Welcome to the Slow Work & Business Series!
This is a space to explore how work can feel joyful, mindful, and less overwhelming. As someone navigating life after the rush of traditional work, I’m documenting my journey—projects, lessons, and all the highs and lows. If you’re redefining work on your own terms, let’s figure it out together with heart and ease.
These days, I find myself reflecting on my relationship with work. How did it become so tangled with rush and urgency? Work has always felt fast to me. I’ve been running for years—sometimes even while resting. Rush feels like an old companion, quietly observing me from the sidelines. It feels as much a part of me as my hand or my skin—always there, lurking in the background. Unlike my hand or skin, though, it’s invisible, quietly watching me, nudging me forward. I believe I first met rush during school days- racing to finish homework after vacations, deadlines, the looming pressure of exams. Over time, rush embedded itself into my work life. Even as I explored non-traditional paths like being self-employed, that undercurrent remained: a relentless push to do more, faster.
But what if I challenged that? What if work didn’t have to be synonymous with urgency or constant hurry?
What if it was joy? Joy is worth holding onto (as
says). It brings presence—a reminder that work isn’t just about deadlines or deliverables but about creativity, play, inspiration, hope and love.Over the last few years, I have dived deeper into the concept of slower life (I think that’s the natural way of life - that’s how generations before us lived).
I’ve tried everything—reading books, meditating, hyper-focusing on tasks (a skill I’ve oddly mastered or a byproduct of ADHD). Yet, the rush persists. It’s ingrained, almost cellular. Even after years of stepping away from traditional work structures, I still feel its force.
However, slowly, I am learning to navigate this feeling… learning to slow down, rest in sincerity, learning to connect more inwards.
Here’s What I Found Out As I Am Embracing An Intentional Approach To Work
Observing my energy: Everyone’s focus rhythms differ. I discovered evenings fuel my creativity more than rushed mornings.
Having a theme for my days: Having dedicated days for specific tasks helps me compartmentalize. Mondays for planning and writing, Weekends for Teaching & Socialising...
Getting mindful about time: I often overestimate how long things take—or worse, expand projects beyond what’s needed. Now, before diving in, I ask: What’s the objective? How can I simplify? How can I make this fun for me?
Documenting my process: Writing down steps saves future-me hours. Templates aren’t boring—they’re freedom.
I’ve learned that slow work isn’t about being lazy or unproductive—it’s about intentionality.
Slow work, to me, is about boundaries:
Knowing when to stop.
Letting projects evolve instead of forcing them.
Prioritizing joy and rest.
Gentle marketing complements this—finding clients through meaningful connections, not exhausting strategies. Work becomes play, not hustle.
What I’m Building Now
I’m redesigning my relationship with work, shifting away from old corporate habits that sneak back in. I no longer want work to be about racing deadlines or proving worth through busyness or getting more things done in a day. Instead, I aim for a rhythm that honors inspiration, joy and rest. It’s being mindful of my attention. I have awareness but I still have a long way to go with navigating my rush.
And for you, reading this—if you feel like you’re always running, even when still, I hope this offers a pause. A moment to breathe.
On this little corner of the internet, I’m sharing these reflections to challenge the norms that bind us to rush. If you’re seeking ways to slow down at work, or often find yourself measuring life through timelines, age, and work milestones, or simply embrace a gentler pace, I’m here, exploring it with you.
Read The Whole Series Below
Part 1: Why I Left Traditional Work
Part 2: Building A Life After Traditional Work
Part 3: Building My Work Boundaries
Part 4: How To Prepare Life After Traditional Work
Part 5: Why Slow Work makes More Sense
Part 6: Lessons From My First Meditation Course
Part 7: Years of Navigating Work Rush & Anxiety
Part 8: How I Am Learning To Trust The Process
Part 9: The Quiet Math of Worth: Self-Employment Reflections
Part 10: The Last One: Lessons from a Life-Designed Business
Let’s connect!
If you’re walking the self-employed path, or even just dreaming about it, I hope this postcard reminds you that you’re not alone. You’re not behind. You’re just building something honest, and that takes time.
And if you’re starting out or maybe experimenting with freelancing, teaching, or offering something personal to the world, here’s something to help you get going gently: Things I Created For Freelancers. I have created multiple things whatever has helped me over the years. Check it out, maybe you will find something that you will like.
It’s my dream to work with a therapist who is also has a Yoga business. If you know anyone out there looking for help with marketing, please do let them know that I am here, dancing and jumping up and down my chair waiting to meet them.
Here’s my beloved, I invite you to drop by→ Kaustubha
I hope you’re enjoying Kaus’ Postcards. I started this publication to cultivate a writing practice and connect with people through my writing. I’ve decided that after my 100th post, I will open the publication for monetary support. Currently at 75/100.