Mum of twins, mental health advocate and trailblazer in the makeup industry, Jenny Rhodes Mclean is a Makeup and Hair artist, Superviser & now Designer - with over a decade of experience. In-between her work on the sensational period drama 'Bridgerton', and Netflix hits 'Black Earth Rising' and 'Cursed' Jenny still finds time to revolutionise the industry by implementing Swing Shifts and creating a flexible working project - An initiative intent on building a community that supports those in need of more work life balance .
On top of all that, Jenny shares her experience and wisdom weekly on her Instagram by answering any inquiries trainees and makeup artist have about the industry.
This week on Trainee Tuesday Jenny discusses the vastly important topic of Mental Health. Covering topics to consider when taking on new jobs, when to call it quits and Jenny recounts her personal stresses and anxieties and she gives us tips on how to battle them.
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It doesn’t matter how successful, confident and strong anyone is, we ALL have moments of doubt, anxiety & stress.
Life is completely unpredictable, and EVEN when we are lucky enough to have our every day 💩 together, the last three years have made us acutely aware that big, HUGE life changing events are completely out of our control.
In my wildest dreams, i couldn’t imagine a global pandemic happening in my life time, that the Ukraine would be invaded, that abortion rights would be overturned, political power at the expense of school children’s lives.
The worlds taken a turn recently & on top of all that we have personal curve balls, things people are coping with all around us: Love, loss, fertility, family, homes & health, the list goes on. And then we are free lancers with job insecurity & financial uncertainty, working in the Film & TV industry, high pressure with long & unsociable hours.
It’s ALOT!
And it’s no surprise that the amount of people affected by stress & anxiety has tripled in the last few years. You are not alone, honestly I feel like we all deserve a high-five for making it through every week & scroll of social media. ✋🏼
So this is the first of two posts I’m going to do covering this subject, because I want to address all your messages, the next one will be more specific surrounding the stresses of a trainee role…
But for now here's for some general advice on how I try and keep it together 💗
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Find your tribe!
It's sad but true that I spend way more hours with work colleges than my wife & children. So I want to be with people that soften that personal sacrifice, people I love to be around!
Try and surround yourself with positive energy, the only negative thing I want in my life right now is a covid test!
Don't be afraid to walk away...
The industry is buzzing more than ever, if you're continually unhappy in a role, after actively *trying to change the situation & feel unsupported, professionally & calmly hand in your notice & walk away. Know your worth.
Toxic relationships of any kind can have long lasting effect on your mental health, confidence & career (it's just not worth it).
Is the commute worth it?
I've seen a lot of people really struggle with long commutes, we already work long hours and sleep is so precious & essential in maintaining good mental health.
If a job has a long drive, be realistic on what you're signing up to, can you afford accommodation if it gets too much?
Clarity
If you're feeling uncertain about anything, don't be shy to ask for feedback, or ask for expectations of the job and your role.
Clarity & clear communication can really help over thinkers & those suffering with job anxiety.
So speak up and ask all the questions, make a list of duties and see if your supervisors have anything to add to it.
I actually feel incredibly lucky that I'm in a good head space at the moment, I love my job & my team are the most incredible group of • supportive super women! The only thing I'm struggling with is sleeping without the sounds of stirring toddlers, other than that I'm honestly pretty zen.
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But it hasn’t always been that way....
Through the years I've had some crazy jobs, questionable colleges & awful moments that made me wondered if it's all worth it.. In fact 6 years ago I sold all my kit, changed career & moved to Australia for "good" & lasted all of 18 months.
But I came back with a different mind set & I learnt to say no. The answer is - It is worth it, but you've got to be happy doing it.
Ps. Here's what I've been doing to help me
- Sleep gummies (snooze)
- Valerian tea
- Pod casts ( EarPods are a game changer)
- Mel Robbins
- CD ( Gets rid of my early morning brain fog )
- Reducing my screen time at least an hour before bed.
- Self care, hair masks & face masks And this week it's made a real difference :)
