Whilst researching my inquiry I have also been observing
my brother (newly graduated after 4 years of intense study) I have gained his
permission to blog my findings and have observed a dramatic change within his
sense of wellbeing during and after his study.
It is interesting to compare these findings to my
profession and industry and I feel that our wellbeing can be impaired if we are
deemed under achieving.
The past four years of my brother’s life have been to
most challenging, productive and at stressful times, a degree in design and
Ergonomics has required dedication and determination to complete modules with
at times, unrealistic deadlines. Upon reflection these timescales have
developed my brother’s ability to prioritise his work and dedicate most of his
time to his study. During his years of study I have witnessed him coming
home during Christmas and Easter, working through the bank holidays,
compromising ‘family time’ just to meet his deadlines. I recall him coming to
stay with me in Plymouth last Christmas to watch my show. He set up his laptop,
books and modules within his hotel room and worked every day whilst we as a
family spent time together. He was so disciplined that he would stop working in
the evening to catch up with us all.
As a family, this had a huge impact on our
dynamics, my parents felt guilty at times for not being able to help my brother
to free up some of his time, they watched him become extremely tired and
anxious. Whilst, he on the other hand felt frustrated that he had to detach
himself from us in order to stay on track to meet his deadlines.
The next few months up to final submission proved
extremely challenging and sleep deprivation, travelling to and from University
to complete user testing research and design work prototyping within the
workshops. This was followed by presentations and a wait for his final grading.
All of the above factors impacted hugely on his wellbeing describing himself as
‘emotionally drained’ and exhausted. The sense of relief came after his final
submission, he described sleeping for a whole day to recuperate, which seemed
to be a common practice after each submission of work. (Work life balance
totally compromised during this time)
‘Design Week’ concluded his degree and enabled all
graduates to display their final project work. The University invited the
public and Industry professionals to celebrate their achievements giving the
graduates a pathway to network with potential employers. My brother describes a
feeling of achievement and a feeling of worth, that all of his studies had been
worthwhile. In June he graduated with a First Class honours degree!
New challenges became apparent, moving back home after 4
years, enabled my brother to rest and
recuperate, taking time out to see his friends, go on holiday and regulate his
sleeping Pattern. His ‘work life balance‘ reversed from all work to no work, this in its
self-played a huge part of his wellbeing being compromised. Without full time
employment and only taking on part time work he was limited to the amount of
social activities that he could take part in. His fellow graduates began to
embark upon their professional careers therefore feelings of anxiety and loss
of direction began to enter his thoughts. Being at home all day allowed time to
apply for jobs, create a portfolio and help around the house. There was a sense
of despair about his student debt and questioning himself about the past 4
years of study being worth while. These few weeks I observed my brother start
to be indecisive, doubting his own judgement and become very irritable. After applying
for a number of jobs interview offers filtered into his inbox. This gave him
the encouragement and incentive to prep for his interviews securing him a job
within the field that he has studied with scope to develop and expand his
career. Finally it seems that he has found the perfect ’work life balance’ and a job that challenges
him, very little travel and an ability to maintain and finance a social life.
All of these factors contribute to a good sense of well being.
Although my brother’s experiences were not related to
the Performing Arts Industry, I can relate to his behaviours and thought
process during and after his study. My thoughts were parable to his when I had
been unsuccessful in numerous castings and recalls. I too questioned by
training, its worth and the ability to achieve the career I had worked so hard
for. My wellbeing affected my mental health, doubting my own ability. Persistence
to audition and move onto the next casting, built up my self-esteem improving
my mindset.
Within my profession I am starting to conclude that work
life balance cannot be an evenly split between work, relationships and social
time. My industry dictates working many unsociable hours and work life balance
can be achieved if the important people in your life respect this and work
around me to help achieve a manageable ‘work life balance’ and good sense of
wellbeing.
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