Why I Don’t Work On Weekends

 

There are so many things I love about being a WAHM:

• Being able to work flexible hours.
• Not having to delegate the rearing of my kids to a maid. (Too many horror stories there.)
• Being able to spend time with my kids the whole day (when they’re not in school).
• Having control over my time and my workload.
• Not having to deal with office politics. (Believe me, this is one thing I don’t miss!)
• Getting cuddles and kisses from my kids any time during the day.

I can go on and on!  It’s really wonderful, and although it might not be for everyone ( you have to have the ability to tune out distractions in order to get any work done, and resist the calling of your bed, the tv, your library, etc.), it’s a really great way to make a living while making a home, as my friend Martine says.

The real challenge for me, is drawing the line between work and family life.  I’m a workaholic. I would be working from 8am to way past midnight every single day if I could.  It doesn’t help that I love what I do so much that I even dream about work.  It’s exciting every time I see a project go live.  It’s like giving birth all over again! (Without the agonizing pain.) So the challenge for me is when to stop.

Early last year, I decided to make it a point to unplug and disconnect during weekends.  I don’t check emails, I don’t tweet, I don’t post on my facebook page.  And for my family, the weekend starts on Friday night.  I spend quiet time reading, going out with the family, taking photos, going to church, and basically re-charging.  As Rivka Caroline says, it’s not some cutsie idea, it is vital for my sanity.  I know I will eventually burn out if I were to work nonstop every single day as I am wont to do.  That has happened to me before, and I don’t want it to happen again.

Disconnecting during weekends has really changed things for me.  On a personal level, it allows me to recharge, take stock, and focus on what matters to me most – my family.  I also get much-needed sleep and rest.  Taking a complete break during weekends has also helped me become more productive, and more eager to greet every Monday with a fresh enthusiasm for the work week ahead.  (Even if it means being greeted with 58 messages on my inbox, none of them spam.)   It’s definitely a win-win.

Have a great week everyone!