You know it's bad when work becomes your escape from work.
Workaholics. We are a special kind of person who not only thrives on the idea of making "moolah" but also gets a thrill by always having something to do. On our days off, we pick up shifts. When we can't go into the office, we become fidgety just thinking about the idea of having to spend the day at home on the couch with our loved ones. We need work. We crave work. We love work.
So, if you’re anything like me, the idea of a day with nothing to do seems like a far away dream that you can never quite catch. Relaxation is a myth, sticky-notes become a way of life and if your phone isn’t constantly lighting up with reminders, you think it’s broken. Juggling work, school, clubs, activities, friends, and family, you could be a circus act. But it's okay because you love it! Right? Over the past year, I have done my own share of overcommitting. Claiming three internships, 4 different jobs and partaking in multiple clubs, organizations, and accepting leadership roles, my brain wheels are constantly turning. Wait, what's that you say? What about your social life, school work or sleep? Certain sacrifices have been made. I want to do it all and grasp every opportunity that comes my way but lately, I've been feeling the burn of taking on too much. This has caused me to ask myself the all important question: is it worth it?
I have been guilty of spreading myself too thin since I can remember. Starting as early as middle school my daily schedule would start before sunrise and continue until well past my bedtime. On weekdays I went to school at 8am, right to volleyball at 3:15pm until 6pm, then head to dance practice, interp practice or basketball practice until 10pm. Most days I had to be at multiple places at the same times but don't ask me how I did it...I may or may not have a clone. On the weekends I would be traveling for tournaments. I would have a speech tournament Friday night in South Dakota, a volleyball tournament all day Saturday in Minnesota, then a dance competition on Sunday in North Dakota. You have permission to refer to me as the "midwest road princess" if you'd like.
Starting this busy lifestyle early has made it difficult to shake the habit as I get older. I have learned that being involved in college means something entirely different than being involved in grade school. College focuses more on quality over quantity -member verse leader. While you still want to be involved, it’s crucial to find a balance between activities that will help you in your education and future career as well as clubs that house a personal interest. Your time is more precious than ever. I am now realizing that having the perfect resume or being involved in everything isn’t what’s going to make me happy in the end. It's people.
I learned that your google calendar won’t always be there. It may seem like your BFF now (amen), but your calendar isn’t going to be there when you’re sick, need a lunch date or danced a little too hard at the club last night. It’s not going to be there when you need to talk, make a decision or cram for a test. It's not going to be there when you are heartbroken or lonely and just need someone to listen. That is what your friends and family are for. Make time for them, show them that you care. They want to watch and help you succeed but they don’t want to get the brunt of it either. They are more important than any deadline you have to meet or email you have to send. Don’t neglect forever people for temporary projects.
Now, I’m not saying you can’t or shouldn't do it all, because who am I to tell you can't! Everything you are doing now IS going to help you in some way, shape or form in the long run. My advice to you, is: if you are going for the gold in everything that you do, be sure to leave room to enjoy your life and the people around you. Don’t slight your present self for something that is not guaranteed in the future. Before saying yes to another project or accepting another position, always be sure to ask yourself...is it worth it?
