How to deal with work relationships
Oh, hi friends!
Do you feel like a partner? Or like a hired hand?
Working on certain projects can feel transactional. You hire me to do something. I do it. The end. Those relationships can be fine if both parties are comfortable in their roles.
But when you can feel like a partner in the work…boy, does that seem better. For me, this happens when I feel like the editor is equally invested in making a story better, and that’s manifested through a careful read, encouragement, and just…feeling like they give a damn. You know what that’s like. It makes you feel more invested, too. It feels as though you’re both taking delight in the work. You’re partners.
Figuring out what kind of relationship you’re in can actually help your approach to work. Awhile ago I was frustrated by a client until I *finally* realized…oh, to them, this is a hired-hand relationship. I need to stop pretending we’re partners. Once I clarified that in my head, I wasn’t as frustrated. (Also, I decided not to work with them anymore, so there’s that.)
So, if you are working for someone, which kind of relationship do you think you have?
And if someone is working for you, how do you think they feel?
Something to think about.
“If you need deadlines to do your best work…
Make some up.
If you need the last minute to be your best self, first go manufacture some last minutes.”
I love Seth Godin. How did he know I am the queen of last minutes?
This idea of “manufacturing” last minutes is so valuable. You can do that by hitching yourself to others for accountability, pushing your work forward by applying to fellowships, residencies, workshops, other things with actual deadlines, or tricking yourself into believing that the end of every day is a last minute.
Fairygodboss is hiring an Editorial Associate! The mission of this NYC-based early-stage startup is to improve the workplace for women by creating transparency—women can leave job reviews and tips on the site about employer pay, benefits, and culture, and they also publish career advice. If you're a writer and editor who’s interested in improving the world and workplace for women, apply here! Interested folks can also email my friend Nina Semczuk who works there at nina.semczuk@fairygodboss.com and apply directly to the posting. Get it.
The Lily, a publication of The Washington Post dedicated to stories central to the lives of young women, has an opening for a staff writer. Here’s lots of info and information on applying for this great position. (h/t Carrie Seim)
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Thanks, as always, for reading.
Love, Kara