Our own time is sacred

This week, it’s time for kids to go back to school after summer, and for me to continue my job search

I have been thinking about my next move. Should I look at part-time jobs, something local that would give me more free time to pursue hobbies? Or a role with more responsibility, which might mean a longer commute and lots of overtime?

So far, given the choice, I’ve always picked the latter. It always made more sense to me to pick the more glamorous, CV building, ego pleasing option. This came at a cost – I slept less, worried more, stressed-snacked my way through the after-lunch slumps, resulting in a few extra kilos I’ve not shifted in years. I usually finish the day a bit fried, too tired to exercise, meet friends or cook a good dinner.

I never really questioned this choice however, because it has allowed me to work on really cool projects over the years.

But this time around, as I am enjoying forced time off between roles again (see my other post about this), I am thinking that prioritising my own wellbeing might not be such a bad idea.

If you’re an introvert like me, chances are the things you need to do to recharge your batteries take time. Resting, walking in nature, reading, writing, making art, enjoying calm – all are hard to fit alongside a commute or a very busy role (especially if you’re running the home as well after work).

You need some serious boundaries, which isn’t something that comes easily.

I used to think work-life balance is something mums should do. After all, it is understandable that families should come before work, I would do the same. But for me, I’d always somehow pick up unfinished work in the evening and weekends.

The more downtime is central to your wellbeing though – not just a nice to have, but something on which your health (mental and general) depends – the more essential it is to prioritise it in your schedule.

That quiet time at home is not a luxury, but a necessity. Time to relax and replenish is important. It not only feeds our souls but it allows us to work better too. And giving ourselves time to just be, is all part of the good life.

I just reread the excellent book Transitions by William Bridges, which is all about managing life transitions. Honouring the empty time after something ends, before something new starts, is a central theme of the book. This in-between free time, uncomfortable or confusing as it may be, is when we get in touch with what we really want.

In career transition as in life in general, doing “nothing” while weighing our options can be more transformative than rushing into the next thing. The timeline can’t be rushed. I’m beginning to appreciate that our own time is sacred.

What are you up to these days, and how are you approaching this September?