This will be a short post. I’ve spent a lot of time recently thinking about Time. I’ve been thinking about how I use my time. The way I use it, the way I squander it, and the way I lose it doing things that aren’t that important to me. As I work on changing my life I realize that my primary goal is to add time to my week. I crave extra time like I crave: coffee, vacation, and new shoes. With an unrelenting and slightly obsessed sense of focus. Do you ever think about how you spend your time?
As I try to add side hustles to my day, exercise, clean my house, spend time with my family, date, and spend quality “me” time I realize that I am jealous of those people who have time to do things. I ponder why we spend so much time working for stupid sh$t that really isn’t important? When I know that all I really want to do is: spend time with loved ones, exercise, explore town, eat, and travel. There is nothing on this list about purchasing a big home, getting a hooptie, or having to stay in high end hotels. Apparently I’m not too fussed about that.
Justin Timberlake’s movie “In Time” excellently illustrates how time is a commodity. Check out this clip and let me know what you think. Also, if you haven’t seen this movie it’s actually pretty entertaining.
It’s clearly art imitating life (not life imitating art). Don’t the poor and the middle class who are currently existing in the day to day grind of going to work, spending time with family,etc. deserve time to rest, to exercise, to love, and to live? I’m spending a lot of time (ahem) thinking about the situation that I’m in and I’ve come to the following conclusion.
I Want My Time Back
And a solution to my lack of time issue came up last week after a wonderful reader suggested that I read a book about micro-adjustments. No, I haven’t read the book yet (I will soon), but it has already made a huge difference to me because the idea of a micro-adjustment had never occurred to me. I was beginning to embrace some all or nothing decisions out of desperation.
I am dealing with an extreme commute, fatigue, loneliness, and I want to lose weight. I need to make a change now to my schedule so that I can even rest up enough to make bigger decisions.
So, what’s the solution? Well, I have 5 weeks of vacation time and I keep accruing more time every month. I’ve decided to ask my boss if I can leave work early on Wednesdays and Fridays every other week from the end of April through Summer. Obviously not taking time off during busy times at work.
This small adjustment would add around 10 hours to my week. That is HUGE for me. I could participate in a running group, clean my house, meet my mom for coffee, meet my friends, and spend time taking care of myself.
I have been getting up early every day but there is not enough time to my week, so I find myself absolutely shattered going into the weekend. I’m no longer willing to push myself like this anymore. It’s just not worth my health or sanity.
I’m Wondering About The Following:
- How to manage my current obligations with my current life and future life considerations. I’m wondering-have you struggled with the amount of time that you have each week to do the important things in your life?
- How to make adjustments that will give me more time to do the things that are important to me. Have you made any micro-adjustments to your life? Did making those adjustments make a difference to your situation?
This is a huge turning point for me because I’m standing up for myself and what is best for me. It’s a bit scary but I can’t continue ignoring the obvious which is: My lack of time is affecting other areas of my life. Waking up early isn’t enough. I need to make some additional changes. I hope this works! Will keep you posted.
Latest posts by Michelle (see all)
- How Work Policies Against Black Women Birthed a Love of the Soft Life - 20 March, 2024
- How Taylor Swift’s IP Victory Could Change the Business of Music - 28 February, 2024
- Why Don’t More Personal Finance Content Creators Talk About Policy - 16 January, 2024
Yes, I know the weekly grind. By Friday you’re exhausted. Takes all weekend to recharge and then back at it again. Of course this means housecleaning, shopping, cooking has to get fit in on weekends too. Or it does not.
I love that you end this comment with “Or it does not!” That’s the story of my life. The time deficit is driving me crazy. I will no longer accommodate it as this is my life.
I think everyone is dealing with this in their own way. This is why I put HFF on hold. My priority shifted to looking for a full time job, and I had “no time” with so many other things going on. I put that in quotes because technically I could have found some time, but I need daily balance and don’t want to take away time from relaxing activities like chilling out at night, spending time with friends, exercise, volleyball, etc. I had to take time away from the lowest priority on my list. Has it worked? YES!
I am now very focused on my priorities: health, relationships (love/family/friends), money, and travel. It has taken a very long time to become this clear! I’m also super nosey and want you to email me with any updates that have come up!
Unfortunately nothing has come up this week regarding a new job, but at least I’ve opened up time to look. Totally is totally a free day. I have nothing planned and it’s a rest day as far as exercise. It feels weird!
What is this free time you speak of? I can’t wait to free up more time in my schedule. It has begun to drive me CRAZY!! I’m so excited for you to enjoy some time to yourself and open up some space to do what’s important to you.
I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately. I work too much and I’m starting to get bitter. This weekend I’m finally taking a break. In May, I’m changing things up. I’m glad you realize this and are sticking up for yourself!
Don’t get bitter! But, who am I to say that? I was getting bitter too LOL! I just am over being over scheduled, unavailable, and stressed out. Life is short. I am working hard to take care of my finances and other parts of my life. I have to just have faith that slow and steady will work and then when I have more energy fast and furious will take over 🙂
I have been feeling very energetic and excited about life lately. However I’m also stressed about being down to a one income household and a big freelance project that’s sort of hanging over me. I like your idea of micro adjustments!
Your hubby will find something soon that he enjoys doing-I have a good feeling about that! Make sure to take time to yourself so that you can decompress and have the energy to focus on everything that you’re needing to do.