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Ask HN: How to not bring emotion from work back home?

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101–110 of 244 posts

Re: Ask HN: How to not bring emotion from work back home?

#101
I see way too many people taking their jobs more seriously than they ought to. There's something very odd about people who sideline their families and close ones, because their daily work is more important. They're way too busy to speak, or meet or be nice even when they leave work.

I think unless you're in a field where lives are at stake, it's well warranted, and it's noble what you're doing. For the vast majority of us, it's a job. You have one, you don't. Most of us are smart enough to get a new one. You do your best, you do it at work, and keep it there. Note down things on a notebook, things that you can continue on the following morning.

Trying to be as honest, upfront, easy-going and helpful, the kind of person you are at home, also helps bridge things better. That way, you don't need to be a different person, and switch between them.

Generally, just take it easy, you're not out saving the world. Do your best and carry your bag home, not your baggage.

Re: Ask HN: How to not bring emotion from work back home?

#103

If covered by insurance, speak to a therapist weekly. Unless you are in one of a handful of professions, your work is nothing that warrants this amount of stress. No one is going to die. There's tons of things that happen at an employer that are wrong, and that are stupid and that are complete nonsense. There are things that you must simply let slide. Things that truly do not matter. Very few things REALLY matter. Ve…

I'd second this, even if insurance doesn't cover it and you can find a way to pay for it. I'd also recommend trying something like an intensive therapeutic seminar: https://www.themeadows.com/workshops/survivors-i-workshop If you don't like therapy, maybe something like Landmark: http://www.landmarkworldwide.com Some people put down therapy and taking care of themselves in general, my guess is because it takes alot o…

Strongly recommend avoiding Landmark and things like it. At least extensively research it. Landmark has a reputation for psychologically abusing and damaging participants. It has the flavour of an a-religious for-profit cult. Here's one story of many: http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2009/08/landmark-42-hour...

Re: Ask HN: How to not bring emotion from work back home?

#104
I like to dance. It's active, it's fun. There are many different types of dance. Do you want to dance with a partner or not? Slow or active? Strict format or completely free?

Tango is rather slow, salsa is more active. Capoeira is more like a fighting dance. Street dance is similar. Show dance is top sport. Ballroom or latin dance styles like salsa have a strict format. There are so many different styles like Lindyhop, real fun, but I recommend that you start with the more popular ones.

If you don't like that, there are more expressionist type of dances, like biodanza or five rythms. These are more like workshops, guided by a teacher. It's not about doing the right moves, and anyone can join, even those with no rythm-feeling. And you can dance in your own place, curtains closed, music loud. Dance like nobody can see you, or dance when nobody can see you if you're too embarrassed.

Another tip is improv or theatersport. You can put a lot of agression and energy in it. In general it's great fun and it has helped me overcome several anxieties.

For me, when I dance or do improv, after five minutes I've forgotten all about the day.

Re: Ask HN: How to not bring emotion from work back home?

#105
You might want to look at what, specifically, makes you angry. In my case, my work doesn't affect me outside of work because I put clear boundaries. If I'm supposed to be in the office from 9am to 6pm, I'll be there, but at 6pm I leave, whether there's something important going on or not. Doing that systematically means that people don't expect you to be around and won't come with more work at 5:55pm. At home, I don't check my work emails and don't take work-related calls (there's a few exceptions, and it's usually agreed in advance with the company so that it doesn't become a habit).

All this helps me "recover" from a day of work and to feel good at home, knowing that I won't be suddenly interrupted for work reasons.

Again, it might depend on your specific case. If a work was making me angry I would simply quit, but maybe it's not an option for you.

Re: Ask HN: How to not bring emotion from work back home?

#106
Do you consume coffee or caffeinated beverages? Are you getting enough sleep? Consider eliminating coffee/coke/energy drinks/other caffeinated beverages from your diet. I've seen it work wonders for many people I know who were having work-related anger/stress/anxiety issues.

Re: Ask HN: How to not bring emotion from work back home?

#108
Always be working

Melt down at work in a spectacular fashion

Engage in a campaign of passive-aggresive attacks on the team causing your anger, explain it as an attempt to use negative feedback to get their working habits to change

Never admit your mistakes; make sure any mistakes you make regarding those teams' responsibilities are swiftly swept under the rug

Conflate your productivity with the company's: anything that slows you down is bad for all devs & the business's bottom line

Re: Ask HN: How to not bring emotion from work back home?

#110

Always be working Melt down at work in a spectacular fashion Engage in a campaign of passive-aggresive attacks on the team causing your anger, explain it as an attempt to use negative feedback to get their working habits to change Never admit your mistakes; make sure any mistakes you make regarding those teams' responsibilities are swiftly swept under the rug Conflate your productivity with the company's: anything th…

Budding dictator right there.
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