From Tears to Blackouts: My Story with Emotional Labor (and How You Can Avoid It)

Published 5 months ago • 3 min read

It’s Not in Your Head.

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The feeling of walking into a room that sucks your creative juices out of you is all too real. The weight and distortion that come with working with someone can become an unbearable burden, growing heavier daily leaving you feeling emotionally exhausted and physically drained.

When I started my business in 2018, I was fortunate to work with an incredible humanitarian organisation that aligned with my values. I enjoyed the project we worked on together, and I saw firsthand the importance of these organisations in the world.

However, as the project started to gain momentum and the deadline approached, the individuals I worked with started to add unexpected pressures and tasks to my already overwhelming workload. Being a Kindhearted Creative, I did everything possible to ensure this project worked as smoothly as possible, even if it was not my responsibility.

At first, I started to experience unexpected tears, which escalated into full-blown blackouts. I would be in mid-conversation with someone, only to find myself on the floor, dazed and confused. My colleagues' reactions varied from disbelief to accusations of manipulation, which only compounded my confusion and distress. What’s (is) wrong with me?

Months later, I discovered a term that explained my experience: Emotional labour. A Term coined by Sociologist Dr. Arlie Russel Hochschild refers to the energy and effort needed to manage feelings and emotions professionally in a workplace. This concept has since broadened to encompass any “invisible and undervalued work required to keep the peace in a work setting. (Quotation needs to be closed and referenced.)

To answer my question - nothing was wrong with me. Due to my emotional load, my creative well was drying up, leading to bouts of mental and emotional exhaustion.

The Impact of Toxic Environments

Research has shown that high levels of emotional labour can lead to significant health issues.

A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that employees experiencing high emotional labour are more prone to stress, burnout, and physical health problems​ (MDPI)​.

Similarly, the National Library of Medicine revealed that emotional labour significantly contributes to job dissatisfaction and mental health problems​ (NCBI)​.

Moreover, research from the Journal of Applied Psychology indicates that continuous emotional labour without adequate professional ssupport can lead to severe emotional exhaustion and reduced job performance​ (SpringerLink)​.

You Are Not Alone

If you are asking yourself the same question as I had, then it’s time to evaluate your environment. Here are five self-reflective questions to help determine if you are carrying toxic levels of emotional labour:

  • Do I feel emotionally drained after work, even on days with a manageable workload? Emotional labour can leave you emotionally exhausted, even if the tasks aren't demanding.
  • Do I dread interacting with certain colleagues or clients? A toxic environment can make even basic interactions feel stressful.
  • Am I constantly "walking on eggshells" around certain people, trying to anticipate and manage their emotions? This is a classic sign of emotional labour, where you're expending a lot of energy managing the feelings of others.
  • Do I find myself suppressing my own emotions or reactions at work? Healthy emotional expression is important. If you feel the need to constantly o stifle your true feelings, it's a red flag.
  • Has my work performance or creativity suffered lately? Emotional overload can significantly impact your ability to focus and perform at your best as a creative.

If you answered yes to most of these questions, a red flag is waving. It's time to take control and navigate yourself out of this draining situation. Here are some practical steps to help you:

  • Build a shield: Set clear boundaries that extend beyond your workload. Define your work hours and stick to them, shutting down after-hours communication. Politely deflect negativity from colleagues and manage interruptions by establishing dedicated chat times or blocking focused work periods. Keep personal details under wraps, prioritize completing your assignments, and disengage politely from negativity. If necessary, document serious issues. Remember, your well-being is paramount, so enforce these boundaries consistently.
  • Seek your support system: Talking to trusted colleagues, mentors, or even a mental health professional can provide relief and a fresh perspective.
  • Explore new horizons: Start looking for new opportunities that align with your values and offer a healthier environment. Network, update your resume, and/or consider different career paths that might be a better fit.
  • Craft your escape plan: If the situation doesn't improve, develop a strategic exit strategy. This could involve saving money, securing a new job, or even having an open conversation with your employer to find a mutually beneficial solution.

In conclusion, it's crucial for Creatives to recognize and prioritise their mental health in professional environments. The impact of emotional labour and toxic work settings can be detrimental, leading to mental and emotional exhaustion. It's important to seek help and consider an exit strategy if necessary. Remember, creative work is a partnership and your well-being matters! Don't hesitate to reach out for support and take steps to create a healthier work environment for yourself.

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Disclaimer: My personal experience has been used as an example of how emotional labour can impact your business. Everyone has a different experience.

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Chen, C.-C.; Lan, Y.-L.; Chiou, S.-L.; Lin, Y.-C. The Effect of Emotional Labor on the Physical and Mental Health of Health Professionals: Emotional Exhaustion Has a Mediating Effect. Healthcare 2023, 11, 104. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11010104

Qiu, D., Li, R., Li, Y., He, J., Ouyang, F., Luo, D., & Xiao, S. (2021). Job Dissatisfaction Mediated the Associations Between Work Stress and Mental Health Problems. Frontiers in psychiatry, 12, 711263. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.711263

Aziz, S., Widis, A. & Wuensch, K. The Association Between Emotional Labor and Burnout: the Moderating Role of Psychological Capital. Occup Health Sci 2, 365–383 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41542-018-0029-1

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