Saturday, September 20, 2008

Work and balance

I have survived two weeks of being back in the workforce. Whew! I wasn't sure I could do it. I forgot that eight hours were so long. Those eight hours flew by when I was at home.

I am reminded of the things that I liked and didn't like about working. The pros and cons have come screaming back to me again, as if I haven't had a year-long sabbatical.

PROS:

1) People. It's nice being around people again during the day. I have strong hermit-like inclinations so it is good for me to be out and about. It is good to laugh with others. It is good to enjoy lunch with new friends. It is fun to get to know new faces...and when you start a new job - EVERYONE is a new face.

2) Clothing. Going back to work means I get to dress up and not walk around in fuzzy slippers and pajamas during the day. Yay for me and for all who live with me. I have actually broken out the ironing board a few times lately. Miracles never cease!

3) Building and location. Holy cow - the building I work in is beautiful and it is in a perfect location. My building is next to a golf course and at the base of a canyon. The view of the city is incredible. At least that's what I hear. I sit in the dead center of the building and don't have much of a view. But the word from those that sit near the outskirts is that it's pretty incredible!=)

4) Money. A little extra cash is always good.

5) My job function. I love what I do. I work in the licensing department for a physician staffing company (aka locum tenens) and I love it. I am a total nerd when it comes to doing my job. I love being organized. I love being efficient. I love being busy. I love results! Love it!
CONS:

1) Guess what I did over the weekend.













DUN DUN DUN......































But that's not all - there was also grocery shopping, ironing, and general cleaning of the humble abode. Do you think my kids are saving it all for me during the week because they think I miss it?

2) Tired! At the end of the day, I am soo tired. I sit at a desk all day so I'm not sure why I'm so exhausted. I think I just need to get used to my new schedule. Hopefully it will get easier.

3) Exercise - or the lack therof. I have exercised one time in the last two weeks. Again - the tired thing. What are some things you do? How do you make time for it? I'll take all the advice I can get.

4) Blogging. I have put blogging toward the bottom of my priorities. Something that has given me so much joy is now at the bottom of my list. I still lurk, by the way. I don't always comment, but I read your blogs and they inspire me daily.

5) Family. Unfortunately, my family gets a busier mom. They get a more stressed drama mama. I am controlled by the clock and don't have time for the smallest of inconveniences. I'm easily annoyed by the simple things. Usually it's the things that might make me late for work. Such as the homework left at home that is realized on the way to school. The "oh mom, I'm out of lunch money" as I'm dropping the kids off. Little things. Small things that tend to make steam come out of my ears.

I don't want my kids to remember a stressed mom. I know I'm human, but I want them to remember me as fun, loving and caring. Not stressed. I'm trying to find balance and I know it will all work out. Maybe I should try a little T'ai Chi or yoga. T'ai Chi anyone??

But overall, I feel blessed. Stressed, but blessed.

Just now, my cute daughter Larissa shared a scripture with me that she has memorized. She said, "Mom, Tessa read a really neat scripture in Young Women's today that I memorized."

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid, neither do man light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick. And it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine forth before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father which is in Heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

I'm blessed indeed.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

yeah, you're blogging again!

Bean

tammy said...

I understand every word of what you say!!!! Hang in there friend!!! You will make it!!!

Cynthia said...

Thanks for the update. I was wondering how it was all working out. I will be working more in the near future and I'm worried about it too. Sigh. The balance thing is SO hard.

chelle said...

When I saw your name come up on my goggle reader, I squealed so loud my kids thought I won a give away. Sounds like life is good but different. Hang in there, m

Pancake said...

Hang in there Kiddo! what.. you didnt miss laundry and shopping????
I am just so shocked! Do what is best for you@!

Linda said...

It was so good to see a post from you...I've been wondering how things are going. Sounds like you are handling it very well and the family too...even though they're saving all of their laundry for you. You lucky girl you!

I've worked outside the home part time for about 10 years now. I don't know, it just makes me feel better about myself plus the extra cash is a good incentive. I think we just have to do what is right for us as individuals and it sounds like you've given it alot of thought. Keep us posted.

Carrie said...

Well, Jodi, I certainly always think you let your light shine so who cares if you're a little stressed out, you're still shining, and maybe a bit brighter because its forcing out of you as you're surging through more and more things each and every day.
So then you could try the yoga thing. For me, I Occasionally I try to send out my salutations as I'm upside down in the downward facing dog pose and I try really hard to channel my breath and find that inner peace...but it rarely happens because I'm also trying to force out the daily quota of shine so then between the calming efforts and the shining efforts I simply end exhausted.

Jan said...

It's always good to see the Red go up on the reader. We miss you. Working outside the home is sometimes a huge balancing act. The money is so nice, but the laundry piles are so not nice. You are doing a great job I bet though. Sorry about the dead center. That is a very uncomforable place for me. Glad it works for you though. And I am so glad that you love what you do. That makes the day a whole lot easier and better. So happy for you there :)

Wonder Woman said...

I wrote this long comment, then somehow deleted it. Maybe it's a sign to keep it short. =D So without all the explanations, here are my suggestions:

Turn off the radio on the way to work. Some time in silence, with only your own thoughts, can be very relaxing. I do this on the way to the temple (the only time kids aren't in the car with me!)

Also, you're kids are old enough to put a load of laundry in the washer or dryer. =D I know you know this, but I thought a reminder couldn't hurt. Of course there's still your stuff, and husbands, and bedding and towels....but just having your kids do their own stuff would help. I'm grateful my parents showed me what to do while I was in high school.

Just some advice from a mom who's home all the time with little ones. =D I find it hard to balance, too. I hope things get better for you as everyone adjusts to new schedules.

Lisa Loo said...

I add my squeal to everyone elses--it is REALLY good to see your name come up on my list! I know you have been busy finding balance but I do miss your great posts. It sounds like everyone else has given you great advice so I'll just let you know my heart is with you on your quest---

Janell said...

Oh how I remember the working days when weekends and nights were filled with busy work and chores - happy for your pros, sorry for your cons. Love the scripture!! So do you work 9 - 5??? Just wondering as I plan my next stalking cal ... muh ha ha ha !!!

tiki_lady said...

you are very blessed. You are still in the baby stages of working out your new schedule and the arrangements that need to be done in the home. Perhaps, have your kids run a load and fold a load of laundry, or maybe have them do their own.
Having a job has definitely made me focus in on things and I get more done, usually if I have a tight schedule! You can do it. You will master this. YOu will!

Anonymous said...

And we are BLESSED to be reading a new post from you. I've missed you. I'm so happy you're loving your job.
About the scenery...just take lots of bathroom breaks that will take you by some windows with a view!

Have a great week!

Da Bergs said...

Yeah!!! You posted again!!! I have missed you!!!

tammy said...

You've been tagged my dear!!! Check out my blog...Good luck!!!