How Chris Breen balances 3 careers without multi-tasking

Meet Christopher Breen! Chris works in IT, is a clinical intern at a mental health practice, and is also an ordained chaplain, offering support to the military and LGBTQ+ communities. With a full plate, Chris has some great insights on staying productive, managing time, and what keeps him inspired day-to-day. Read on to learn more about Chris’ career, hobbies, and his inspirations.

What’s your profession?

I am currently tri-vocational. I work for a large enterprise out of Cambridge in IT as part of a service delivery team. As part of my doctoral graduate program for Clinical Psychology, I work as a clinical intern for Pastoral Counseling Services of the South Shore, a mental health practice out of Hanover that focuses on spiritually integrated psychotherapy. I am also an ordained chaplain affiliated with FCM (a nationwide multi-faith organization for chaplains) where most of my work has been in pastoral counseling and care, specifically around the integration of moral injury and stress with members of the military and LGBTQ+ folks.

I graduated from Lesley University with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, then went on to Iliff School of Theology in Denver and obtained my Master’s in Divinity, subsequently I am currently at Saybrook University where I obtained my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, and one day (before I’m 90, fingers-crossed) I will graduate with a PhD in Clinical Psychology.

Describe a typical work day for you.

Typically I will come into the office at Groundwork, and attend some meetings virtually. Sprinkled throughout the day I will meet with clients, and then towards the end of the day I will finish up any administrative work that is needed across my current roles.

What’s the biggest challenge you face at your job?

Time management. Although, I believe that I have gotten better at it over the years. Having a space like Groundwork allows me to better manage my time by having a dedicated space to do work in a distraction-free (and couch-free) environment.

Do you have a morning routine?

Yes! Usually begins with taking the pup outside. Starting the day immediately with some light exercise (if you can call it that) allows me time to center myself for the day, and remember to remain tethered to the world. From there, I’ll make coffee, feed the pup, and get ready to be in acceptable shape to be in public. From there, it is just a quick drive to Fall River to see Raelyn!

What are your favorite productivity tips or hacks?

We can’t multi-task as well as we think we can. I remember learning this about our brains and how insulted I felt. I have always been someone who can get a lot done, and switch between activities, while some of that is neurological difference, the fact remains, that our minds are not great at multi-tasking. After I began to accept this, I was able to feel better about focusing on one task, or one workflow at a time, but still getting many items done. Trying to do multiple things at once can produce less than great results.

What do you listen to during the day?

All sorts of stuff, on current rotation (in no particular order): Billie Eilish, Ava Max, Benjamin Clementine, MIKA, Icona Pop, Orville Peck, Troye Sivan, Olly Alexander, RuPaul, Steve Grand, Sub-Radio, Years & Years, Beyonce…

How do you benefit from using a coworking space?

I strongly believe that coworking is the future of what “in-office” work looks like. After the pandemic, I think that folks realized that work can happen in all different types of places. I think meeting people where they are is a key to success, and for many, having the option to separate work and life helps with balance. Plus, it’s good to also see and interact with other humans outside of Zoom or Webex.

What’s in your digital toolbox?

I worked for Apple for several years, so my entire rig is Apple stuff. Google Docs is my go-to for all types of productivity items. TherapyNotes is what the practice uses, and so far I’m enjoying the features it has.

What inspires you?

People do. I realize that it seems cliche, but it’s true. Humans are amazingly fascinating, complex, and deep. Everyone experiences their lives differently, and within each person is a truly unique expression of humanity. The felt experience of being alive is something that I think is endlessly inspiring. It only exists in the present moment, and the moment is always becoming the past. We can only describe our experience conceptually, while we feel life unfolding in an intangible but very real way.

What are some of your goals for the future?

Completing my dissertation is pretty much my single goal at the moment. While the PhD process has been rewarding and challenging, I’m about ready to finish.

PCSSS: https://www.islpma.org
FCM: https://www.fedcm.org
Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com