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Friday, February 27, 2009

Taking a Step Back

I've been getting to work at 7:30 in the morning and leaving at 5:30 at night. My commute on each end is half an hour. Each day I have class sometime during work for either an hour or an hour and a half (plus about 15 minutes on each end for driving and walking to class). All in all, I'm out of the house at least 11 hours a day, assuming I don't need to go anywhere after work. I'm not getting enough sleep, I'm eating poorly, and both work and school are suffering. The only social life I have is talking to my boyfriend on the phone every couple days.

Something had to give. I've decided to cut off half hour on each end of my work day and use vacation hours to cover the balance. After I get back from my trip to California, I may take Fridays off for the remainder of March and all of April. I get a lot of vacation time, but I have problems letting go and stepping back.

I have to get over that though, or I'll be losing it soon. So that's my plan, and I'm sticking to it. (Maybe.)

7 comments:

Momma Val said...

That's all? I was waiting for you to say you were going to cut off an hour or more. I think it's a great idea. I got so tired of all the working, the commute, the OT, etc. I too was never home and so miserable and out of touch with myself and my life. Though I was not going for my masters so there is a big difference here. BUT I do understand. Good for you! Don't forget to take care of yourself :)

Electronic Goose said...

I'm glad to hear it. I've reduced my work hours and, even though I'm also taking care of Bean, it has had a dramatic effect on my stress level. Also, could you do a half day working from home at all? It would be nice to work, say, Thursday afternoon from home and then have Fridays off for a month or two. I know what you mean about letting go, though--I have to admit that I check in through email and VPN every Friday that I'm technically supposed to be off.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a good plan and I hope you do stick to it. Gotta keep an eye on the big picture.

Smellyann said...

Sounds like a good plan to me! I hope you're able to use the "extra" time exactly as you want to. (((HUGS)))

BerryBird said...

I think that is a wise choice. Your current schedule just does not sound sustainable. I'm sure your dogs will be pleased to see you earlier each night, too!

Coffeypot said...

Good plan, if you do it. I use to have a hard time taking vacations or going home at a decent hour and taking any time off when I worked, too. But I decided that my physical and mental health (some would say I waited to long for that one) was more important than posting a report or attending a useless meeting. Stepping back a step or two will make a new person out of you.

Mary Stebbins Taitt said...

You need soem R&R and a life--I hope you can manage it sometime SOON!

Have a great trip!

I dreamed about you last night.

I've been ultra busy.