Working in Publishing: How to Achieve Work/Life Balance by Jeremiah Eccleston (The Final Word Publishing, $23.99, April 1, 2022, ISBN 420-2022-0401-X
In the fourth volume in his informative series about the publishing world (following Working in Publishing: Foot in the Door), Jeremiah Eccleston, currently owner of the used bookshop The Final Word in Duluth, Minn., tackles a problem common to many industries, but especially prevalent in publishing: maintaining work/life balance.
After recounting in extensive detail over several chapters how a series of "low-level" jobs in editorial at a number of Big 5 publishing houses left him feeling burned out and unsatisfied (yes, he names names), he finally pauses to examine the many causes of such emotions.
Again recalling personal experiences, Eccleston focuses on a common cause of workplace dissatisfaction: the toxic boss. Citing a recent study that found that 60% of workers were miserable due to poor management and 46% sought mental health support as a result, Eccleston notes that this is an extremely common complaint among publishing house staffers. He offers some tips for coping with toxic managers, but his strongest recommendation is to "wait it out. Many of these Toxic Managers will themselves burn out and fade away. Perseverance is what you need here. In other words, buck up!"
He cites another study: "More than a quarter (29%) of respondents had caring responsibilities for children, with the majority (96%) of respondents' managers being aware of this." Such employees are often told to "get your mother to babysit" or "can't you find a daycare" when they request time to care for their children. Eccleston concludes: "Unfortunately, parenthood and a concurrent starting career in publishing can be incompatible."
Eccleston approaches his topic from a white, male perspective, though he does proffer some general tips and strategies, including:
- Combine work with leisure, social, or fitness activities (e.g., read manuscripts at the gym or local bar).
- End work at a set time. As an example he suggests you "allow yourself enough time to commute home to the two-bedroom apartment you share in Mill Basin, Brooklyn, and enjoy free time with your seven roommates (read manuscripts while watching Netflix)."
- Use technology to help you de-stress; read manuscripts on your phone.
- Lunch with supportive co-workers can help bolster your mood. Especially if you can scrounge leftovers from a senior staff meeting. Read manuscripts while eating.
- If necessary, take time off, though Eccleston acknowledges this may cause a financial crunch. Explore ways to cut expenses: perhaps an additional roommate could sleep on an air mattress in the kitchen? Read manuscripts while considering this.
Eccleston acknowledges that a certain percentage of workers--like himself--will simply find their situation untenable and will not be able to sustain a publishing career. For those people, Eccleston recommends a different career direction. He notes that McDonalds' starting salary is $17 per hour. --Harriet Charles