Are you just another average Joe at work? Turns out, that’s not such a bad thing. Let’s talk about the perks of being average in the workplace, a place where being exceptional is often glorified.
Being average means less pressure. When you’re not always gunning for top performer status, you sidestep a lot of stress and burnout that comes from chasing perfection. The 80/20 rule reminds us that achieving 100% perfection demands disproportionately more effort than it’s worth for the returns. If you’re average, you can hit a sweet work-life balance, enhancing your efficiency without the constant stress.
There’s also the element of surprise. As an average worker, when you do excel, it stands out more dramatically compared to those who are always at the top. It’s like getting a new routine at the gym or adding a little spice to a stale relationship—it makes a noticeable difference.
Now, think about your personal life. If you clock out at 5 PM like everyone else, you’re not stuck at the office while your life passes you by. You can have dinner with your family, enjoy hobbies, and hang out with friends—luxuries that might feel foreign if you were always overworking.
What about promotions and pay raises? Well, adjusting your expectations as an average performer means less disappointment. Competing with high performers can be disheartening, especially when not everyone can be rewarded. If you expect less, you’re aligned with the reality of many workplaces, where not everyone can climb the ladder at the same speed.
Being average gives you room to focus on what you really love, outside of work. Whether it’s sports, reading, or traveling, you have more energy and passion to invest in these interests when you’re not drained by work stress.
Here’s another upside: no one targets the average employee. You’re under the radar, free from jealousy and high-stakes competition. This means less workplace drama and a more relaxed daily environment.
And let’s not forget taxes. Earning a gigantic paycheck means paying a significant chunk to the government. If your earnings are average, you might not feel the tax bite as sharply, and you could even benefit more from government services.
Being average also simplifies life by reducing choices, which can decrease stress. Too many options can overwhelm us, but having fewer paths can make decision-making easier.
Just remember, being comfortably average doesn’t mean settling into mediocrity. It’s about finding balance and ensuring you’re not stretching yourself too thin for unrealistic goals. You can still strive for moments of greatness without the constant pressure to outperform everyone else.
So, if you’re reading this at work and thinking about heading home early—go for it. Embrace the benefits of being average and enjoy a balanced, happier work life. And if you ever think about moving on, negotiating a severance package can give you a financial cushion to explore new opportunities, like starting your own online business, without the pressure of immediate success.
