) has descended onto me and completely wiped out my energy.
I told a friend earlier that if I had a traditional job, I would be calling off sick. I almost said “if I had a REAL job,” which is troubling. I do have a real job — I work for myself!
But as my own boss, I am reluctant to give myself even one afternoon off, let alone entire days, despite the fact that I am lightheaded with a debilitating headache, which really keeps me from getting anything worthwhile done.
In the end, I threw in the figurative towel and collapsed into bed. I don’t feel any more guilt since I’ve rationalized away the need to be productive when I’m in this condition, but it’s still a struggle.
I think of how our culture glorifies “soldiering through” and going to work despite being sick, and even how many podcasters and video streamers I know who release content on an unrelenting schedule, despite sounding an inch from death.
It’s so easy in times like this to label ourselves as “lazy” (or to fear that onlookers will label us as such). I grew up under the shadow of “lazy” — as a child, I always preferred reading and writing to household chores or playing outside.
But I’ve been burned out before — several times — and I know that if I don’t rest and recover now, it’ll only get worse later. (Ask me about the time I had walking pneumonia for over 4 months and continued going to work. Not cool.)
Do you go to work (or stay there) if you’re sick? Do you soldier through? And why/why not?
Words & warmth,
Sarah
P.S. I’ve really been enjoying Laziness Does Not Exist by Devon Price, Ph.D., and I really recommend it to you as well. Especially if you struggle to rest enough, like most Americans do.
Tell me your thoughts.
What harmful creative myths have you believed over the years? Let us know in the comments below.