Paperwork, Appointments And Repairs: Managing Adult Responsibilities
Life Kit: Money
Deep Dive
What is 'Life Admin' according to Elizabeth Emmons?
Life Admin refers to the invisible office work that steals our time, such as managing paperwork, organizing schedules, and handling repairs. It’s the kind of work typically done by managers or secretaries in an office but is done invisibly and for free in our personal lives.
Why is Life Admin often overwhelming for people?
Life Admin is overwhelming because society is structured in ways that don’t support individuals in managing these tasks, especially during challenging life moments. Additionally, there’s no formal education or training on how to handle these responsibilities, leaving many unprepared.
What are the four admin personality types identified by Elizabeth Emmons?
The four admin personality types are: 1) Super Doer (does admin tasks and feels good about it), 2) Reluctant Doer (does tasks but wishes they didn’t have to), 3) Admin Avoider (avoids tasks and feels guilty or ashamed), and 4) Admin Denier (avoids tasks and feels fine about it, often relying on others to handle them).
What strategies can help people manage Life Admin more effectively?
Strategies include making admin tasks visible (e.g., placing important documents in obvious places), understanding your admin personality, using tools like bullet journals or digital reminders, and collaborating with others through study halls or accountability partners to make tasks less daunting.
How can understanding your admin personality improve your approach to Life Admin?
Understanding your admin personality helps identify strategies that align with your natural tendencies. For example, a Reluctant Doer might benefit from setting aside specific times to tackle tasks, while an Admin Avoider might need to make tasks more visible to avoid procrastination.
What is the significance of naming and recognizing Life Admin as work?
Naming and recognizing Life Admin as work is crucial because it validates the effort and time spent on these tasks. It helps individuals acknowledge that these responsibilities are real and deserve attention, reducing feelings of guilt or shame for struggling with them.
How can social support help in managing Life Admin?
Social support, such as study halls or accountability partners, can make Life Admin tasks more manageable by providing motivation, structure, and a sense of shared responsibility. Collaborating with others can also make the process more enjoyable and less isolating.
What is the analogy used to describe Life Admin?
Life Admin is compared to gravity—it’s always present and affects us, but unless we recognize its existence, we’ll struggle to manage it effectively. Ignoring it can lead to problems, much like trying to hang a picture without considering gravity.
- Life admin is the invisible office work we do for free in our lives.
- Society lacks support and education on Life Admin.
- The need for "admin ed" in schools is highlighted.
Shownotes Transcript