Here we are, not even 5 weeks into 2025, and work has started spiralling out of control again. I need to stop for a bit to regain control, get on top of some things, and take a moment to recalibrate.
Also, I desperately need an assistant. Now accepting applications here!
Spiralling, again
From the outset, I want to say that this is not a post about self pity. I count myself lucky every single day that I have a business I can call my own, the most wonderful team you can ever imagine, working in a field that I love and makes me happy.
It is because I love what I do so deeply that I work so hard at it.
And it is probably because of this that I find myself, yet again, overloaded, overwhelmed and stretched beyond my capacity.
Those who have followed along for a while would know that things have changed quite a lot around here in the last 4 years. Back in 2020, the RecipeTin world was a quiet one-girl-and-her-dog operation who hid behind the computer screen with a small support team that worked from home.
These days, I have a team of 9. I have a food bank (RecipeTin Meals) where 4 properly trained chefs work in a commercial kitchen and make over 130,000 homemade meals each year (plus desserts!) that we donate every day to the vulnerable.
I’ve written two cookbooks, both of which I partly blame for this new world in which we now operate. Because it turns out you get a bit of attention when the first book breaks records, then the second book breaks those records. 😉 Honestly, who knew books could do that??!
We do public events – cooking, hosting reader dinners, meet-and-greets, fundraisers for charities we want to support – both here in my hometown of Sydney and interstate, and do segments on TV shows. The fun stuff!
Behind the scenes, I have the responsibilities that come with having your own business. Administration, taxes, paperwork, corporate filings, HR, legal matters, business inquiries, making decisions about “what next” for the business. Looking after the team, organising team events, trying to keep up regular communication with a team that works from many different locations.
And with RTM being a registered charity, with that comes additional obligations, like regular board meetings which include independent directors and annual audits.
And lastly, let’s add to that, creating the recipes that I share on this website. Plus photographing them, editing the photos, filming them, writing up the posts, and testing the recipes.
I share this not to complain or boast about workload. I don’t think the latter is something to boast about anyway, because I’m here today, putting my hand up and saying – I don’t want to spiral back into that trap again of being completely overloaded, overwhelmed and stretched beyond my capacity.
I can’t. It’s unhealthy. While 2024 was a year of incredible highs, I ended it in a bad state of sheer exhaustion. I spent the entire 10 days of the Christmas break recovering, sleeping 12 to 15 hours every day. Unheard of for me – 6 hours is my norm, 8 hours would be a dream!
But spiralling again, I am.
My instinct in these situations in recent years has been grit my teeth, put my head down, tell my team “I need to go underground for a while” then ruthlessly plough through the work alone – developing, testing, shooting and getting through all the “businessy” stuff.
This time, though, I’m going to do something about it – and make positive changes!
I need help!
I always tell people I have “the best team anyone could be lucky enough to have” (and, I swear, the funniest too!). But the roles they fill are largely not front end at what we call “HQ” where the recipe development, testing and shooting gets done for this website.
And I am drowning. Absolutely drowning.
I need to rebuild my team. But first, I need the time to clear my head so I can set a clear vision for what my goals are and the strategy to achieve them, the people I need to make it happen.
And so today, I’m writing this post as a means of holding myself accountable (to myself!) to action two things:
Hire a kick-ass assistant with a great attitude whose job description is to make my life easier. Apply here!
Take a break from publishing new recipes for [two to three] weeks. Use the time to recalibrate, have quiet time to think about the next steps for the business, what I want to do, my strengths and weaknesses (SWOT analysis!), catch up on sleep, lavish Dozer with attention (like every day😂), and recruit my new assistant (yes, recruiting well takes time, so much time!).
Triggered by a cookie 🍪
If you’re wondering where this all came from, it happened yesterday and it was triggered by a cookie.
Today’s post was supposed to be a chocolate chip cookie recipe that I’ve been working on feverishly for several weeks – and stupidly (now I realise!), rather publicly as I jokingly shared fails and successes on social media.
32 batches in, over 250 cookies baked to get to the cookie I was aiming for, tested then tweaked then re-tested to make it as foolproof as possible.
I’ve filmed it, photographed it, I’ve even mostly written the post up, complete with all the learnings, pitfalls, and confidently declared to Herron, my video editor – “We have take off! 🚀🍪🍪”
Then yesterday, I made it again, just to test it one last time – and it wasn’t what it was supposed to be. Did I mis-measure something? Is the oven temperature off? Did I put the wrong timer on?
This was the moment
I frantically browned more butter, intent on doing another batch, calculating in my head – “if I get it in the fridge by 1 pm, I can do the short-chill test batch at 6 pm then the proper batch at 11 pm, which will finish cooling by 12.30 am so I can pack it away”.
This was followed by the thought “OK, I’ll make the dough here at work, then do groceries for the team breakfast tomorrow, drop into the building site on the way back so I can catch Nigel before he leaves, then I better duck home and walk Dozer so he can cool down before dinner. Then I’ll bring the groceries back to the office and prep for breakfast tomorrow, take the cookie dough home to bake tonight. I need to speak to Inggrid about cashflow forecasting, and oh crap, when is the next RTM board meeting? Ohhhh…and I forgot I have that 5.30 appointment, how much will she hate me if I reschedule? 😭 And I mustn’t forget to do my slides for the team presentation tomorrow – and UGH, the air con at the office is broken, it’s so insanely hot, we need to find another location for the meeting. I need to tell everyone we’re moving, and I better get than air con fixed, asap!”
And that was the moment I realised – I need to stop. Recalibrate. Take a break.
And use my time to find an assistant!
I will be back!
So, I’m taking a break from publishing new recipes, for 2 to 3 weeks to catch up on work that has piled up, think about what my next steps are and the team I need to make it happen.
Next week is already full with an exciting TV filming day (more soon!) and we have applications piled up already for the job vacancy which, to be honest, was advertised a week ago. Sharing it on my website is one of many little things that have slipped my mind. 🙂
My new assistant is the first important step to initiate change around here. I do not take recruitment lightly. I am very protective of my team, and the culture I’ve worked so hard to create and maintain.
So we need to get started on the recruitment because it will take quite a bit of time to get through the applications. And in case you are wondering, yes I am getting help from a recruitment company, I am just approaching it a little differently this time. Because this business is unique, my team is unique, I am unique! We find we don’t fit in moulds – and that’s ok, we like being different.
If you made it this far, thank you for listening to my ramblings. To be honest, it’s been pretty therapeutic, forcing myself to put thoughts down that have been whirling like crazy in my head in a semi-orderly fashion!
Bear with me. I will be back! Including that darn choc chip cookie recipe. It will not defeat me! – Nagi x
PS I expect I won’t be able to stay off social media completely because it’s my digital playground. I’m not cool enough for TikTok but I’m frequently putting real-life snippets on Instagram and Facebook.
Life of Dozer
Video from the fundraiser at SASH Ryde that Dozer and I attended last week to help raise funds for Sophie’s Legacy! I know there’s smiles and laughter – and it really was SO great meeting everyone – but there is a serious message behind it so I hope you get a chance to watch it:
If you’d like to support this cause, you can donate here or sign the petition here to help lobby for change. But even just talking about it, as I say in the video, means we are raising awareness and with that comes the start of change.
Dozer and I thank you for your support. – N x
PS Yes, I dropped to the floor, grabbed Dozer and took this selfie not 2 seconds ago!
Having reached the age of 72 (older and wiser) know the pressure of having a business and being under pressure in my younger days in the food industry…
GIRL it’s all about you ❤️
We love your recipes and love your spunk and attitude …
We care and want to acknowledge that it’s okay to put yourself first and we will all still be here cooking and wondering what you and Dozer are up too🥰
Try not to do to much head stuff 😍just enjoy the time 💋Kathleen from Geelong VIC
You are a Master of written communication. Thoughtful, well constructed and succinct. Well done. If I wasn’t retired I would apply. ONYA!
The most important things are your health and happiness Nagi!
Enjoy your thoroughly deserved time out, and know that you are truly loved and cherished by all of us. xx
Take care of you (and Dozer) Nagi❤️
Hi Nagi,
What you’ve been doing is really brave and it’s good that you have a team behind you for the cooking part. Good luck with your hiring process and hope you find the best assistant that fits also your successful team. Don’t worry too much about “what next”, you have been conquering and working in Sydney, the rest of the world is waiting for you 😊. So, yes, pause, breathe, once you are back in shape, come back. We are not only waiting, we are there for you💪🏻. Hugs from Switzerland!
Please please please be very generous to yourself & Dozer. Take a REAL break. We want you and need you so please cherish yourself and only return to work when you and Dozer are fully restored.
We will be so happy to see you then.
Dammit, why do I need to live near Gladesville. I can drive down in under three hours!
More sincerely, I wish you luck. I imagine working for/with your team would be so satisfying. (You did jokingly offer me a job as taster once…) And the food…
You’ve made the right decision.. taking care of yourself and Dozer comes first! Burning out is no good for either of you, and eventually the spirals take too long to get over. Hugs.
This would literally be my dream job, and I’d be great at it too Nagi but alas living in Brisbane just isn’t meant to be. I truly hope you find someone to become that invaluable part of your team that will help alleviate some of the stresses that have been caused. The amount of work we have seen you provide to the whole of Australia on your website and cookbooks is astounding. Looking forward to seeing new recipes from a relaxed Nagi in the future.
Take care Nagi. You must look after yourself I love what your do and your enthusiasm to all that you achieve. I will look forward to your weekly recipes but take longer if you need to everyone will understand.
Hi Nagi, I just read your post and I really feel for you. I don’t want to apply for the PA role, as I am a C-suite, Sydney-based EA who loves her current job and isn’t looking to change it. I just wanted to reach out in case I can offer you any kind of assistance whilst you look for a kickass PA. Not looking for payment, just looking to give back, in my own small way, to the person who has given me so many delicious dishes over the years and whose website I always hit first when I have a culinary craving.
Nagi you are amazing and the work you do is so vital. It is good that you are taking time to reset and look after yourself (and Dozer).
Hi Nagi – I am guilty of never leaving comments even when the recipe has been outstanding and goodness you’ve shared so many outstandingly delicious recipes these past few years so a big thank you. Your health and wellbeing comes first, you deserve time off. Don’t feel that you have to rush back. Take care of yourself and love to Dozer too xxx
You are such a wonderful person, please take good care of yourself. Many hugs from Canada.
Nagi
Take as much time as you need, chill out with the gorgeous dozer. There will be an assistant out there for you that will be as passionate as you are.
I’ve only got about 75,000 recipes to go through to catch upso there’s no rush to get back.
Take care, and much love from me and Billie 🐾🐾🐾🐾
I’m glad you’re getting some help. Burnout is not sustainable, you need to look after number one!
If I lived closer I would be applying in an instant! But alas, I am just a bit too far north in Newcastle!
I hope you find someone perfect for you!
Hey girl. Stay off the recipes for 2 months if that’s what it takes. You are a global success and us Sydney people are so so proud of you. You have so many recipes out there already, that new ones can wait a couple of months. Sending big hugs!!
You’re a good woman Nagi. Or course you should take a break and we’ll still love you and Dozer. Xx
Hi Nagi and Dozer, I’m writing this message from far away where you live and do such incredible work. I live in the Principality of Andorra. A miniture spec on the world map. Nevertheless I love all what you do. When going to England I bought your two great Great cookbooks which turned my life around. Thank you so much ! I wasn’t a good cook before, now my friend can’t wait to test my next meal. Thanks to you 😊
I wish you and Dozer a good and relaxing few weeks of rest. Now doubt you know we all will be waiting in anticipation for your “re-surfing”.
Today on my menue Thai red duck curry. Yummy 😋 till than…Big Hugs to you all xxxxx
…and ps: we have enough recipes to go through till you’re back.
Have a great rest and fun with Dozer. You both deserve it – BIG TIME
Wishing you and Dozer and the Team every good as you recalibrate and catch up. As always, thanks for all you do – it is incredible how your stories have caught imaginations. All the very best, Nagi and Dozer and Team.
You are a wonderful person and you do so much for everyone else. Don’t forget the one person you really should be looking after is YOURSELF. If you don’t look after yourself who will? Please take good care of yourself, you (well, through your recipes) are an integral part of my life now, have been for quite a number of years. Love everything you do.