To be honest, I love to work, and I love working for myself even more. A few years ago I started a personal finance blog called Budget Blonde, and in 2014, I became self employed. Every year I go to the Financial Blogger's Conference, which is an annual gathering of bloggers and other leaders in the personal finance space.
While at FinCon, I was surrounded by some of my favorite people, people who are also writers, creatives, and self-employed.
Lots of us had to work while we were at the conference because so many of us are self employed, and there were tables set up where people were getting a little work here and there done on their laptops in between sessions.
Then, at the very end of the conference, my friend and mentor Grant Baldwin gave a killer talk, the closing keynote.
He said, "Who you are is more important than what you do."
Then, to the room full of hustlers, people who have side businesses outside of their real jobs, crazy night owls who stay up to write just one more blog post, etc. etc. etc. -- he told us to stop telling everyone we were busy all the time. Being busy isn't a trophy. Everyone is busy. And, do we really want our kids to say "My mom was the best blogger in the world" instead of "My mom was the best person in the world"?
It really hit home for me, and the whole conference and talk were just excellent.
My plate is certainly full, and I likely will still feel some sort of a time squeeze until we can get full time help for our kids, which will likely be next year. As of right now, I have a part-time nanny who comes three days a week while I write, and I take care of my kids during the day on the other two.
Furthermore, although I do feel like I am a good person in general and my husband is an excellent person, maybe we can put a little bit more of a emphasis on expressing that and being extra kind to others as we navigate some hectic and busy waters over the next few months.
Here are a few ways I'm going to focus on not being a workaholic:
Get Up Earlier
I'm a night owl. So, I end up writing so late at night, which makes me really tired the next day. It takes time away from my husband, and since he has to be at work at 5:30 in the morning, if I just get up and write earlier, I can have more of the evening to myself. This doesn't make me work any less, per say, but it will help get my priorities straight.
Remember It's Just a Blog
I tell myself and my coaching students this a lot, but really, this is just a blog. If something doesn't get done, a tweet doesn't get scheduled, comments weren't made, a post isn't perfect, it's okay. It's just a blog. Yes, it's my bread and butter and the way I take care of my family but at the end of the day, no one is going to die if my post isn't up in the morning. I bet this is true for many of your jobs out there too.
Stop Wasting Time
I feel like I work a lot, but if I'm being honest I get sucked into the Internet black holes just like everyone else. The past few weeks, I installed a Facebook blocker on my browser. Every time I even try to go to Facebook, my computer yells at me. I check it on my phone every now and then but really, I don't need to be on social media as much as I am unless it's for work. I love social media so much -- especially Instagram lately; however, cutting it out of my work day has really improved my time management.
Keep Family First
Way back when the twins were super tiny and I was just getting started being self employed, I tried to work while they were awake. I was stressed and really unhappy. I felt like a total failure. I decided to only work during the hours they were asleep. This was a huge change for me and it really improved my interaction with the kids. These days, I occasionally have to work when they are awake but I try to keep it to when they are eating in their high chairs or watching cartoons versus them being out and about in the living room playing. It'll never be easy, but by keeping family first always, it will keep my workaholic tendencies in check.
Are you a workaholic? What ways do you try to combat it?
Catherine Alford is the go to personal finance expert for educated, aspirational moms who want to recapture their life passions, earn more, reach their goals, and take on a more active financial role in their families.