I'm 37 and I make decent money. I live beneath my means and I do in any way shape or form want to move up to management. I managed restaurants for a number of years: I'm done. I've decided that working at 100% is not sustainable for me because I'm America we do not live in a meritocracy.
I know it doesn't help if you don't exactly know what I do, so what are some general tips?
I have to tell myself to slow down when I know the place is falling behind. It's not my fault it's falling behind, and I'm not going to break my back making up for management's failure to staff the place. I'm not any extra days or hours. I'm not stressing out about it either. Allowing myself to slow down to breathe, and let things fall behind helps my mental health.
Smile and nod your head. Don't get mouthy. And if no one cares about a problem you've pointed out, don't keep mentioning it. Try not to make enemies. Do not criticize management or the company as to not make yourself a target. Minimize mistakes you can easily be held accountable for.
Admit some level of incompetence. I want to give about 70-80% effort. Beyond that, I'll simply say that I didn't have enough time/resources and that I'll try manage my time better.
Anything you do to keep your sanity in the corporatocracy?