When I resigned from my job last month, a fair few people said to me, ‘are you having any time off work?’ or ‘lucky you, enjoy your time off’. It got me thinking about language, especially the concept of ‘time off’ and ‘time on’. It’s the whole idea of work being work, a chore, rather be doing something else. I agree in part, but I’m only halfway through my career, and I’m enjoying it. I want more. I want more time on.
Leaving my old job – literally walking out the door
But, yes, a break is a good idea, and usually long overdue for any working person, whatever the role, because the demands these days are pretty constant – even when you are physically off you are rarely mentally off. But the process of resigning can be an especially tiring exercise – there are lots more chats (which is great but exhausting for an introvert), there is real pressure to complete tasks, churning out handover notes which are probably never to be seen again…and the emotional rollercoaster of sadness and excitement. I always think it’s nice to have a specific marker, a line in the sand, so a break is definitely happening here.
This break involves cleaning the fish tank, getting the air con in the car fixed, getting pictures framed, buying a door bell, superglue, getting annoyed with the myGov app and Service NSW and many more chores. However, the chance to do these uninterrupted and fully focussed, fully on, is pure luxury. I’m achieving!
I actually like being on. And one of the reasons for switching jobs was to enjoy my time on. I want a role where I can be me, where I can learn, where I can challenge and be challenged, and just do some good stuff. I’m fortunate to be healthy and happy, and have safety and freedom. I’m physically active, using my body so much every day (picking up toys, crumbs, my phone (oops – not again!)) and my mental activity is overloaded with schedules and shopping lists, so the thing missing for me is self development. Top of the pyramid stuff!
I want to be happy to get up and out of bed and bounce off to work. Of course, an extra 10 mins sleep or some time reading in the sun would sometimes be a good swap, but I want to be out there doing something good whilst I have the opportunity and the energy! So for the time spent earning my crust, I’d like to be enjoying it. On.
So here we go, a new chapter. Coming soon.
These trees are starting a new chapter too
We just spent a few days in Tuncurry, or Tunckers as my son would say. The booking was timely – school hols and as it turned out, the break between jobs. Couldn’t have been better planned if we tried. Serendipity.
The holiday park is a truly magical place where time feels different. A mix of retro and modern sights plonked in the middle of serene nature. The kite swing and horses are favourites, and have probably seated a few generations over the last 40yrs.
Time did seem to go slower. Tuncurry time is the cheaper Fiji time. We came back with a scratched ankle, a sore foot, and some memories that will last for a long time.
When we got home, hubby and I got a pang of sadness about wanting to spend even more time with the kids. So we brainstormed over wine and nibbles on a Tuesday (usually happens on a Saturday – still on holidays!!!) Instead of opting for the classic 9 day fortnight option, we realised that as hard as it is to get out of the house in the mornings, this torture must continue (we’ll have to brainstorm that one another day…mornings, grrr!) We realised that the afternoon is where the golden hours are. Where the golden light often is – magical! I doubt we’d have come up with this had we not had a break. It’s good to let your brain breathe.
We made more time. There is usually always a solution. Just think differently. Look at it from a different angle. Be aware. Be on.
Love Stripes and Trees xxx
Stripes & Trees 