Beyoncé said Release Ya Job, so I did.
You might be familiar with the song Break My Soul, Beyoncé's first single from her (amazing) 2022 album, Renaissance.
[Verse 1: Beyoncé]
Now, I just fell in love
And I just quit my job
I'm gonna find new drive
Damn, they work me so damn hard
Work by nine
Then off past five
And they work my nerves
That's why I cannot sleep at night
Literally, mix some burnout with workplace culture and politics - and POOF, now you're stressed and can't sleep at night! Not sure when was the last time Beyoncé had a job, but she definitely speaks to the struggles of many working individuals with this song, and this (genius) album overall.
[Post-Chorus: Big Freedia]
Release ya anger, release ya mind
Release ya job, release the time
Release ya trade, release the stress
Release the love, forget the rest
This verse by Big Freedia later in the song encourages us to release our jobs and then some.
Release what makes us angry.
Release the love/relationships that cause anguish in our lives and Break our Souls.
Here are some things that used to Break My Soul:
Unrealistic workload
Workplace politics
Taking PTO knowing I'd have more work and emails to return to
Waking up for work on Monday
The Teams call ringtone
The Outlook email ding
Having 3-5 calls a day
Proofreading emails 5-7x before hitting Send
Being assigned more work since I go above and beyond
After being in the pharmacy workforce for only 5 years, I was prescribed Lexapro to help with the stress and anxiety that was causing me to become more forgetful. When I was a health coach, I used to ask my patients, "If you had a rock in your shoe and it was causing you pain, would you take Tylenol or would you take the rock out of your shoe?" and HERE I WAS taking Tylenol! I mean Lexapro.
Something had to give, and I had to go to the source, because my soul was breaking.
[Chorus: Beyoncé]
You won't break my soul
You won't break my soul
You won't break my soul
You won't break my soul
I'm tellin' everybody
Everybody
Everybody
Everybody
If there are things that really bother you or stress you out about your work situation, quitting is an option, but getting better at setting boundaries might be a better first step. Doing things like blocking off meeting time on your calendar for uninterrupted project time, taking regular PTO vs saving it all up, not checking email when OOO, turning off notifications, and saying NO to additional responsibilities that don't come with increased pay can really make a difference.
Let your employer know how you are feeling, ask for the support you need, and let it be known what your boundaries are, by sticking to them.
When I made the decision to resign and exit the workforce, I was worried about the success of upcoming projects and letting people down. Putting in my notice was TERRIFYING, but I had to put my health first.
So after receiving blessings from my Queen and Queen Bey herself, I decided it was time to take the rock out of my shoe and explore my dream of being my own boss.
Thank you Beyoncé and Big Freedia, because I get to experience the freedom that comes with refusing to allow people, situations and circumstances to Break My Soul.
Sidenote: I'm happy to see that employees in many industries (including pharmacists as of last week!) are going on strike to bring awareness to unfair and dangerous workplace conditions, because capitalism kills.
Employers want to suck as much work out of you as they can and when you've reached your limit, they'll ask you to do more because you do it so well, with a smile.
After all, there is a clear connection between capitalism and slavery, but that's another blog post for another day.
So what's the play?
Release your job!
Release ya anger, release ya mind!
If you can't release your job, talk to your boss and set more boundaries at work.
If you don't set boundaries, you'll be stressed no matter the job or situation.
Listen to Renaissance, it really is empowering and inspirational.
Listening to music you enjoy at the start your workday can help start you off in a better mood.
Try to focus on the positive without letting the negative weigh down your spirit.
Take the plunge. If you wait until you're ready to do a thing, you'll never do it.
Thanks for Reading!
But wait there's more!
What's another Renaissance song with a great message? Even though you didn't ask, I'll tell you. COZY also has a great message!
[Pre-Chorus]
You're a god (you're a god), you're a hero (you're a hero) You survived all you been through Confident, damn, you lethal Might I suggest you don't F with my sis 'Cause she comfortable
[Chorus]
Comfortable in my skin Cozy with who I am Comfortable in my skin (cozy, cozy) Comfortable in my skin Cozy with who I am I love myself, goddamn (cozy, cozy)