Find a work schedule-that works.

but the office part was neglected and now I’m paying the price with stress and working all the time.

This balance has got to be there, but I’m having a hard time finding it. (I’ll keep looking, maybe that balance is hanging out under my bed-with my novels)

I’m making all efforts to take Tuesdays and Fridays to work on my class work and writing and personal projects. I end up busting my ass on Mondays, Wednesday and Thursday. Knowing I’ll have Tuesday off makes getting out of bed on Monday so much easier.

We’ll see, but I think I’m closer than I’ve been.

Learning to never check email or voice mail on days off is key.

This week, I’m doing a four day work week…
After Septerber 1
I’ll move to three.

We’ll see.

The only redeeming quality to my job right now is that
I am in control of everything
when where and how I work

I’ve abdicated this control to clients and associates

I’m taking it back!

I’ve done this for four weeks now, good to assess it’s value.
What does work: having more structure and recognizing that some days are for work and some for housework and some for play and not letting one thing dominate all of the days. What else works: I’m not very good at jumping around between activities. This way, I keep focused and am much more productive. I’ve accomplished a great deal this month with this schedule.

What does not work: It’s just too much. It is very intense and I’m totally exhausted at the end of the day and after the three days, I feel like I need a full day to rest. Knowing that I’m going into 3 days which will be pretty much devoted to work makes me start dreding it a few days before they three days start. I feel totally stressed out during the 10 hour days since every time one of my family members or anyone tries to interupt me, I get worried that I’m not putting the time in. The worst thing is that it is nearly impossible to get my workouts in with this schedule and the workouts are critical to my happiness.

What’s Next: I’m not sure. I have had to work some today, but had some personal appointments that I had to keep. I don’t want to be working here and there, it makes it much too difficult to accomplish anything. I am thinking of trying 2 full and 2 half days or moving the days to be non-consecutive-or maybe 3 8 hour days and a pick up day once per month for catching up. I think I’ll go without too a firm a structure this week and try something new next week.

Immediately--
I’m going to change the goal to find a work schedule that works and keep experimenting.

was my first effort. I’ve tried this type of thing before, but this time, I’ll continue-under all circumstances.