Today is the day that my hopes and dreams are coming true!
OK, well, sort of. I’m putting bit of a spin on it, as although it’s technically an accurate statement, I must admit I’m feeling somewhat ambivalent about the whole situation.
Back in January I wrote about some changes that would be taking place in terms of my job (you know, my real job – the one that pays me money for my efforts). Life moves quickly, and now that April 1 is rolling around the time has come for those changes to take effect. This means that as of this coming week, for the first time in a couple of decades I’ll be working a four-day (as opposed to five-day), 25-hour work week.
Exciting? Very! Scary? Oh, yes.
On the one hand, this is what I dreamed about and planned for, way back when we first decided to pack up and move to a city with a lower cost of living. No regrets there! Yet as much as I’m looking forward to fulfilling this part of my dream, I’m rather anxious about the financial implications of such a shift.
I think this is, in part, why I’ve been so aware of and receptive to ideas about goal-setting lately. I’m going to have more time (and less money) to spend, and the last thing I want to do is fritter it all away. Setting some goals would help give a direction to this new-found wealth of time, and help me spend it in areas that are important to me, on things of value and substance.
So, as I say goodbye to a full work week and embrace a four-day mentality, my mind is ticking away, scheming as to how I can make this new lifestyle the very best it can possibly be.
Any thoughts or suggestions?
Beth March 30, 2012 at 5:51 pm
I don’t have any suggestions as you are clearly making decisions and taking steps to make your life richer in the ways that matter most. I would like to congratulate you on making it happen and I hope you enjoy every one of your additional free minutes. Yay you!!!!
Beth recently posted… Boobs and Hips and Big Pouty Lips
Dawn Storey
Twitter: ABCsalad
March 31, 2012 at 10:48 am
Thank you, Beth!
Dawn Storey recently posted… Dream come true
dbstevens March 31, 2012 at 1:26 am
I think I remember you saying you’re a coffee drinker? Make a little list every morning, when you sit down to enjoy your java, about the things you want to do that day.
Celebrate every evening when you accomplish them all — I mean, really take time to acknowledge what you’ve done, and celebrate somehow — then forgive yourself those nights when you don’t.
dbstevens recently posted… Fairy Tale Friday: Snow White and Rose Red
Dawn Storey
Twitter: ABCsalad
March 31, 2012 at 10:48 am
Great ideas – thank you so much!
Dawn Storey recently posted… Dream come true
Jenn March 31, 2012 at 1:22 pm
I don’t believe we are meant to work our lives away– although I enjoy working immensely. I think that we are equally meant to enjoy life-and I think you’ll find that time to enjoy things you haven’t been able to enjoy because of work. It might mean a tighter budget–but you can plan accordingly for that as well. Cheers!! Jenn.
Jenn recently posted… Sensitivities
Dawn Storey
Twitter: ABCsalad
March 31, 2012 at 9:00 pm
I think you’re right, Jenn!
Dawn Storey recently posted… The richest person alive
Becky March 31, 2012 at 2:15 pm
I admire you for all the steps you’ve taken toward creating the life you want. I don’t really have any advice–but I can say that when we look, we can always find things that recharge and nourish our creative energy that don’t cost a thing!
Becky recently posted… Legacy Writing 365:91
Dawn Storey
Twitter: ABCsalad
March 31, 2012 at 9:00 pm
Thank you so much, Becky!
Dawn Storey recently posted… The richest person alive
Betty March 31, 2012 at 3:46 pm
So glad that you have realized a part of your dream. I know that you will continue to enjoy life when you continue to consider planning each day and celebrating your accomplishments.
I had a little trouble after I retired completely from a regularly-paid job. There were some days that I didn’t feel as though I accomplished anything. So — I made a list each day (as suggested above) and by the end of the day, I could often see some real accomplishments and I felt better about myself. My spending now takes a lot of planning, but I feel a lot better about life.
Betty recently posted… Yummy Peanut Butter Cup Bars
Dawn Storey
Twitter: ABCsalad
March 31, 2012 at 9:01 pm
I think the daily list is going to become essential for me! Thanks for your perspective.
Dawn Storey recently posted… The richest person alive
Masked Mom March 31, 2012 at 10:23 pm
No suggestions, but happy to be along for the ride.
Masked Mom recently posted… Author, Plagiraize Thyself!
Dawn Storey
Twitter: ABCsalad
April 1, 2012 at 9:45 am
I’m glad you’re here!
Dawn Storey recently posted… The richest person alive
Sylver Blaque March 31, 2012 at 11:11 pm
I’m very excited for you! Think of all the extra hours you’ll have to write.
My only suggestion is to plan absolutely nothing for your first day of freedom. Sleep in, wake up slowly, allow your subconscious to fill you with all those thoughts & feelings you didn’t have time to lay there and mull over before. Follow those thoughts & feelings, let them guide your day…no calendar, time clock, or to-do list. Allow yourself a day of complete freedom from a schedule. It’ll cleanse old thinking patterns & set the stage for new ones based in creativity & connection to that inner self that we writers can’t write without. Good luck & happy new life! 
Sylver Blaque recently posted… The Luxury of Laughter
Dawn Storey
Twitter: ABCsalad
April 1, 2012 at 9:46 am
I like those ideas – thank you! Looking forward to that first day off.
Dawn Storey recently posted… The richest person alive