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!
Nagi you and Dozer are a ray of Sunshine , love your recipes easy to follow and most important delicious
Your work is an inspiration .
Relax enjoy be Happy stay Healthy xx
Taking time for your personal rest, recovery, and reflection is the most important recipe you have shared with us. You, again have created the yummiest thing out of simple ingredients. It’s called a bowl of Time For Yourself. Love you and what you give.
Hi Nagi, you need to look after number 1…Yourself!
Nagi, You are doing exactly the right thing. Breathe. Take a well deserved break and decide what you want to do &, most importantly, what you don’t want to do. Life is too short to be overwhelmed with everything due to incredible talent, hard work and great success. You are doing the right thing in taking a step back and reassessing your path. Trust in your gut.
Ruego porque consigas pronto un asistente. Cuando eres una excelente profesional y trabajas por cuenta propia suceden esas cosas, paciencia
Dear Nagi (Dear Dozer)
All of us who have successful businesses we built from the ground up, whether small or big, will eventually arrive at a crossroads. There is a time when you just can’t stretch yourself any further. When you realize that even though you are going strong (and stronger), you feel exhausted. When time seems to fly, but it’s really not, it just feels like it, because we are the ones who are constantly moving (too fast and in all directions) then it’s time to rethink, regroup and yes, that’s the perfect time for an assistant and two (but only if you are willing to let go of a few things.)
Slow down, because if you don’t, you will miss small important moments and that’s something you can’t get back.
(signed by an older women who still thinks she is an energizer bunny, just slower now.)
I feel concerned for you Nagi as you sound close to burnout.
We have plenty of recipes to try and many that are so delicious that they are on repeat and repeat on my menu. Concentrate on yourself and precious Dozer as much as you can. Important quality for new assistant is to love Dozer (and food of course), and willingness to make your life easier.
Take care dear girl
We love you Nagi 🥰
And totally understand and support you all the way. 💕💕
Dear Nagi, I have been following you and Dozer for a while and time to look after both of you. I would have applied for the assistant role to help make life easier for you but I don’t live nearby. Please make time for yourself and precious Dozer ❤️ 🐶
Dear Nagi,
Take care! Even watching your activities during the last years has been dizzying, you’ve been going full throttle for a long time. And on top of that you have to worry about dozer.
Maybe even two assistants- one full time and one part time to cover any sick or annual leaves?
You have given so much to us – now take your time to make the necessary adaptions to that impressive success of yours.
Best wishes, Silke
Take care Nagi – you’ve achieved so much and helped so many in such a short timeframe. Time to look after yourself now! I hope you find the perfect assistant who can lighten your load in just the right way.
I would love to be closer to Dozer and be your Assistant, I am looking for work, but I live in London…So,Ill be content to follow you from the other side of the pond.
Please do have naps and watch your health!
Take as much time as you need, dear Nagi.
When you return, I suggest you send new recipes less frequently. What with your books and looking up your recipes online, we are very well catered for.
Has a way with ingredients AND words, AND for making me enjoy cooking for the first time in my life… Queen x
Nagi, you have given so much of yourself to unselfishly improve our tastebuds, budgets and lifestyle generally, please take the time to think of yourself (and Dozer). We would hate for you to damage your health and vitality as you have already given us so much inspiration to re-visit. Please, just relax and have fun!!!
Hi Nagi,
We all love you and all your team so much and especially your recipes.
We hope you find your assistant very soon and that you take care of yourself and Dozer too.
We cant do without you so put yourself first this time and rest up please.
Best wishes
Carolina
Ps as I say to my husband when cooking “In Nagi I trust!!!” Ha ha …he always laughs.
Hi Nagi,
We all love you and your team and especially your recipes and hope that you take care of yourself and Dozer so that we can all enjoy your fantastic recipes again. Meanwhile we all have mountains of recipes to try on our loved ones.
Hope you are feeling rested and back on track soon.
Best wishes
Carolina
Ps as I always say to my husband when cooking one of your new recipes… “in Nagi I trust”… Ha… he always laughs, but I mean it!!!!
Take care Nagi, we all love your recipes, but yes, you need to rest more
Take care Nagi, you are amazing, I love your recipes, my go to for dinner most nights. Really, books are nice to have but I only use your website for recipes, so much quicker, just dial in the ingredients and up pop quite a few recipes for me to look at.
Take care, I am sure all of your followers will understand. I hope you will find a great assistant soon.
Margie x
Thank you for making a difference in our lives Nagi, love your work
Congratulations to you & your team
Best wishes finding your new team member. Big hugs xo
Nagi
Good on you for realising you need help ! You do such an amazing job … we can all live w/o constant recipes for a while hun … get done what you need to get done & REST. Take care of you & Dozer and get that assistant (I’d apply but I live in Melbourne). What an awesome place to work, a lot of hard work, but a lot of fun along the way with you & your team ! Take care lovely … Ali x