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!
If I did not live across the world, I would apply for this. Literally my dream job!
Having a lot of experience with doing too much and not taking time for oneself (for a couple of decades), you are absolutely doing the right thing. Nagi, we all love and appreciate you so much – and of course love Dozer so much too. Take all the time you need and take good care of yourself. I wouldn’t be able to enjoy making any of your wonderful recipes if I thought it was at your personal expense. Enjoy the time you have with your wonderful boy and pamper him even more than you already do. We’ll be here when it’s time for you to come back.
Dear Nagi, you have our thoughts, best wishes and caring to help you through this challenge. You are brilliant in asking for help to share the load and lead by example. We will support you however you need. Bless you and your precious Dozer.
You do such amazing work. If you only did half as much, it would still be amazing. So yes, maybe cut down a bit and look after yourself.
Sounds like a smart idea. Share the load and your health will be better for it in the long run. Then you will live to a healthy and ripe old age.😉
You’re so open, and so admired. Lots of fantastic advice here, so I’ll add mine.
Try these chocolate chip cookies. The recipe is from a firecracker from down under with a blog and a dog. Best cookies evah!
https://salesdock.info/brown-butter-oatmeal-choc-chip-cookies/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Thank you Nagi and your team. Even my husband tells friends how great are your recipes.
Love you Nagi, I have both your books and consult them daily for inspiration. Thankyou deeply from the bottom of my heart. I have been following you for years and find other recipes so much less informative.
Good luck finding your assistant and take good care of yourself.
If my situation were different I would apply myself…food is my first and only true love ❤️
Keep us posted as they say and good luck!!
Well done for taking the steps necessary, to enable you to continue.
You have given me so much joy and support with your recipes. Please take care of yourself.
And I look forward to hearing that you are sorted.
Yes, time for you & Dozier.
And we will wait for new recipes; we haven’t tried them all yet.
If tv can do re-runs, who can’t? Like SNL 50th anniversary.
Please take all the time you need and get some good solid rest!
Darlin, Nagi, I agree w soooo many of your long-time friends, many of us from as far away as a little NW corner of WA State, USA!
You feel SO much responsibility to keep US satisfied and happy, but we will be happier if we can rest in the knowledge that you, our friend via the interwebs, is healthy and happy.
Please, take as much time, and even more!! to reconnect w yourself and love on Mr. Dozer. Seriously, we’ll be just fine!
And as I’ve read from previous notes, maybe we can have a “minute” to catchup w your cookbooks! (My hubby calls me out on re-reading them both over and over!) ☺️ Love and Hugs all around. You are amazing! Rest, darlin!
May you trust the Lord with the ordinary and extraordinary challenges that are coming personally and professionally in your season of life. He has gifted you, and can continue to give you the wisdom, discernment, vision, priorities, energy and peace you desire.
You are such an inspiration. just love you and dozer and your show and your recipes.
Hi Nagi
I agree with the comments and yes we don’t need a recipe all the time. I have followed you long before your two books and I couldn’t keep up then. I look at your latest book in front of of me on the coffee table and think ‘ so many recipes to make but plenty of time.’ Please take much needed care Nagi! It will take longer than a few weeks.
Your message says it all. The issue is well articulated, but taking a few weeks (and continuing to do what you say you plan to do while taking a break) is not realistic/compatible with the important priorities your, wellbeing, physical and mental health. It’s fair to say that by putting it on paper is a commitment to yourself but the danger is if the plan is flawed to begin with it may not provide wiggle room. Your business and amazing team will still be there when you are well and will go from strength to strength Am purposely leaving emotion out of this message but am wishing you well.
Sending love x
Love your recipes!!! Sending support and positive vibes your way. Rest & recover-your fan base is loyal! Hope you find the best assistant!
Take care.
I have followed you from your early days and the change in your posts reflect the stress.
I smoldered for years, never quite burning out (got close, several times) – but still ended up charred around the edges. It wasn’t worth it. The people I was doing it for have moved on, remember me fondly but don’t really care. I did really good work that benefitted many (as you do) but regret going as hard because the last 10-15% had the most implications for me and those I love.
Try to pick the things you do, decide to do only 80% of things that come your way. Find a balanced & objective person outside your organization to talk to (not your assistant). And delegate to an assistant who is not a clone of you – because they will also feel unable to say “No, can’t do it.”.
If you don’t pause, crashing and burning will damage what you have achieved and can do in the future.
It’s a trite but true statement that you now need to work more on your business than in your business.
Remember, too, that these stresses do impact on short and long term health and impact what you can do.
And Dozer is getting older.
Best advice ever Nagi…we only get one go at life..so do it right. Take Geoffreys advice as the further down you spiral the harder it is for you to bounce back.Do NOT try to please everyone else…this is your mental health and you are responsible for taking care of YOU…Take a deep breath…you’ve got this…
I’m new to your website so there are loads of recipes for me to try and I still don’t think I’ll catch up. Rest, relax and enjoy your beautiful furry friend and your loyal followers will still be here.
Dear Nagi ,
We are with you !
Dozer is there with you .
Keep smiling .
Love,
Annemarie ❤️😊❤️