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.

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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

How do I talk to my boss about keeping or getting more flexibility at work?

Learn how to talk to your boss about workplace flexibility. Expert advice on task-based flexibility, business benefits, and maintaining team culture.

Industry Leader
Kimberlee Wells

Mental Health Expert
Amanda Mechanic

Is it normal to hide extra hours worked, or do others do this too?

Stop hiding overtime hours on timesheets. Learn why transparency helps you, your colleagues, and the creative industry break unhealthy work cycles.

Industry Leader
Nicky Bryson

Mental Health Expert
Tara Hurster

I recently started a new role as an Account Exec but I'm not very busy. How do I ask for more work without coming across as nagging?

Feeling underworked as a new account executive? Discover why light workloads happen and how to navigate them professionally while building your career foundation.

Industry Leader
Jasmin Bedir

Mental Health Expert
Tara Hurster