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!
AH! Nagi! Thank You for your email! I am so glad you are recognizing and taking the time to “slow down” and make changes in your very busy and demanding life! Dozer and Yourself are the #1 Priorities in Your Life!! TAKE CARE!!!
You clever woman, listening to your body, taking time for yourself, good for you.
We know you’re worth waiting for. We’ll be here when you’re back. 🙏🏾
I loooooove your doggo!
Hi Nagi – take time to catch up, your health is most important. We have loads of recipes to try in your amazing cook books – which we love. Looking forward to your return
Take as much time as you need. Priority #1 is you! Don’t worry about us. Take care!
I have been using your recipes before you wrote a book and praising you to everyone.
Please look after yourself and Dozer.
Good luck with your assistant.
Hi Navi, don’t want to take away your time by we toting too much but one thing: The biggest regret I have (and a few tiny ones) is having spent too much energy and time in a carrier I loved but not looking after my own health. I’m. It pining after different outcomes, I’ve got an amazing life but I should have spent less time with working and more time with family, friends and me. You are numero Uno and if you’re not complete, fit and healthy in the long run, whatever you’re doing now won’t last. You’re so wise and I wish you rest, love and laughter! And by the way, you can’t catch up with sleep!
Hi Nagi and Team!
I hope you are all doing well!! I want to say thank you for lightening my broke home with delicious meals!! My partner and I have made it a mission to make all the meals in your book! but we were talking about how it would be so nice if you had an app or a section on your website where people can add what they have already at home and it can produce a recipe to make as this is a constant issue that my partner and I have at home.
Thanking you inadvance and hopefully you come back for another book signing in Melbourne because I missed your last one .
Good morning
I saw the job opening but when we tried to apply it seems the position has been filled? If this is not the case and you are still looking for an assistant please let me know.
Regards
Cat Naito
Hi Nagi, your life must be a whirlwind right now and I am very glad you are taking steps to ensure it is sustainable and enjoyable as well.
Don’t worry about us (your devotees), we are still working through your enormous back catalogue. We don’t actually need new recipes: we need you in good health! And, most importantly, you need to be working at a pace that is enjoyable for you too. See you when you are ready!
Please take your time – good thing you’ve been relizing what’s going on!
I hope you find the best assistent soon. If I was in Australia, I’d apply immediately!
While I will miss seeing new recipes. I am happy you are able to know you have to watch out for yourself. Take care of you!
Hi Nagi! I hope you find an assistant soon! I miss you, Dozer and your recipes. This note is to thank you for your tip and method for using a beurre manie (sp?) to thicken sauces. I was having no luck last night til I remembered this. Thank you!
Glad you can recognise when to slow down — not everyone can. Hoping you find the best assistant 🙂 Rest up, Nagi!
You are an amazing person and you deserve a break. Hope you will find the assistant that can second you , in the meantime stay well , i love your recipes
Dear Nagi, a message all the way from the Netherlands: please take your time. I follow (and cook your recipes) for quite some time and recently bought your first book. Girl, you do more than enough!! Get your battery loaded, enjoy your personal life en most of all: rest. I hope the new assistent will give you some relief. Best wishes ❤️
Dear Nagi, it’s not at all surprising that you need more help, and I’m so glad that you’ve made the decision to reach out. Have a great rest and recalibration. You have so many wonderful recipes between your website and your fantastic books that no-one will miss out while your rest. I only wish I lived in Sydney (instead of Vic) as I’d love to work with you. Look after yourself and Dozer. xx
Nagi, we have a saying here in Ireland, where the fewest words can say the most:
‘You’re some woman, for one woman’
Enjoy the R&R xx
OMG Nagi-I love you and Dozer so much and am wishing you so much healing and the joy of being able to say no. I have come to know you to a certain level through your excellent posts and struggles and laughter. I wish I could move to where you are and just volunteer in some way that would help you to see how much people care. Spend time with your old buddy and we will all be here when you get back!
OMG Nagi-I love you and Dozer so much and am wishing you so much healing and the joy of being able to say no. I have come to know you to a certain level through your excellent posts and struggles and laughter. I wish I could move to where you are and just volunteer in some way that would help you to see how much people care. Get some rest. Spend time with your old friend and we will all be here for you!