Blog

Don’t go it alone: The Strength in Asking for Help at Work

by nadezda

May 1, 2024

Picture this: your to-do list feels never-ending, your inbox is overflowing with “urgent” and “high priority” messages, and everything demands your immediate attention. As you try to juggle it all: work tasks, personal responsibilities, and the mounting pressure, it begins to feel overwhelming. The walls start closing in, and the room feels smaller and smaller.

In moments like these, it’s crucial to pause and prioritise your mental health and stability, even when everything around you seems to be on fire. Take a deep breath. Reach out to your colleagues for support, they might surprise you. Most people are more willing to help than you’d expect.

For freelancers, the approach might differ, but for those of us who work as part of a team, it’s crucial to be surrounded by the right people and a supportive team culture. I recall a moment when I realised this. In the mentality I grew up in, asking for help was seen as a sign of weakness, incompetence, or inefficiency. But we are all human; we all face challenges. When I finally asked my team for support, everything started to flow more smoothly again. I was able to take a break, reset my mind, and return with renewed energy. It made me question common excuses like “They don’t have time,” “No one wants to help,” or “No one knows how to do it.” Are these realities, or are we just trapping ourselves within our own limits?

Here are some rules that help me avoid burnout:

  1.  Take breaks, enjoy your lunch, and stick to working hours. Not just for fun, but to stay productive and content.
  2.  Seek out the right team and a supportive company culture – these are essential for maintaining your mental health.
  3.  If you’re feeling overwhelmed and burned out, it’s crucial to ask for help. Speak up.
  4.  Conversely, be a supportive and helpful team member.

Sometimes, the only way to move forward is to stop. Take a deep breath. It’s just a bad day, and a better one is on the horizon.

Huge thank you to all Total Onion team members for the amazing work culture you all contribute to.