ASKING FOR A FRIEND - CATEGORY

Workload, time & productivity

When deadlines pile up, boundaries blur, and "just this once" becomes every single time – you're not alone. This category tackles the relentless pace of creative work and its impact on your wellbeing.

We dive deep into the challenges that keep creatives up at night: managing overwhelming workloads when you're juggling a million things at once, dealing with bosses who call you "family" but treat you like equipment, and navigating the franticness of deadline after deadline. You'll find honest conversations about burnout – how to recognize it, approach it with your manager, and when it's time to ask for help.

From practical tips for overcoming procrastination and improving focus, to the complex emotions around hiding extra hours worked and feeling guilty when you're not busy, we explore both the external pressures and internal drivers that shape our relationship with work. We tackle the big questions too: what's reasonable when it comes to overtime? How do you talk to your boss about flexibility? And for creative parents, how do you balance running a business with family life without losing yourself in the process?

Whether you're struggling with the "quiet quitting" trend, wondering how to get your life back from late-night agency culture, or dealing with the mental health impact of not having enough work, find practical strategies and honest conversations about creating sustainable work practices. Because great creative work shouldn't cost you your mental health, your relationships, or your life outside the studio.

Featured

How do you deal with a boss that calls you family, but treats you like a laptop?

Learn how to handle a boss who says you're family but treats you poorly with boundary-setting and communication strategies.

Industry Leader
Renee Hyde

Managing Director

Howatson+Company

Mental Health Expert
Sharon Draper

Psychologist

The Conscious Project

Do you have any advice on dealing with the franticness of deadline after deadline?

Struggling with deadline after deadline? Expert advice on managing creative industry pressure, protecting your wellbeing, and having crucial conversations.

Industry Leader
Kimberlee Wells

Mental Health Expert
Sabina Read

I’m not getting a single break at work. How do I bring this up with my manager without feeling like I'm letting people down?

Feeling burnt out with endless briefs and no breaks? Learn how to approach your manager about time off without guilt, plus when it's time to find a healthier workplace.

Industry Leader
Wez Hawes

ECD

Innocean

Mental Health Expert
Katie Feder

All Questions

What to do when not 
having enough work is affecting my mental health?

Work shortage affecting your mental health? Expert advice on managing financial stress, finding support, and making smart business decisions.

Industry Leader
Simon Lee

CCO & Partner

The Hallway

Mental Health Expert
Aimee Davies

Mental Health Educator and Counsellor

The Hey Mate Project

How to stay on task whilst juggling a million things at once and what to do when feeling overwhelmed

Learn practical strategies for staying focused while juggling multiple tasks and managing overwhelm as a creative professional, with expert advice from psychologists.

Industry Leader
Nick Hunter

Founder

Paper Moose

Mental Health Expert
Khristin Highet

Clinical Psychologist

Do you have any advice for a multi tasking parent who's feeling guilty?

Practical advice for creative parents struggling with guilt. Learn how to balance work and family life while setting a positive example for your children.

Industry Leader
Tarra van Amerongen

Mental Health Expert
Sharon Draper

Psychologist

The Conscious Project