I think about this more and more the older I get. (OMG, I sound so old now). Anyway, my husband has always been good about prioritizing life over work. I don't know how he does it but he often says his job is a means to allowing him to enjoy his life. I've always admired that. As hard as I tried during my younger (and not so younger) years to keep some sort of balance, I kept slipping into prioritizing work over life... like if I missed an email, or an opportunity, the world would end. Guess what? It didn't. When I was laid off, I took a giant step back to look at how I was working and what I wanted to do. I realized all the time spent (aka wasted) chasing something that was never going to make me happy. I'm a work in progress but am trying something different this time.... an 'out of the box' approach to what kind of work I want to be doing now. It's scary, it can be lonely but I'm happier for it. And I'm lucky to have a partner who supports me and lifts me up when I question my decision to pivot my career. I'm finding more time for friends and family... really finding time. And time for myself to practice self care and nourish my soul.
I'm so glad I found this piece. You articulated what I went through everyday in high school and university. I said no to so many dinners, hangouts, and family get-togethers to focus on my work. And yes, it did get me good grades but I wish I could have found a balance between the two. I wish I had spent that time with my family and friends back then, because I miss them all right now after moving. Taking a break or a day off might have helped me more than staying in and working to be honest. It would have helped me release that pressure. I guess I felt guilty wanting to take a break, because it made me look weak. I'm still trying to find that balance now and moving forward.
I think about this more and more the older I get. (OMG, I sound so old now). Anyway, my husband has always been good about prioritizing life over work. I don't know how he does it but he often says his job is a means to allowing him to enjoy his life. I've always admired that. As hard as I tried during my younger (and not so younger) years to keep some sort of balance, I kept slipping into prioritizing work over life... like if I missed an email, or an opportunity, the world would end. Guess what? It didn't. When I was laid off, I took a giant step back to look at how I was working and what I wanted to do. I realized all the time spent (aka wasted) chasing something that was never going to make me happy. I'm a work in progress but am trying something different this time.... an 'out of the box' approach to what kind of work I want to be doing now. It's scary, it can be lonely but I'm happier for it. And I'm lucky to have a partner who supports me and lifts me up when I question my decision to pivot my career. I'm finding more time for friends and family... really finding time. And time for myself to practice self care and nourish my soul.
Really insightful. Glad I stumbled upon this.
I'm so glad I found this piece. You articulated what I went through everyday in high school and university. I said no to so many dinners, hangouts, and family get-togethers to focus on my work. And yes, it did get me good grades but I wish I could have found a balance between the two. I wish I had spent that time with my family and friends back then, because I miss them all right now after moving. Taking a break or a day off might have helped me more than staying in and working to be honest. It would have helped me release that pressure. I guess I felt guilty wanting to take a break, because it made me look weak. I'm still trying to find that balance now and moving forward.