How I did it: My job pays for rent, groceries, etc. However, it doesn't define me.

I had to realize that. It took awhile. It also took a career change.

The job I had before required a larger commitment of time, discouraged vacations, and "rewarded" for working more, longer, harder (I use the term "reward" loosely here, Folks. My rewards were actually quite meager...more often the reward for hard work was simply that: more hard work. But when you're a sales bulldog as I once was, it's hard to see the truth when the environment doesn't support it).

I now work at a non-profit arts organization -- okay, it's a museum. The doors close at 5 pm, vacation time is encouraged and family and home time are understood as the priority...it's really wonderful.

Don't get me wrong. I'm a work in progress, but I feel like I've achieved a lot. I still fall into the trap of checking email and working from home, but much less so. And everytime I get a few days (or more) off work, I realize more and more why work isn't the end-all be-all...and why it shouldn't be. I like my job, but I don't live for it anymore.

Lessons & tips: Figure out what's important
Take back your life
Resist the urge -- however difficult -- to work from home, even checking emails and phone messages is a no-no.
If all else fails, change careers

Resources: Time.

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Jan 01, 2009, 04:31PM PST | 1 comment | 2 cheers