Goodbye 'girl boss', hello 'snail girl': Why a concept prioritising slowing down is resonating with

#career #slowingdown #pause #girlboss
Being busy has become a symbol of modern life. And for many, living a fast-paced lifestyle is aspirational. But for others, a new concept has emerged that is more in line with how they balance life and work together. So what is the 'snail girl' concept? Australian online site Fashion Journal recently introduced many people to the concept of being a 'snail girl' when it published an article titled "Snail girl era Why I'm slowing down and choosing to be happy rather than busy". Melbourne-based illustrator Beci Orpin said she was inspired by the snail girl concept and that for her it was about "unlearning those [hustle] instincts". Maggie Zhou, Fashion Journal's branded content and features editor, said the piece caught her attention on TikTok. "Snail girl periods may look different to different people, but at the heart of it, it's about slowing down and being kinder to yourself," she said. So what does it mean to be a 'snail girl'? The concept emerged in the same year as other institutional concepts or movements such as silence and grand resignation. At its core, the concept refers to a work-life balance that recognizes the importance of taking breaks, slowing down, and pausing when you need to. The concept individual in its approach and not designed to ignore the fact that Australia currently experiencing a cost of living crisis and there often the privilege of being able to slow down or change work commitments. But 'snail girl' concept might be to get you to go for a walk around the block when possible or book day off when possible. At its core, the concept is to not always aim to be as busy as possible. The exact opposite. Author and podcast host Maggie Zhou said prioritizing mental health is what the concept of 'snail girl' represents to her. London-based writer Jennifer Cownie says the concept of the "snail girl" resonates when it comes to work. "Everyone has different speeds... I don't have that, I need time to recover." For many young professionals in their twenties, working long hours and hustling is considered the norm. But when she was 28, Ms Cownie decided it wasn't for her and decided to go back to a four-day week. It was a decision that was initially met with confusion, he says. "I remember talking to my boss and he looked at me weird and said, 'But don't you have kids?' London-based writer Jennifer Cownie chose to work part-time in her twenties and hasn't looked back. But adds that it was the best decision he ever made and is taking time to focus on other creative pursuits. "Most jobs aren't worth your mental health or overall health... You should be able to take a lunch break and get out on time," she adds. Ms. Zhou also works four days a week in her role at Fashion Journal and as a freelance writer, podcaster and content creator. Although she is able to work more, She says her relationship with ambition has changed since the 'girl boss' era. “Work is no longer what my identity is tied to, wh