Because I Can, I Feel Like I Should

This morning, I took the train downtown for a meeting. I don't do it often any more but in a past life at my corporate gig, this used to be my daily commute.

Back then I used to spend the time reading. At about 50min it was long enough to really get in some quality time with a good book. I would load up the mp3 player with a couple of good albums and take advantage of the time to relax and either prepare for, or put an end to, my work day.

This morning though, I fired up my laptop with my Sprint Mobile and spent my trip reading and responding to emails. I twittered and I pownced and now am writing posts for both MyThermos and Web Worker Daily.

I really wish that I could take the time to read and relax like I used to but feel that now that I am a self employed Web Worker, I do not have that luxury.

Or Do I?

I am busy, and I do have a lot to do. But I also need to have a balance between work and the rest of my life.

Do you take the time to relax and do activities for yourself when you could be working? How do you balance your work / play now that work is so accessible?

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Lately I've working so much time on fixing-up the 'ol homestead that it is practically a part-time job. Though, in a way it very much is an escape from web work. I also try to pick up the guitar often but that's fallen by the wayside the last couple of weeks. Outside of work I usually have one main thing that distracts me though sometimes even that one thing like blogging is in itself web related which leads me to think I either a) love what I do so much that the lines between work and play meld or b) I'm just a glutton for punishment

#1 Phil (Homepage) on 2008-04-18 06:10 (Reply)

That's a great point Phil about the blurred lines between work and play. I love what I do as well so it doesn't always feel like work - but it sure isn't as relaxing as plopping down with a good book.

SB

#1.1 Scott (Homepage) on 2008-04-21 16:01 (Reply)

About the only time off I take is spending time with the family. Of course, being a husband and dad has to be at the top of my list of priorities.

About 4 days a week, I take 2 hours to blog, podcast, and play on the computer. It isn't much, but it's what I can pull out of my schedule. At lunch I try to take 15 minutes to go though my RSS feeds (which goes to explain why I don't get much of a chance to keep up with my favorite blogs).

That's about it. I know that I could probably crash in front of the TV every night, or take time away from my family to do things I want to do, but we all have to have our priorities.

The fact is, I'm where I want to be. Sure, I wish there was more time, but there isn't, and I don't want to squander what I have.

I can relate to your draw to do work, being self employed, you're not punching a clock. Hopefully it's something that you enjoy doing

I can relate to Phil on the blurring lines between work and play. My lines are pretty clear cut though, since I don't make any money blogging or podcasting. Maybe one day, but not yet.

#2 Mike Scott (Homepage) on 2008-04-18 12:09 (Reply)

Sounds like you have found the right balance. Huge props to anyone that juggles it all with a family. I can't even imagine kids in the mix.

I don't really lament the change too much, I still recognize it's my choice to do with my time what I wish to do.

Thanks
SB

#2.1 Scott (Homepage) on 2008-04-21 16:08 (Reply)

This is hard for me to do since I am a stay at home mom, I have to wake up early in order to get most of the things I want to get done on the net, or stay up a bit later.

During the day I have to wait and find moments where my son is busy with a movie or really into some activity where I can steal a few moments with the pc and be sure he is safe and sound.

I do most of my relaxing on the weekends, when I post less often and make more time for my family or things I have ignored. IE I will be doing my spring cleaning this weekend since I don't have time during the week to do it.

However since it is spring out and the weather is getting warm and nice we go out almost everyday during the week at least for around 3 hours my son and I, and we just play he rides his bike ( hes 3 so tricycle,) and I walk with him, or we play baseball.

I know right I am giving you my life story lol. I make time I have to but as far as relaxing, that is for the weekends when I am not busy cleaning, doing bills, or on an outing with the fam, I read a book, take a hot bath, let my husband cook dinner lol.

#3 Rachel (Homepage) on 2008-04-19 06:28 (Reply)

Thanks for the visit and comment Rachel. It sounds like you find the time to do some enjoyable things. At least you seem to have prioritized things and have found and maintained a good balance.

Sometimes I worry that I'm tipping the scales a bit too much to the work side of things at the expense of the fun. At least I'm trying to find a balance - but don't think I'm quite there yet.

SB

#3.1 Scott (Homepage) on 2008-04-21 16:14 (Reply)

Ahhh...book time...I used to look forward to reading before bed, but I'm too tired or can't focus, or am just choosing rotten books. All of the above? Since my "job" is only part time (and nearly finished) it's more of an interruption than anything else. I have managed to turn my food blogging into somewhat of a job. It's one I enjoy, though, and it can be somewhat efficient considering that we do actually eat around here. But I've become a bit obsessive about it, so to answer your question, does it count that I consider it relaxing? I do have quite a few plants I purchased a week ago that still haven't been planted -- another relaxing thing I do. I guess the answer is that I definitely take time to relax. Productively. ; )

#4 kellypea (Homepage) on 2008-04-21 18:23 (Reply)

I find I'm in the same boat with reading. I try to read before I go to bed, but usually come bed time, I can't get myself to do it.

Which is too bad, since I love to read, and I even have a good book. I've already read 2 books this year for pleasure, and I'm working on my third. So I'll triple my average this year

#4.1 Mike Scott (Homepage) on 2008-04-21 19:35 (Reply)

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