Sunday Scaries

One of my former clients, let’s call him Paul, used to love his job.

He was a top performer and his boss recognized his efforts. Then his boss got a new job & they brought in a new leader who…how do I say this…didn’t like Paul. In fact, he really didn’t like Paul & would do everything in his power to undermine his efforts. Paul started getting anxiety about work on Sunday afternoons. He couldn’t enjoy his time with his wife and kids because he was too stressed about his work interactions.

He had what clinical psychologist Steven Myers in an article in CNBC International calls “Sunday Scaries” or “anticipatory anxiety.” According to this excellent article (in comments) the Sunday Scaries are felt by 91 percent of Millennials & 94 percent of Gen Z workers. Paul was ready to jump ship & would have taken a job making significantly less money to get out of his toxic work environment.

How do we stop this anxiety? The article gives 3 really good suggestions including:

⚠️Question your doubt. Identify & argue with it

⚠️ Reflect midweek on how you spend your time & prioritize. Plan ahead how to use your time

⚠️ Start a gratitude journal

What are other things you can do to curb the scaries? And how do you *know* it’s time to get a new job? (Side note: Paul got a new job)

Author

  • Sarah Johnston

    I’m a former corporate recruiter and industry “insider” who got tired of seeing talented high-achievers get passed over for opportunities because they did not have the right marketing documents or know how to position themselves in interviews. I have relocated multiple times across the country as a “trailing spouse” and have had to execute job searches in completely cold markets (where I literally knew no one!) I have been named a LinkedIn Top Voice in the career space in 2019, HR Weekly’s Top 100 Most Influential People in HR, named the owner of the “best resume writing firm for experienced executives” by Balance Careers and a “top follow” by JobScan in 2019 and 2020.

Sarah Johnston

Sarah Johnston is a former corporate recruiter and industry "insider" with a passion for empowering high-achievers in their career journeys. Frustrated by talented individuals being overlooked due to ineffective marketing documents and interview strategies, Sarah made it her mission to equip professionals with the tools and knowledge to succeed. As a seasoned "trailing spouse" who relocated multiple times, she understands the challenges of executing job searches in unfamiliar markets. Sarah's expertise and impact have earned her recognition as a LinkedIn Top Voice in 2019 and a spot on HR Weekly's Top 100 Most Influential People in HR. Her resume writing firm has been acclaimed as the best for experienced executives by Balance Careers, while JobScan listed her as a top follow in 2019 and 2020.

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