Work "Creep"?

I’ve blogged before about “job creep” (or at least I think I have). That’s the unpleasant position a person finds themself in when (usually through being good-natured) their job has moved so far from its original description that they started out as, for example, “Head of Creative Projects” and end up as “Head of Applied Bean-Counting” instead.

Yes, I know what you’re thinking, I’m exaggarating to make a point. Well, yes, though not as much as you might think.

And it’s only the starting point. Because this week, I’ve come across a variation of “job creep” that I want to warn you against, especially with the summer coming up.

What is it?

Last week, I decided, for various reasons (below) to take this week off.

This week, despite having relatives coming (tomorrow!) and huge amounts of preparation, so far., I’ve answered more calls and sent out more emails than usual. Other than not seeing anyone outside, as I normally would, the “holiday” I’d decided upon has been virtually non-existent.

In other words, work has crept into designated holiday time (a.k.a. “work creep”)

Naturally, I agree with any thought you might be having along the lines of, “Well, she’s only got herself to blame.” But it seems sensible to turn the situation to everyone’s advantage, and lay out some hard-won “guidelines for avoiding work creep”.

Ways to have a relaxing holiday/avoid “work creep”

1. Go away from your home, or anywhere that you can be contacted.
2. Switch off your mobile.
3. Tell everyone beforehand that you’ll be on holiday.
4. Pre-book treats.
5. Stay away from the PC.
6. Be clear about what you will and won’t do when away from work and (unlike I’ve done so far this week) stick to it.

Well, I guess this means that for the rest of this week, by definition, you won’t hear from me til next Monday. Here’s to a relaxing week from hereon in, and plenty of new inspiration for the blog next week.

See you then

Clare