Two-Hatting

The rise of 'two-hatting,' where you're tasked with handling responsibilities from your new role while still expected to fulfil your old role, often due to a hiring freeze or resource constraints...

This can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can employ to manage this situation effectively:

Clarify Expectations: Schedule a meeting with your supervisor to discuss the expectations for both roles. Make sure you understand which tasks and responsibilities belong to each role, and seek clarification on priorities if needed.

Time Management: Efficient time management is crucial in this situation. Use tools like to-do lists, calendars, and project management software to help you organise your tasks and deadlines for both roles. The rise of AI means using tools like ChatGPT for more mundane writing tasks works brilliantly – just be sure to edit that work. Programmes like Tome put presentations together for you too – a helping hand if you’ve got tight deadlines.

Prioritise Tasks: Identify the most critical tasks in each role and prioritise them. This will help you focus your efforts on what matters most and avoid spreading yourself too thin. Tools like Monday.com and Wrike help to bring clarity.

Change the narrative at work too - toiling away without innovating can be harmful so think about tools that can help cut a job in two effectively.

If you focus on results, you will never change. If you focus on change, you will get results.” – Jack Dixon

Delegate and Collaborate: If possible, delegate tasks in your old role to colleagues who have the skills and capacity to handle them. Additionally, collaborate with team members in both roles to streamline processes and reduce duplication of efforts. Shy bairns get nowt is the saying so ask. If you start to become overwhelmed then you’ll fail in two roles not just one – your team around you, peers and even interns can support you. Just ask.

Set Boundaries: It's essential to set clear boundaries to prevent burnout. Avoid working excessive hours or sacrificing your personal life. Communicate your limits to your supervisor and colleagues. Break up your day. Take lunch out of the office. Put your favourite podcast on for 30mins. Have a Diet Coke break. If you chunk the day up effectively and find a way to decompress, you’ll handle everything that’s thrown your way.

Professional Development: Use this challenging period as an opportunity for professional growth. You may acquire new skills and experiences that will be valuable in the long run. In hindsight, years down the line, you’ll most likely see this period as the one that made you. Right now it won’t feel that way but you’re way more resilient than you think.

Document Your Efforts: Keep a record of your accomplishments and contributions in both roles. This documentation can be valuable when discussing your performance and future opportunities. Hiring freezes and opportunities for promotion and change are never too far away. Journal key wins – it’ll quantify your impact across the company.

Stay Positive: Maintaining a positive attitude can make a significant difference in how you handle this situation. Focus on the learning opportunities and the chance to demonstrate your commitment and resilience. Trust me, having spoken to thousands of candidates over time, 99% of people would rather be in a tough job than looking for work – we find ourselves in a tricky economic climate just now: interest rates are up, cost of living is crushing for many. Sometimes it’s better to take the rough with the smooth.

To achieve your dreams, work is required. Suffering is optional.” Jack Canfield

Prepare for Change: Keep the lines of communication open with your employer regarding the hiring freeze. Ask about the timeline for lifting the freeze and any plans for recruitment. Be prepared to negotiate changes in your workload or compensation as necessary when the situation changes.

Consider Long-term Plans: If the two-hatting situation persists for an extended period and you feel it's unsustainable, you may need to consider your long-term career plans. This could involve looking for other job opportunities or discussing your concerns with your employer.

Remember that two-hatting is a temporary situation, and it's crucial to maintain a healthy work-life balance while managing it. Effective communication, organisation, and a proactive approach to problem-solving can help you navigate this challenging period successfully.

If you want to discuss your situation, if the water’s getting in or if you don’t see a resolution to the issues you’re having at work, give POET a call – we can help.

You can book time in at your convenience here.

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