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!
How refreshing! Honesty and self compassion, plus a super dose of self awareness!
Hope your head clears quickly and life delivers a better pace soon.
Gives us all a chance to perfect your fabulous recipes too, or is that just me 🫣
Love your work x
To the lovely Nagi, please prioritise yourself and take all the time you need. I’ve been a keen follower since 2018 and love all your recipes (I’m currently in the kitchen cooking your slow leg of lamb and finishing the blueberry cheesecake!). We have so many amazing recipes to keep us going so please take a long rest and recoup. A few weeks is not enough. Look after yourself. Sending lots of love ❤️
Take care, Nagi. Thanks for all the amazing meals.
If only I lived in Sydney, I’d be there in a heartbeat to be your side-kick! X
Thank you for being so honest in this post and most of us appreciate that. Your love for Dozer, your recipes, your staff and the community you support all speaks of the wonder person you are and yes it’s Nagi time now. You need that break to make contact with yourself, as a clear and rested mind sees the path ahead. Good luck with your new assistant, not an easy task and go with your gut feelings. Love your recipes. Hug to Dozer.
Yep. In that boat too. I’m sure there are plenty of others as well.
Would you consider an older American cat lady for the position? Inquiring for a friend.
Hi Nagi and Dozer,
I applied on 31st Jan, I honestly believe this is my destined role! I do hope you get back to me soon
Bianca
Hey Nagi,
Like everyone else, I’ve had my culinary life changed in ways I could never have dreamed because of you. I’m also concerned about the sustainability of your current path and wondered if you could intentionally take January off every year?
No ifs or buts, take the month and see us all in Feb.
Tell everyone this loudly and put a plan in place for whilst you’re away – like scheduling the ‘best of’ or unused ‘behind the scenes’ social media content from the previous year. It’s like what Radio stations do when the main presenters are away.
Other things from your corporate life like booking a holiday in the future so you have something to look forward to and having a plan at the start of the year, quarterly review meetings and people around you to keep you on track (as far as possible, opportunities will always come up during the year) so you don’t reach burnout, might also help.
In any case, I hope you get the rest you need – a change of scenery could refresh and recharge you – and remember to lean on those around you as they’re all there for you 100%, as are we, your RTE community.
Nagi, you take your time and you don’t have apologize for it. I’m sorry you fell that way. I know burnout. I was corporate finance like you and quit. 1.5 years later, I still wake up in cold sweat because I was having a nightmare about budget deadlines. It would suck if you burned out and quit.
I am so pleased you can take “you” time. Self care is so underrated. Give Dozer big extra hugs from all of us.
Nagi thank you for brightening our lives and our dinner plates. Your generosity and positivity has warmed our kitchens and our homes. Take time out and know we are all still working through your everyday fab recipes. Plenty to keep busy!
Nagi, rarely do we see such honesty from a a Public Figure. You are one in a million, salt of the earth, pure and simple. We have been spoilt by your F.B recipes and heart warming stories and the love you share with us about Dozer.
We out there, viewing your posts, value you, so be kind and sensible to yourself and “smell the roses”.
Don’t change, keep being yourself and may God bless you.
Dear Nagi,
I’ve noticed that you’ve been taking on a lot lately and I want to gently remind you to prioritize your own well-being. It’s great that you’re passionate about sharing delicious recipes with us, but don’t forget to take care of yourself and your furry companion, Dozer. Remember, a happy and healthy you means more delicious food for us all!
When hiring a new assistant, I think it’s essential to look for someone who not only loves food (of course!) but also adores Dozer and is willing to make your life easier. That way, you can focus on what matters most – creating amazing content and taking care of yourself.
Take care of yourself, Nagi. You’re appreciated.
Dear Nagi aka WonderWoman & her faithful partner in crime Dozer the Wonder Dog. Take a break, chill with Dozer. Chocolate chip cookies can wait. Hope you find the right person to join your great team.
Dearest Nagi and Dozer.
Sweetheart you take all the time that you need to recoup your beautiful positive energy.
As ‘Perggy’ said, there are plenty of recipes that you have provided over the years for us to play with, during your time-out. I am fortunate to have both your books.
I really and sincerely pray that you will find a quality experienced assistant who will take all the pressure off you so that you can spend quality time with your furboy Dozer and your mum and brother and get your mojo back.
You are an amazing and awesome inspiration sweetheart. I love and appreciate you heaps and I’m with you all the way.
Hey Nagi, my wife Mochi and I love to cook and you have been our Go-To source for great recipes for several years now. You are the best! “:What should we make today?” “Let’s ask Nagi!” Plus, we love Dozer! Hang in there, and take some Me Time, you deserve it! You are our hero, if we didn’t live in Thailand we would be applying for that job! LOL Be well!
Hi Nagi,
I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything you do. My family started our world food cuisine tour in the pandemic, while everyone else was fighting over toilet paper I was sourcing bulk jasmine rice, tofu and Asian ingredients, and finally learning how to cook properly.
My sister specialises in Latvian/German/Baltic cooking, my nephew does American/Mexican and I do mostly Cantonese but also touching on all Asian cuisine.
As part of that recipetineats has become a go-to for me over all other resources. Your recipes are instructive, fun, easy to follow and most importantly tell you _why_ each step is done. Few cooks tell the secrets, but you make it easy.
Combined with your infectious humour and positive attitude, I honestly really don’t need any other advice.
With that in mind, although I don’t need them I bought both of your cookbooks as a Christmas gift to the family. These are super-useful for all cuisines (not just Asian!) and I would heartily recommend them to anyone. I actually look at these more than my venerable Margaret Fulton or encyclopedias (ssh!)
I feel you have done so much for us, we really should support your business. I am also open to other options to support your good work if you need them.
So, please recognise you are truly awesome, both in and out of the kitchen, and remember to be kind to yourself. You’ve really earned it!
Take all the time you need… we have oodles of recipes. Look after yourself first else the rest crumbles.
Hey, Nagi!
I want you to know that I love and support you. I hope you are doing well. Enjoy your break and recovery.
Please don’t hesitate to pause on the recipes, I think many of us already have so many recipes on the waiting list. Really, it’s fine.
You’re doing an amazing job, and the only way to continue, is to take a break and think about yourself and your precious Dozer.
Thanks for what you do,
~Paige💜
ps,
It was always my dream to work with you, I love to organize and delegate. Unfortunately, I live in Tennessee, and moving to Sydney is probably not an option for me.😞
Nagi, rest easy your fans are not going anywhere. We too want the best for you.
Oh Nagi, you are not complaining, just explaining! We all should do that more often when life starts to overwhelm us. You are a step ahead because you have recognised what you need. If you were based in Perth I would apply in a flash. Wishing you well with your new assistant and remember to look after you….and Dozer.
I am glad you’re taking the break you need and hiring someone to help you out. Hope you feel better soon and thank you so much for all the cute pictures of Dozer and your amazing recipes!