Can Anyone Do It All?
People are different in the aspect of how much they can and want to do at the same time. I personally, have trouble staying in one place at a time and always have multiple things going on at once.
The second term of third year is just underway, and I can honestly say that I’ve had more going on this year than ever before. I made it onto the committee of two different societies, joined a sports club, did third year law and worked. Worked quite a lot actually.
I’ve worked since I turned 13. I’m 24 now and can’t recall a time in the past 11 years when I didn’t work. I like working, it’s my way out of having to think about school, uni or anything related. Sometimes I wonder how it would be if I had as much free time as my friends who don’t work at all, aside uni. But I quickly realise that just wouldn’t be me. At the worst of times, I’ve worked 40 hours a week along with everything else, but I honestly don’t mind. I’m that person who gets asked to work and always says yes to a shift. I rarely turn a shift down from work.
So am I crazy? Maybe. The craziest part is that I’ve still managed it all. But over Christmas break, I did have a good think about it and if it’s actually worth it. I sleep less than six hours a night, just so I have time to do everything I have on my plate. I’ve become the master of time management, and just learnt to live in a constant sense of slight stress.
In a way I feel like my attitude also comes from being too nice as well. I’ve been like this my whole life; I always put everyone else’s needs ahead of my own. So if I get a call from work asking to come in because they’re struggling, I will always be there, even if that would’ve been one of my rare nights off. So maybe every now and then I should think about what’s best for me, and act accordingly.
After having a long think about it and speaking to my friends as well, I did eventually decide to cut back on hours at work and told them that I wouldn’t take more than three shifts a week (which to me is half of what it used to be!). I decided that it was time to put myself and my own needs ahead now and again, just because I actually like sleeping sometimes too. This is an ongoing process for me, and I can honestly say that now that I’ve decided to say no instead of yes sometimes, I’ve found myself with a lot more me time than I used to, and in all honesty, I don’t know what to do with it! But in any case, I like having it. I guess in a year’s time I can write an article about how making time for myself changes everything, but at the moment I’m just trying to grasp the concept of not needing ten extra hours a day and trying to enjoy it!
So all in all, what I’m trying to say is that if you are like me, and have probably a little too much on your plate, make some changes and take some time for yourself too. It is hard when what you’ve been doing is what you’re used to, but it leaves a lot more time to explore and make new memories! I guess just try and remember that when you say yes to others, make sure you aren’t saying no to yourself.
Photos: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/business-owner-you-feeling-overwhelmed-to…
And http://quotesgram.com/img/quotes-about-taking-time-for-yourself/5020249/