The Balancing Act At Work

by Hava Lyon | More from this Blogger

27 Dec 2006 12:00 PM

I recently read a quote while surfing the Internet: "There is not enough time to do all the nothing we want to do." When I read that, I sat back in my chair and started laughing. And the more I thought about it, the more I realized how incredibly true it was.

I was recently promoted at my day job, and the ensuing stress has just about sent me over the edge several times. Before the promotion, I worked 9-5 Monday through Friday, with an hour lunch break. Yes, I worked the wonderful 9-5, and I was in heaven! I even had time for an occasional game of solitaire on my computer while at work (shh! Don't tell my boss!) But then this promotion came along, and I couldn't turn it down. Suddenly, I was coming in early (8:00 am,) taking short lunch breaks if I was lucky enough to get one at all, and staying late into the night (9:30 pm or later.) It only took me a couple of days to have my first mental breakdown. It was too much-I was pushing myself too hard, and it had gotten to the point where I wasn't productive. Sitting in the chair crying (guilty!) doesn't help anyone--the mere fact I was sitting there didn't do anyone any good.

I realized that for the good of the company I was going to have to cut my hours back. Here I was, working these insane hours because I felt like my company needed me to do it, and yet honestly, all they were getting out of it was me slowly going crazy. I had several fantasies that included me standing up and walking out of the office and never looking back. Several times, I pretty much got there, honestly.

So things have changed at my office. Can I swear I will never put in a long day ever again? No. My job is the most stressful one at our company, and sometimes that's just the way things are going to have to be. But I am going to work hard at making sure I keep a better balance-after all, I need enough time to do nothing!

Is this something you have struggled with? Are you a closet workaholic? (Guilty!) Please leave your comments below!

Learn more about Hava Lyon

Hello, my name is Hava or Havs (depending on my mood and yours!) I am a freelance writer who writes for several blogs, both paid ones such as this one, and personal blogs.

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