After finishing work at another ungodly hour last night a thought crossed my mind - which would I rather be doing, Working to Live or Living to Work?
In this industry we work such long hours - a normal day is probably in the region of 12 hours when in Production - and the job demands that you put it first above any else that might be happening in your life. This means that your partners, friends, laundry, house cleaning, socialising or just about anything gets put on hold or just never done. It's exhausting. When I'm at work all I'm thinking about is work and when I'm home I'm worrying that I haven't done something and that the shit will hit the fan the following morning.
Am I built for this? I'm only 24 but is this intense work load and lack of socialising hindering my opportunities to meet someone? I look over the office and only 2 of our team are married and less than 40% are in a relationship. None have children and some of the directors barely ever see their partner. Is this something that I want?
I've always been ambitious and I really want to go far in my career but I also want to settle down and have a family - I want the 2 or 3 children, big house, baking goodies in the big farm kitchen and dancing around the garden in wellies and a nightdress. (strange dream I have)
Do you think it's possible for me to have both in this industry? Or am I travelling really slow in this incredibly stressful fastlane?
Friday, 5 October 2007
In the Fastlane going Slow
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12 comments:
Probably not, but it's worth a go. Depends what's important to you.
I'm not 100% sure yet, but I am so worried that in the decision making I'll get lost along the way and miss out on other things.
I guess it'll come together eventually
I agree Miss M...it'll all come together soon enough...keep working though...it expands your horizons!
I have no intention of not working, just worried that I'm going to allow it to take over my life.
*sighs* Must remember to try and keep a life separate from work. Hence why I try not to socialise with everyone after work, but of course we end up socialising together as we don't see anyone else!
Yeah, I can comment :-) Okay the question you have to ask yourself, is there something else I rather be doing? If you are in a job you love, then you are in a priviliged position. But you also have to remember 24 is still very young and do you want to have kids now? This is the time to establish your career. The kids et al shall come in due time.
I think its a case of choosing which one to focus on first, then dealing with the other. It may be possible to pull both off at the same time, but that's going to take a lot of effort.
I'm not that worried about having kids now, definitely don't want that! Just worried that my life is going to become just work, and I'll be one of those people who live to work and not work to make a living. Know what I mean?
wow, deep and meaningful - isn't self-doubt usually my area of expertise ;) Hon, you'll figure it out thru trail and error the way we all do. The only thing my fingers are crossed for, is that when you look back on it all, you have no regrets :)
I'm going to redo my comment, due to being rather drunk and mellow at the moment, and therefore more honest with myself and others.
While I can understand going for your career my personal view is that life is there to enjoy, so the big question to ask is whether your career is making you happy, or just giving you a sense of satisfaction in yourself. There's nothing wrong with satisfying your desires, but what you should really go for is what will make you happiest.
Of course, its never too late to change what you're doing, but if something else'll make you happy then do that first, then go back. Or if your career makes you happy then go for your career, and take care of other things you want later.
Any typos are attributed to a cheap French beer.
I can totally empathise with you, even though I can't say I'm in the situation.
I'll just tell you what people tell me: you're young enough to spend some more time deciding.
Just don't lose sight of who you are and what you really want.
Our career is an extension of who we are and why we are here on this planet. It should be an enjoyable outlet that utilizes our skills and talents in a productive way. If you are spending time at home thinking about work, then you need to find the right balance.
I am going to paraphrase an old saying "No one on their deathbed ever said, 'I wish I spent more time at work." It may sound cheesy, but that is what it boils down to.
Having said that, I agree with Sugar, you are still young and have plenty of time to decide what is more important to you. Our priorities change as we get older, and there may come a time when you decide that the successful career has to take a backseat to the other aspects in your life. Whatever you do, always make sure that you put your happiness first.
Chitty - I love my job, an awful lot. But sometimes I worry that my job is going to be everything in my life without any room for something else, or someone else. TV can just take over your life completely.
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