This is a post I did for Compass Life and thought I’d share here as well…
I had another telephone consult with the delightful Coco today (she is my coach through Compass Life). She challenged me with my thinking regarding how big and how fast I want to build my organizing business. She started talking ebooks, eworkshops, conference calls, ecoaching, etc as the next logical step. It all sounded amazing and exciting and I think I could even do it all…..if I had all the time in the world and was willing to jump back into the rat race. But today I realized that I have gotten use to leading the simple life and I like it.
I use to work in an office in a professional capacity. I was good at what I did and for the most part enjoyed it but it was often stressful and I often brought work home. I’m an organized person and so I managed it all and thought I did okay too maintaining the work/life balance. It wasn’t until I no longer had to do it (the Company I worked for closed down) that I realized how much I had actually been running in overdrive.
Things aren’t like that anymore for us. I’ve worked hard to slow things down, from reducing the kids outside activities, menu planning, reducing spending, getting our finances in order to just having time to do nothing. What a concept! Don’t get me wrong, I’m still busy, it’s just a different kind of busy and it’s not constant. I’m so grateful that I’ve had this opportunity to discover what the simple life feels like and I’m going to be pretty careful about not letting it go.
Financially I know that in the near future I will have to think about going back to work but whether I decide to go back to work part-time or grow my business, I do know this…..I don’t want to build an empire, I just want to pay my grocery bill.
Marcia says
What a beautiful post, Laura, and I totally get what you mean.
One of my highest values is work-life balance. I actually had to explain to someone at the gym last night why I don’t come more – um, I work full-time, coach and organise part-time and I actually like having the balance of only doing something 3 nights out of 5.
I was going to caution you against overwhelm because we (and I’m one of the biggest culprits here) get excited about so many things and then you either get paralysed by overwhelm or you go into overdrive and burn-out. Both of which are not good options.
Anyway, I will stop hogging this comment and say…have a nice day. I will email you about that other thing tonight 😉
Beth/Mom2TwoVikings says
I hear ya’, girl! Loved what I did, gave it up to be home, cut back, trimmed here and there, and like it that way. Have had a job possibility come up recently and I find myself being a little *too* honest with the recruiter since I have nothing to “lose” (I have the life I wanted) but some income to gain! LOL
ChupieandJ'smama says
Amen! I’ve been thinking about that too. With the older boy going to Kindergarten full time this coming school year, I’ve been thinking about what I’ll do when both kids are in school full time. I’d like to go back to work part time because I went to be HERE when they are HERE. I don’t think I can be a stay at home mom when no one is at home. So I’m looking for a solution. I’m thinking of working for our school system. This way I’d be on the same schedule as they are. It won’t pay much, but it shouldn’t be too stressful either. I used to work in the business world in a sales and marketing capacity and I travelled for business and I KNOW for sure that I DO NOT want to do that again. Too stressful and although the money was awesome I think it shaved years off my life. Thanks for posting about this topic. I think a lot of us struggle with organizing home, work, and mom life together 🙂
Susanne says
Yes, Laura. What a great post. Finding that balance is one of the hardest things to do. Good for you for recognizing how hard you’ve worked to get it where you want it.
Stacey says
I love this post! Especially the last line!!!
GiBee says
I think it’s totally do-able to be an on-line “organizational life coach” on the side — but it’s also important to weigh out your priorities… in fact, what’s a priority today may not be in a year from now!
Katrina says
Fantastic outlook, Laura. It’s not worth the stress to make more, more, more. If you can find something you love to do, and leverage it to make “just enough,” allowing you to maintain your sanity and your family…that’s the way to go!
org junkie says
Gibee, you are so right! Our priorities change all the time as our circumstances change don’t they. It will be interesting to see where I’m at even in a couple of months from now.
Thanks everyone for being so encouraging!
Laura
Debi says
Oh Laura, I love this post! It just feels good to know in your heart what’s really important, doesn’t it?
Jenmomof4 says
It’s been awhile since I have commented!! You are on my Bloglines and I read you everyday!! Its been busy around here!! No excuses but wanted to drop in and say Hello!!
On another note. I finally cleaned out my hall closet. I had posted about it during your first Org Challenge. I finished my workroom and won third place but never got around to the closet. I posted about it today!!
Sprittibee says
Great post. Have you read Farmgirl Fare? She was a jet setter and decided to give up the California high-life and go buy a farm in Missouri. She blogs photos of her daily farm-life and recipes from her garden now. Thaaaat is a drastic change… and one for the better, IMHO.
We homeschool our kids, so we also had to learn how to live on less and try to get the most out of our money and time. This way, no matter what daddy’s work schedule, we can always be home. Right now he works 2pm-11pm, so we are off in the mornings and do school from 1-10pm with an hour off for dinner. Not the best schedule, but it works for us. We take all our field trips and goof off when he is home during the week (his days off fluctuate and are usually two week-days rather than Saturday and Sunday like everyone else). Sure we may have to cut out some luxuries, but we are loving the close-knit family bonds we have… and enjoying the simple life.
Snickerdoodles and home-made Chantico chocolate and Netflix movies… bike riding… and just being together. Beats the rat race any day of the week!
Jennifer, Snapshot says
This is great to read. You are doing it right–figuring out what you want to do and how you want to do it. I think that this blog is a great jumping off point for you in starting your own business, so it will come.
Tracy says
WOW!! I totally “Get” you!!! I’m the same way.. well I am now…. it’s funny how having children can totally change your perspective on what is truly important in life… and it’s not the rat race!
Great post!
Sandy says
You need to write a book, Laura!
You have some great stuff, fresh ideas to share with the world!
Sandy
For Reluctant Entertainers
Joyful Days says
Well said!! This is a blessing to read. Thanks.
Shirley says
Very nicely put! It’s always good to find someone whose priorities are like mine… slowing down and really appreciating life can be so important.
Lori - Queen of Dirty Laundry says
That last line is my philosophy, too. Just enough is fine with me.
Rachel Anne says
Laura, you are so right. I think one of the hardest things is when you are really good at something and have opportunities to build something that makes financial sense, but cuts out some of the more important things. Of course, you have to buy groceries and sometimes that may mean having to work (I know that so well), but at some point each person has to draw the line and say, “not now, not for this season of my life.”
When my kids were younger and I was home full time, it seemed like opportunities would never come again. But they do. We have had great opportunities in these last few months that I wouldn’t have dreamed. I’m so thankful for those precious years with my little ones!!!! I have no regrets. You won’t either!
Gretchen says
I just have such optimism for you, Laura. For, while it takes a lot of structure to be as organized, life takes flow–give and take. You can do whatever you decide to do. It’s nice that you’re taking the time to really decide though and not just jump in. Blessings.