Work Should Fit Into Your Life, Not Take Over It

Introduction:How often do you feel like your job is running the show? Work’s supposed to be just one part of your life, but instead, it’s taken over everything, leaving little room for the stuff that really matters. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be this way. Work should slot into your life, not take over it. So, how do you start taking back control? Let’s have a looksee!

1. Spot When Work Has Taken Over

First things first, you need to see the signs that work has gone too far:

• Do you feel completely knackered by the end of the day?

• Is work constantly on your mind, even when you’re at home?

• Are you always telling people, “I don’t have time” for family, mates, or the things you actually enjoy?

If you’re nodding along, it’s time to admit work’s taken over and you need to do something about it.

2. Shift How You See Work

It’s easy to buy into the idea that work defines your success or your worth. But it’s just one piece of your life—not the whole pie. Ask yourself:

• What do I actually want work to do for me?

• Does my job fit with what’s important to me in life?

• Am I working to live, or living to work?

3. Is Your Identity Keeping You Stuck?

Sometimes, the hardest part of change isn’t the practical stuff—it’s letting go of an identity that no longer serves you. Many of us tie our self-worth to our jobs: the title, the recognition, the sense of importance. But what happens when that identity starts to weigh you down instead of lifting you up?

Ask yourself: Is your ego or identity holding you back?

• Are you clinging to a job or role because it’s tied to how you see yourself or how others see you?

• Does the thought of letting go make you feel like you’re losing part of who you are?

• Who am I without my job title?

• Am I staying in this role because it feels safe, or because it aligns with who I want to be?

• What would my life look like if I let go of this version of me and embraced a new one?

If any of these questions feel uncomfortable, it’s worth exploring.

Letting go isn’t easy, but it’s necessary if you want to grow. Holding onto an outdated identity is like carrying a bag of bricks—you don’t realise how heavy it is until you put it down. Imagine what you could do with all that energy if you weren’t spending it on staying stuck.

4. Draw Your Lines and Stick to Them

If you want balance, you’ve got to set some proper boundaries. Here’s how:

• Set work hours and stick to them. No emails after tea. Full stop.

• Make time for yourself and the things that matter. Block it out like it’s a meeting if you have to.

• Learn to say no. Not everything at work is your problem to fix.

Boundaries aren’t selfish; they’re how you protect your sanity.

5. Take Baby Steps to Take Back Control

Getting unstuck doesn’t mean flipping your life upside down overnight. Start small:

• Cut one thing out of your work routine that’s draining you.

• Find a hobby or activity that makes you feel alive again.

• Think about what a better balance might look like for you—and take one step toward it.

Small steps add up. Even tiny changes can shift how you feel.

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Get Help

Let’s be honest—this stuff isn’t easy. Sometimes you need a bit of help. Whether it’s a mentor, a mate who’s been there, or a community of people who get it, support makes all the difference.

That’s why we created Work Wobble. It’s a place to get practical advice and tools to take back control. And we’ve got a free training to help you get unstuck and figure out how to make work fit around your life, not the other way round.

Ready to Get Started?If you’re ready to stop letting work call the shots, join us for our free training at www.workwobble.com. It’s time to take back your life and create a balance that works for YOU.

Let’s get started—because life’s too precious to be ruled by work.