And I have a problem! A work/life balance problem. This blog is full of signs that my life has been off (let’s not go searching for them), but I can tell you that my stress levels have been through the roof, I’ve gained weight, I don’t have as much time for family and friends (or the BOY) that I’d like, and I feel like life is moving faster than I can catch up. Just to name a few…
Furthermore, I seem to have lost sight of the big picture (a long healthy and active life) by getting bogged (and maybe sometimes dragged) down in miniscule daily stresses. A change needed to be made! It was time to figure out a solution.
I’ve known for a few months that I needed to make a change to my work situation, but I just wasn’t sure what that meant. Professionally, I love what I do! I work with incredible people who have inspired me and and encouraged my growth. However, a job in pediatric health care is physically and emotionally exhausting. Top that with a 60 mile round trip daily commute, 11+ hour work days, and a desire to train for new and exciting races…well, you get the picture. Over the past few months, I’ve had countless conversations with the BOY and my family who have listened patiently and shared their advice and suggestions. Recently I decided to speak with my company about cutting my work hours from 4 days to just 2 beginning in June making today my last day as a full time employee.
This was not an easy decision. We are taught that after high school, we should go off to college, get a degree, pursue a career, take a job with good benefits, and work hard. There is no path that suggests it is wise to decrease your income by 50% (while your boyfriend/roommate is in law school non the less), yet this unmarked trail is the one I am looking forward to exploring.
There were a few details that needed to be worked out (ie health insurance), yet the transition (thus far) has gone more smoothly than I expected. Professionally, this change will allow me to explore other areas of interest and development that I have not had the time or energy to do in the past few years. Personally, I am looking forward to catching up on sleep, meeting friends for lunch, learning tennis with the BOY, playing in the city with my family, reading more books, spending less money on tolls, getting to know my neighbors, updating my blog, going on vacation, doing more yoga, cooking dinners, responding to emails, taking a class, breathing fresh air, and feeling like a well rounded healthy adult.
Doesn’t that just sound wonderful?
Although this change was intended as a trial for summer, I am really hoping to have a more permanent, non-traditional work situation figured out by the fall that allows me to balance my love of working with children, helping others, and developing knowledge and skill, with the joy from spending time with my family and friends, relaxing, and playing!
I am proud to have the courage to take this risk. And…I am optimistic that I will discover professional opportunities and learn more about myself that will clear the path towards a successful, healthy, and unknown future!
How do you balance work, life, family, friends and fun?
Have you ever made a big professional change?