Now here's something I would value people's opinion on (I know the answer really, so just indulge me the group therapy that comes from writing it here).
I am now a couple of months into working a 4 day week. This was something I tentatively mooted before I joined Quiet Storm, and which they generously offered. So Friday's are now all my own. It's definitely a big life stage/style change, and one I feel very privileged to be able to enjoy. The problem is, things aren't quite turning out as I (undoubtedly unrealistically) expected them to, which I'm finding a bit of a culture shock...and in a way quite stressful.
Apart from having to fit 5 days work into 4 days (which I kind of expected!), I also had all these things I was going to do and (over) achieve on my day off: I was going to write, to read, to study, to learn how to paint (well maybe not...but you know what I mean). But I have quickly come to realise there are only so many hours in one day, no matter how early you get up (which I do - maybe a lie in is one benefit of a day off that I need to be considering).
Then there's the way real life has suddenly impinged...albeit in very nice ways. Going out for walks or lunch with my wife (hey...who are you!?). Picking my son up from school, and hearing about his day when it's still fresh in his mind. Taking him to swimming training, and realising he is really rather good at breast stroke and fly. And many other things.
All of this is brilliant, and stuff I wouldn't get to experience otherwise. Which is maybe the point: I should just chill out and enjoy it. But then my 'Protestant work ethic' side kicks in (not helped by people asking me all the time about what I'm 'doing' on my day off): I feel guilty I'm not at work when others are; I feel I need to be achieving something 'worthwhile' (oh the irony - as if bringing up your children isn't way more important than coming up with some 'clever' marketing idea).
I know how lucky I am, and that this must come across as a load of unnecessary whinging. And I'm sure I will read this in a year's time and laugh at my own stupidity. But even though I know I know (so to speak) what the answer is, I would value any advice or thoughts from people who have been in a similar situation and felt the same way (or, indeed, felt very differently!).
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