Not a fantasy - this CAN be done, can't it?
Melody | Thursday, 26 April, 2007 at 6:28 AM It seemed like a good idea to get a part-time, regular job and keep freelancing alongside those new hours. And it was. It's just the transitions that have my eyes a little wider - and a little glazed over - a twinge of that shocked look on my face. Mostly this happens when I come home in the evenings. When I recall the things I happily put out of my mind while I perform all the interesting and diverse tasks I'm now spending 20 hours a week performing...
This week has been interesting in that my other work activities have been more varied than others. And because I'm still trying to convince myself I'll catch up...only every day of that convincing, it feels frustrating when suddenly night falls and it's bedtime. As if people who juggle complex schedules aren't supposed to sleep?
Here's what I'm behind on:
- some article writing for a client who's publishing a website on which he needed help with content,
- a fairly substantial website project I've loved and I'm [---] this close to finishing, but little things keep getting in the way of wrapping it up. Like sleep. No, not just that, though...
- two necklaces I need to design "from scratch," with only a color scheme and length to guide me,
- untold paperwork,
- my own websites,
- responding to a new shop that's considering carrying my jewelry,
- calling one of the other locations that carries my work, to schedule bringing in some more,
- and although it doesn't belong in a work-related list, I'll put it here anyway, 'cause when you work for someone else, there's an expectation of on-time arrival at the office, and I gotta' git: laundry, floor cleaning, more unpacking that sorta' got pushed to the way back of my mind, some errand running that's laughable it's been put off so long,
- connecting with my friends and family. Calls have gone unreturned, and dinner dates have continued to be pushed back further and further. These connections matter to me, and I know my life is more complete when I balance my schedule to include them.
- not to mention exercise, which I decided it was time to start up again, a few nights ago, and have only followed-through on twice.
And you know what? I love my life. I don't know many people as fortunate as I am, in spite of my griping and rambling about the challenges. The best way, I've found, to get caught up on anything is to consider not continuing to say "yes" to the next batch of offers that come my way (unless they're really, really interesting offers,) and remember to enjoy all the tasks along the way as I check off items from my list.
Here's to all our happy productivity through the rest of this week...
Reader Comments (5)
Right there with you, Melody. I make a list of 8 things or so that MUST get done each day and am floored when 9PM rolls around and only 2 or 3 have gotten crossed off. Where does the time go? I blame myself for goofing off or not making productive use of time and that's it in part, but I also think life is too be enjoyed and it's dangerous to fall into the "all work all the time" trap. Sounds like you're keeping a good attitude about everything, which is THE most important. Good post.
I find myself wanting to stay home and do yard work or house chores. I love teaching piano and the little office job I do, but sometimes I dread it. I have to stop and remind myself that I do love it! Then my lesson times go better. Parents sometimes stop the lessons because the students are not practicing like they should or because of too much homework. That can cause me concern because I depend on that income. I shouldn't worry about it because I always get more students, but I do. I hate it when a parent takes a child out of lessons when they are making progress. Most children don't practice like they should--who does?
Working for yourself has it's ups and downs.
I have or am learning to tackle a little yard work along and be happy with it--even though I would love to get more done. I have big dreams of what I want my yard to look like--it takes time!
Melody you can only do so much in a day.
Welcome to the Part Timers Club. This is how I have been feeling for the past few years. We are fortunate to be able to have a part time job that pays the bills while we are pursuing our dreams.
But, Melody, when you say, "not saying yes...", then add, "unless it's something very interesting," I'd say that for you, the latter statement cancels the first!
And Carol, practice what you say--YOU can only do so much in a day, too!
Love to all!
Don/Dad
Thanks for the comments - the affinity and encouragement make it easier to realize we're not alone, doesn't it?
Dad, you're right. I know that. Just gotta' give myself an out. I mean, what if one day somebody like Ellen or Oprah called (okay, what if Their People called,) and said "Hey! I hear you've got some great jewelry! Wanna' come be on our show, and make enough one-of-a-kind necklaces to supply the whole studio audience?!" but I'd just emphatically declared I'm done taking on new projects?
You see my quandary...
:)