6 steps to surviving Mercury retrograde at work

6 steps to surviving Mercury retrograde at work

Credit: Getty/Adobe

Astrology


6 steps to surviving Mercury retrograde at work

By Amy Beecham

11 months ago

4 min read

Does it feel like things have been going wrong at work this month? Disastrous presentations, disappearing emails and misunderstandings with colleagues? Could it be down to Mercury?


Have the last few weeks felt a bit more chaotic than normal? Has your schedule been messed up or has life generally felt tougher to handle? If you’re a believer in astrology, Mercury in retrograde might be the reason why things have been going wrong, particularly in terms of your career.

Known as the period when the Earth’s orbit catches up to Mercury (making it look like it’s going ‘backwards’), the last retrograde of 2023 ended on 1 January 2024, but Mercury will be in retrograde three more times throughout 2024: 1–25 April, 5–27 August and 25 November to 15 December. 

“From delays in your commute into the office, to shared projects being delayed for reasons outside of your control, Mercury’s retrograde can slow a lot of things down,” explains career expert Rob Phelps. “You might come up against roadblocks, both literally and metaphorically, but staying calm and trying to be adaptable is key.”

Indeed, during Mercury’s retrograde, misunderstandings with colleagues, clients and managers may appear more frequent, which can lead to missed deadlines, hurt feelings and damaged relationships. A typo in an email can change the whole tone and be misinterpreted; a presentation you’ve been preparing for a long time might be let down by last-minute technical issues. Perhaps you’ve been tempted to vent about work online without considering who might read it.

This retrograde period may nearly be over (though watch out for the ‘shadow retrograde’ which is set to last until 13 May), but Phelps shared his advice for navigating – and thriving at – work during the next two astrological events.


How to survive Mercury in retrograde at work

mercury planet

Credit: Getty

Roll with the punches

The best you can do is prepare yourself for misunderstandings such as misread emails or missed meetings. “Allow yourself to be more flexible, and try to anticipate potential problems so you can have a backup plan in place and you don’t have to scramble trying to fix it,” says Phelps. “If delays and disruption hit, communicate clearly to those affected rather than keeping the stress to yourself.”

Take a pause before you post online

Mercury’s retrograde can amplify online negativity. Before you take to social media to vent about work or start to respond to someone else’s post that has rubbed you the wrong way, stop and think about how the wrong people could see it and how it could affect your job. “From your boss reading your rant about them to potential clients seeing how you talk about your current clients and deciding not to work with you in the future, pause before you post so it doesn’t come back to haunt you,” says Phelps.

Take the time you need

Take a pause elsewhere in your life, too. Spend a little extra time proofreading and be clear and concise in all communication, whether it’s written or verbal. “Typos, errors and miscommunication are common during retrograde, so double and triple check documents and emails before you press send, and make sure you actively listen to the people around you to make sure you fully understand them and that they understand you.”

Allow yourself extra travel time too. The retrograde can lead to travel delays, so make sure you plan ahead, leave early in the morning to get to the office and expect delays in your commute.

Back everything up (including yourself)

When the planet that rules technology and communication starts going backwards, it’s more important than ever to make sure you have everything backed up. But backups aren’t just there to protect your files, they’re also about protecting your time and your reputation in the workplace. “In a retrograde-fuelled miscommunication, like someone claiming you haven’t done something you were supposed to, making sure you have the receipts to support your side of things can back you up and help you navigate any hiccups,” suggests Phelps.

coworker colleague annoying megaphone work

Credit: Getty

Delay big discussions

When miscommunication is so common during retrograde, try to delay big conversations and important discussions. If crucial information gets missed or misinterpreted, it can lead to problems later down the line. “Misunderstandings during things like a salary negotiation or a shared project, combined with how heightened emotions can be in retrograde, can cause tempers to flare and damage working relationships,” explains Phelps. “Postpone big chats like this until after the retrograde to ensure a calmer and more productive discussion.”

Be patient and embrace the shift

Try not to get frustrated: focus on what you can control, and don’t dwell on things that you can’t. Concentrate on tasks that you can complete, and use the time productively to think about how you can further yourself, your knowledge and your career.

And remember, it’s not all bad news. Aside from the chaos it can bring, Mercury’s retrograde can be a good time to reflect, especially if you’re feeling like you’re stuck on a hamster wheel or treading water in your career. “Use this time to step back and think about your career as a whole,” advises Phelps. “Are you happy and fulfilled in your current role? Are you on the right path, and can you progress further? Getting clear on your goals is always a good thing.”


Images: Getty; Adobe

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