This image is of some beautiful books I own that I have never really had the time to open, which is really the subject of this post.Sorry for getting all deep on you but I am finding myself pondering the whole work/life balance dilemma of modern living and the 'robot syndrome' I feel I have succumbed to. Despite having a mortgage and various other financial commitments I am seriously considering giving up my full-time job, and more importantly my full-time wage, and shifting to part-time work. There are many many good reasons to do this. There is one bad one - less money.
I'm all for earning a good wage if you're lucky enough to have a job that completely inspires and fulfills you the majority of the time, but if that is not the case, I'm feeling more and more that it is worth adapting to a lower income of part-time employment in order to have the time to pursue the things that you really enjoy. I know this is not rocket science, it's a bit of a no-brainer in some ways...but the dilemma is that you need money to pursue the things you would like to pursue if you weren't spending 5 days a week chained to a desk not really achieving anything that amazing. On the other hand, freeing up some of your time to pursue other passions might actually end up making you money. Eeek, what is one to do?
The pro's of less time at work - more time and energy to cook good healthy meals (this is a big one for me as I am not much of a cook and at the end of a long workday I detest the thought of having to prepare a meal even though I know how important it is for my health), more time to get the house organised during the week so I can spend my weekend doing things I want to do and maintaining friendships rather than cleaning, washing, shopping, bla bla bla....more time to exercise and be outdoors, more time to spend with my partner, and possibly most importantly, more time to pursue my creative interests and pursue new opportunities.
How do you negotiate the work/life balance? Are you winning or losing?
I know exactly how you feel!
ReplyDeleteHere's what I did, I left my full-time freelance gig to work part-time while getting my Sew Your Own business up and running. Eventually Sew Your Own was a full time operation but alas without the full time wage. I thought that if I could work for myself I could finally achieve more of a work-life balance but unfortunately I learnt with my business I was actually working harder and putting in more hours then working full time.
So now I have decided to go back to part-time work and work on another business venture something that doesn't require as many hours if that is at all possible.
But I wholeheartedly agree with going part-time!!! Give yourself six months and then make your final decision from there. I feel it's the only way you can get you creative groove back and feel like your living your life again.
All the best, you won't regret it!!
Angela is spot on - try it for a period of time, say six months - you'll know what works and what doesn't in that time. Just making the decision to try something new is liberating - run with it! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteOh I hear you, yes I do. I am in the middle of a debate, Petal begins full time school next year, so I will no longer have any wee chicks fluttering around the nest during the day. Part time work is my goal, as it is important to me to be home in the afternoon for my children, but I have to decide between book keeping (urgh, columns and columns of numbers) and persuing my reignited love with drawing & painting. I'm still trying to work out the best way to juggle both, but the money vs passion dilemma is difficult.
ReplyDeleteThanks guys, you are the best!!
ReplyDeleteMy vote is always for happiness. If you can manage it; go for it.
ReplyDeletei like the sound of the vegetarian bible!
ReplyDeletei've finished my books here on my travels
and there way to expensive to buy so i've foudn myself hiding in bookshops reading them
haha
xxxxx
Ms little something,
ReplyDeletePersonally have always been in favour of having time for living life, not just money to do it. Recently (oh, like last week!) I had an unexpected loss of job situation, although Im feeling a little panic and that trip to see the family in the UK is off I was also approached by my very first stockist! Huzzah!
Now I'm not saying thats me sorted but it certainly feels good to be giving my hard work to someone who really appreciates it... namely me!
Still, I have a handy little, no prestige job on the side with lovely people to pay some bills. Time will tell!
Good luck with your decision, it just goes to show that you never really know huh?!