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From Aged Care to EverywhereAuthor: Dr. Julie Bajic Smith
Dr Julie Bajic Smith (PhD) is a psychologist, transition strategist and organisational wellbeing advisor. Her doctoral research explored the emotional demands placed on frontline workers, and she continues to publish, teach and support teams across care, community and corporate sectors through evidenceinformed programs and senior advisory work. Across the care and wellbeing sectors, frontline and leadership roles are undergoing significant change. Customer expectations are shifting, complexity is increasing, and staff are carrying a growing emotional load as they support diverse communities through periods of transition. These pressures are reshaping how people work, lead and care and they cannot be normalised. Julie has seen firsthand how vital it is to support workers and leaders with the psychological tools, clarity and emotional safety they need to thrive. Her philosophy is simple: support your people, and you strengthen your culture, your outcomes and your impact. From Aged Care to Everywhere is a podcast exploring the emotional side of work burnout, leadership load, identity shifts, boundaries, reinvention and the quiet transitions that reshape us. Each episode offers grounded insight, real experiences and practical tools delivered in clear, accessible language without overwhelm. Youll find conversations on emerging trends, emotional load, workplace wellbeing, and the human experience behind meaningful work alongside resources designed to support you in your role. Language: en Genres: Health & Fitness, Medicine, Mental Health Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Episode 78: The Emotional Labour, What We Don’t Talk About
Sunday, 27 September, 2026
Episode 78: The Emotional Labour, What We Don't Talk About Just because it’s invisible doesn’t mean it’s not exhausting. In this episode, Julie explores the emotional labour behind care, service and wellbeing roles — the quiet, unseen work of listening, absorbing, regulating and showing up with empathy even when depleted. She names the invisible load many people carry and offers grounded strategies to protect emotional energy, honour boundaries and recognise emotional labour as real work with real impact. What You’ll Gain From This Episode Language to describe the invisible emotional load you carry Deep validation if you feel quietly exhausted or emotionally stretched Practical strategies to protect your emotional energy and set boundaries A reframe of worth, sustainability and the value of emotional labour A reminder that emotional labour is real work deserving respect and care Inside This Episode Naming the Invisible Load Julie explores the emotional labour behind roles that require empathy, presence and regulation — from care work to customer service, teaching, parenting and committee leadership. She validates the unseen effort of being “on” for others day after day. Why Emotional Labour Is Overlooked A reflection on why emotional labour is often dismissed or ignored: it’s quiet, expected and frequently gendered. Julie shares examples of being asked to absorb more, keep the peace or “just do one more thing” without recognition. The Emotional Toll of Being ‘Always On’ Julie speaks to the quiet exhaustion many professionals feel but struggle to articulate. She differentiates emotional labour from burnout and compassion fatigue, helping listeners understand the unique toll of emotional absorption. Protecting Your Emotional Energy Practical strategies for naming and honouring emotional labour: using clear language in professional settings, advocating for boundaries, decompressing after emotionally demanding work, and encouraging leaders to factor emotional labour into wellbeing policies. Reclaiming Your Worth Julie challenges the idea that emotional labour should be endless or unpaid. She invites listeners to reflect on their own emotional load and shares how naming this work has reshaped her boundaries, expectations and sustainability. Reflection Question What part of your emotional labour goes unseen — and how can you begin to honour it today? Listen to the Episode Website | Apple | Spotify Connect with Julie For more resources, visit wisecare.com.au Instagram & Facebook: @drjuliebajic
