I realized on Friday as I sat in my office at 8pm, lamenting another missed meal with the kids, that the modern age is making me a prisoner to my work. We have meetings all day, making it impossible to actually get any actually work done... so thanks to my laptop, my work comes home with me to be finished sometime after the kids go to sleep-- generally between 11p-3a. And even on the miraculous evenings when my computer stays at work, my iPhone never does. So as much as I love my smartphone-- and I really love it-- it is definitely shackling me to the office. Not only am I accessible 24-7 by phone, email empowers everyone to dole out work at any time of day from anywhere. In fact, I sometimes think that my boss takes great joy in emailing work to me while we're sitting in meetings together. The pace of work is so much faster now than when I first started working. But that was in the dark age... people were just getting computers on their desks... anyway I digress. The point is I had this great epiphany, and I've decided to unshackle. I'll never have time for my family or any of the things I really want to do if I don't cut the chord... so here are 5 strategies I've come up with to get my life back. Let's hope it works.
1. Eliminate feeling guilty about not being able to do everything the job demands immediately. The work is never-ending and thanks to the internet it comes at all hours. Just because they have instant access, doesn't mean I have to be instantly accessible. Whenever the guilt creeps up, I will look at my kids' drawings that say "I love you Mom"-- currently prominently positioned by my office phone. I love you too girls. I do not love work.
2. Schedule and protect personal time more vigilantly than work deadlines. This will be a tricky one; it's easy to schedule time for family and others-- but really tough scheduling time for myself. But I'm thinking having a moment to develop personal interests whether it's thinking differently by writing a blog, browsing the newsfeed, or going to the gym-- it'll help to keep my brain growing and just help me be happier.
3. Absolutely do not check work email on the weekend... okay well at least not until Sunday night after the kids are asleep. I'm going to take baby steps on that one... maybe eventually I'll not check until Monday morning very early (1am perhaps?!). Seriously, doesn't everyone deserve at least one totally work free day?
4. Use personal, sick, and vacation days when necessary. For sickness, school events, and whenever the kids need me. Don't make excuses for having a life. Kids are not convenient-- and they won't always be as needy as they are right now... I know I'll be sad when they don't need me as much. :( There will always be another meeting, presentation, pitch, whatever. The kids won't always be the age they are now.
5. Remember, my career is still just a job. My company will lay me off as soon as necessary-- my family can't fire me; even when they wish they could. They will always be a part of me and they really need my time and attention.
Okay that's it. 5 strategies going into effect today...
