If you’re not happy, what’s the point?

By Sarah

There have been a number of days in my working life when life has bumped into work, and I have had to dig as deep as it’s possible to dig in order to get up, get dressed, go to work and act like it’s just another day.

Since starting Pomegranite and being able to decide what our company philosophy is and what we value, the way I look at work, and at life, and at work-and-life, has completely changed. And what I believe is this: If you’re not happy, what’s the point?

All too often, work takes precedence over life. But being able to create an ethos where it’s more about making sure that the work gets done than being at your desk from 8 to 5, has made the biggest difference. The biggest.

The last two weeks have been pretty difficult. Life has bumped into work in quite a big way. And to be told: “Take the time. Work from home if you need to. Only come in after 10 this week,” has been the most amazing gift. It’s made me feel like I could actually cope with everything.

And because of that breathing room, I have been able to make sure that no balls were dropped. Because it all felt that much more manageable.

When you run your own business – a small business – it’s a high-stakes game. It’s down to you and a handful of other people to make sure that the work gets done, and done well, because happy clients and word of mouth are your greatest marketing assets.

We believe really strongly that people produce their best work when they’re happy. So, making sure that you are – and if you’re not exactly happy then giving yourself what you need to get there – is crucial. I’ve seen this so many times. And the last couple of weeks have been such a perfect illustration of this for me.

Life is short. It really is so damn short. And I feel so lucky to be in the position to mould my work into something that supports my life. Because I think, way too often, it’s the other way around.

Breathing room really can be the best thing you can give someone. It distills panic into perspective.

Wood for the trees – I see you.