Returning to Full Time Work – Two Weeks Later
June 30, 2008 by Deb Ng
Filed under Freelance Writing, Writing Tips
by Deb
Every day people on Skype, Twitter or via email ask me if I’m happy I returned to full time work. Do I still feel like it’s the best decision two weeks later? For sure there are things I miss, but yes, I do feel like I made the best decision for my current situation. Keep in mind, I wouldn’t return to a traditional, full time office job, but I’m happy to be telecommuting for one company compared to half a dozen clients.
Freelancing – There are Things I Miss
I do think about all the things I’m giving up. For instance, I can’t just stop what I’m doing and jump in the pool or take my son to the park. Working for one person means less variety and I have to be available during business hours. There are more phone calls and conference calls and I have less freedom to write the things I want. But yes, I’m still feeling as if I made the right decision.
Full Time Work Means More Down Time Later
Do you know what I do between 5:00 and 6:00? I stop work. I am done. I close up my work email and jump in the pool with my son. After dinner while my husband and son have “their” time together, I might catch up on my personal blogs and emails – or not. The beauty part is that it’s all up to me. I play Wii with my son, I sit out on the back deck and read a good book or I watch television. But I’m done for the day.
I do find myself working on personal projects over the weekend, but again it’s not something I HAVE to do. This past weekend had me working a little in the morning but the ret of the day was ours. We went fishing and had a picnic and watched fireworks. For the first time in years my mind wasn’t on work. I like that. I also like the stability of a regular pay check and paid sick and vacation time. Not feeling guilty about being away from my blogs is icing.
Would I Ever Go Back to Freelance?
Right now I’m in the perfect job situation. I’m doing what I love – blogging, social networking and writing copy for newsletters and program guides. I’m not filing or spending my days in meetings watching dull power point presentations. I’m at home so I don’t have to dress up and I can workout during my lunch hour. My situation is ideal. If, heaven forbid, something happened and I didn’t have this job any more, I would certainly go back to freelancing. Unless another perfect, full time, work at home gig opens up.
So far I have no regrets. I’m working with people who are passionate about what they do during a very exciting time for the company. For sure there are things I miss about freelancing, but after six years of spending all my free time working, I’m very happy to be exactly where I am.
Congrats on being happy. I know I too could use a little structure in my life that a full time job brings. I for one will be up until midnight getting my mail answered and proposals written and so much other. I will be constantly checking RSS and well you know the drill…
Hi Jim,
I do know the drill! It’s funny how freelancing was supposed to free us up for our families and it did just the opposite. Still, you have a good thing going and I know you’re happy doing what you do.
Congrats on the new job, Deb! Jodee told me you took a full time job, but I seem to have missed the post where you said what it is you’re doing now. Glad to hear you’re enjoying it, at any rate.
How do I link up to your blog? (not sure of terminology)
Thanks, just find this very interesting and want to share it.
@Amy – How good to see you! Are you feeling better? Please don’t be a stranger. I’m working at BlogTalkRadio as the new Community Manger.
@David – Are you asking if you can link to a blog post or add us to your blogroll? You’re certainly welcome to do so.
Jim,
Consider turning off RSS when you need to get something finished or you need a break. My last boss at a job would turn off her phone (pre-e-mail) when on deadline. There are all kinds of studies that too much multi-tasking actually slows one down rather than enabling one to do more work.
I’m on “vacation” now, but am up before family. Otherwise, e-mail is ignored. However, I did have to finish a deadline assignment yesterday.
Deb!
Congratulations! I am so excited for you. Blog Talk Radio has grown by leaps and bounds this year – especially since they took on FlyLady and Leanne. It must be totally exciting getting to be part of a company poised to do really great things for all of us in the near future.
Go Deb! They could not have hired anyone better.
Hey Deb – I tried to email you to congratulate you, but it bounced back. BlogTalkRadio looks like a fun place to work! (Confession: I had to google it.) I am doing better. Thanks.
What a perfect time to make the move! Sun sets later so you can truly enjoy those after work hours.
Congratulations! I am so happy for you!
Deb, I am happy for you! I think it’s absolutely wonderful that we live in a time where there are so many choices for how we earn a living and live our life. Fifty years ago, you picked a path and stuck to it until you retired with hopefully enough energy and money to “enjoy” life. Today we can move in and out of different careers, and employment types to meet our needs during the various seasons of life. Once again, CONGRATULATIONS! I am inspired to become more involved with BTR knowing that you are there.
Karen