Soon it will be six months of working for myself. I have to admit it took me a while to get used to it. If I’m being completely honest, it felt a little too good to be true. After spending my entire adult life working probably more than I should (I am a recovering workaholic who still relapses from time to time) I found I had a much more relaxed pace. Instead of trying to cram in a million and one tasks in a given day, I could pick my work and be more thoughtful and go more in-depth in the projects I chose to take on. Although I have so many things that I am grateful for in this new line of work, below are my current top ten.
1. While I still have to get up to an alarm so I can get my boys off to school on time, mornings (and afternoons and evenings for that matter) are so much more relaxed and enjoyable.
2. Since I could no longer use the excuse that I didn’t have time for self-care, I spend at least an hour after I get my kids off to school walking while listening to an audiobook (and as a result have so much more energy).
3. When working I never prioritized making myself a lunch. Now I have an entire stocked kitchen at my disposal most days. Working from home is pretty great!
4. On the days that I go out of my house, I’m usually meeting up with someone from work, so I can treat them to lunch and if typically qualifies as a business expense!
5. As a lifelong learner, I have more time to pursue a variety of interests. I don’t feel guilty for taking this professional development time because now it feels like I am investing in my business (which happens to be me)!
6. Since I am working with mission-driven organizations, I still feel that my job is incredibly meaningful which has always been important to me.
7. I can pick and choose what kind of work I want to do.
8. Being an introvert, I was a little worried I might turn into a recluse but on the contrary, I get to work and interact with some really incredible, interesting, and dynamic people. I might not have daily interactions with them all but when I do have check-ins or am able to connect with them, it is energizing and so enjoyable!
9. Balance has always been a challenge for me and while it’s still a work in progress I am quite content about my work-life ratio.
10. I have total control of my schedule which brings me great joy and freedom and help me achieve my most important goal; quality (time and) relationships with my family.