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!
Would love to but i live in the states. Stay strong. You’ll find someone!!
Dear Nagi, we will still love and follow you, even if you only put out 1 recipe per month. Slow down and look after yourself. I am way too old to apply (79) but trust some angel will turn up to have your back.
It’s on the darkest of nights that brightest stars shine; maybe this is the dark night you were meant to have.
Rest easy and embrace the calm.
Oh Nagi, you gorgeous girl. If I lived in NSW I would apply to be yours & Dozer’s assistant. You are amazing and congratulations to the very lucky person who wins this fabulous position. Take good care beautiful.
Please take care of you and spend lots of time with your sweet Dozer. 💕
Hi Nagi,
I’m so pleased that you are taking the time to look after yourself. I’ve been receiving your emails for a long time and also my whole family has your cook books and love the work that you do. Taking care of number one is so important. Take it easy and we’ll look forward to hearing from you when you are ready. Cheers and hugs for Dozer.
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
Must admit that although you are significantly younger than me I wondered where you got your energy from. But you’ve demonstrated incredibly maturity and self- awarenes by recognising you need help. I have no doubt you will have us madly cooking again in no time – but only when you’re ready, and not when you think you have to.
2-3 weeks! What are you talking about woman? If I see you posting in under a month there is going to be trouble. I recognise the signs because I’ve lived them for many more years than you have and I guarantee you, you need more time out and more than 1 assistant. Yes I know that’s a costly thought. But even if you had someone doing your newsletter from a distance … And you’d better have hired a cleaner and an ironing lady/man and maybe even a concierge to get some of those “other tasks” like buying birthday presents or remembering to collect the dry-cleaning! Just like a corporate job can suck you dry, so can try to be everything to everyone. Hope many times do you have to hear that like about needing to put on your oxygen mask first before helping others? BRAVO! You GO GIRL!
Hi Nagi, I hear what you are saying and completely agree – take a break and recoup! I would like to apply but not for this position. I would like to apply to take care of Dozer while you do your thing. I will love him, pet him and thoroughly spoil him!!! He is adorable!
Seeing this post makes me admire you even more Nagi! ❤️ You give so much to all of us; so take time to rest, be kind to yourself, and enjoy some well-deserved downtime with Dozer and your loved ones. Sending you lots of support! x
It’s about time. Hope you find a wonderful assistant and you streamline your life. Thanks for the years of recipes. Cooked the lemon salmon with asparagus and tomatoes for dinner party last Monday. Superb thank you. xxx
Nagi, I’m sad that you’re so exhausted, but so pleased you know when to press pause on an amazing life journey, where I’m sure everyone wants a piece of you. If 3 weeks aren’t enough, take 3 months. You always need to put yourself first. Take care of ‘you’ and gorgeous Dozer. In the meantime there’s plenty to cook on your website to keep us all going for a while. Rest up and stay well 🙂
Oh Nagi , look after yourself , we will still be here to check out new recipes! Take it easy ,
Love to Dozer
Great decision Nagi, it takes courage to do so. With much love to you both.
Phew Nagi! So good to read that you need a break. I have long admired how you manage to keep all the balls in the air with so many arms of your business. Hire 2 assistants!
Enjoy some downtime with Dozer and most importantly look after your health.
We’ll be here when you get back!
I really don’t want you to burn 🔥 out. Take time and rest
Dearest Nagi,
Finally! Truth be told, I worry about you!
I started following you because I love to cook and your whole approach and down-to-earth persona really appealed to me. And of course there was that cutie Dozer! :0)
You give so much of yourself and ask nothing in return from your readers. Now I am so happy that you are attending to your own heart and health.
In JB and your team you have strong and loyal support, and finding an assistant who believes in the same values and work ethic as you will surely relieve the pressure you are under. I know if I lived closer, I would be right in that application line!
Please don’t give yourself the stress for deadlines of returning with new content! Your faithful followers will wait and heaven knows you have already given us tomes of enticing recipes to explore!
YOU and Dozer are the most important parts of Recipe Tin Eats and RTMeals; both of your physical and mental health states are paramount.
Take good rest, dear Nagi, and shower Dozer with all the love you can.
I and many, many others will be “,here”.
Sending Love and Hugs from
The Canadian Prairies. ♡♡
Thanks for being honest with yourself and your followers. You are creating a wonderful legacy and you need to take care of you first. Get yourself a fantastic “paid listener” to help you to prioritise you and your life. X
Enjoy your much needed and well deserved rest Nagi! You are so generous and give so much. ☺️
Take care of yourself Nagi. Life is too precious to not enjoy it . 😍
Just take it easy for a time, maybe even more than three weeks. Do not work yourself into ill health. I enjoy both books and your new recipes but there are enough in the books to last a lifetime. Enjoy today and tomorrow.