Thirty-five is better than sixty!

Hours per week at an unfulfilling job, that is.

I've been doing my usual Monday morning "I can't do this anymore" routine, work-wise and home-wise. Read yet another really awesome article on TinyBuddha.com, it's like the author is inside my head:


(Here's the crucial bit for me: "So I rephrased the question from 'What would make me happy?' to something more achievable. What am I curious about? ") 

Anyway, I sent the article to a co-worker who so gets it, and we exchanged emails for a bit. At one point she said she was glad she wasn't in a 60-hour per week un-fulfilling job and that gave me the little "swat upside the head" (perspective) that I needed for the day.

Yep, it's far better to spend only 35 hours per week at an unfulfilling job, than 60 hours or even more. I might have more money if I worked 60 hours per week somewhere, but at least working only 35 hours gives me time to do other things.

(BTW, the number of inspirational web sites I visit on any given day is in direct proportion to my level of unhappiness. Mondays I visit a lot of inspirational sites.)

And here are some weekend snapshots of things I do enjoy! 

 As much as I love seeing the geese, it's too early! What do they know that we don't?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
All these snapshots were taken in the city, tiny oases in the urban environment. (Except for the last two of the swamp, that's a pretty big area!)

Peace.

P.S. My work day is half-over; yippee!

Comments

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said…
It is all about perspective isn't it?
Glad this day is basically over for you (at work!)
Cat Lover said…
Aaarrrggg! I wrote a long comment pushed publish and it vanished.
Anyway I enjoyed reading the article from TinyBuddha. Chuck is in a bit of dilema right now about going back to work in January. The money is good but having to deal with all the issues at work does not make it to appealing. After what happened this weekend we know we are fortunate,it could have turned out a lot worse. He has discovered some new interests and wants to explore them. I'm always up for anything!
Take care and see you soon.
Rian said…
Sorry it's one of those Mondays. But your pics are beautiful. Love the black cat (he could be sitting in our backyard)!
omg this is too funny. I looked at the title of your post and i was like "WTF!!??" I thought you were talking about age because I am paranoid that I will be turning 60 this October! lol!!!!!
xoxo
catchatwithcarenandcody
Anonymous said…
I think your beautiful pictures are good therapy...for you and for us!
Kea said…
Me too... Except coming home doesn't mean peace and serenity.
Kea said…
Well, Chuck could work under the table as a handyman. There are a lot of people, mostly women, who are on their own and in serious need of GOOD help at reasonable rates. :-)
Kea said…
It WAS a frustrating work day, but not just for me. First World problems. And I'm home now, for whatever that's worth.
Kea said…
Caren, so many people don't get the chance to turn 60....don't spend your precious time fussing about it or having a crisis. My vote is for a fabulous celebration. Peace.
Kea said…
Well, they are for me at any rate. :-)
BeadedTail said…
That is such a true statement! I hated my last job so much as it was sucking the life out of me so I cut my hours drastically. Sure I was making a lot less money but I only had to tolerate the job and my boss for much less time a week. Finally, I left for my current job and again took a pay cut and am working less hours but I actually love this job! I haven't rid myself of my old boss completely and am actually doing tax returns for her this week but I'm making her pay me dearly for them! :) I enjoyed your photos and am glad you get to see such beautiful nature (and kitties)!
Saku said…
Great article! I think I'll print it out and leave it in various places in our office for others to read. While I can't say the passion I feel for the work I do is as high as it was when I started there, I still do believe in the importance of it and for the most part that allows me to get past the frustrations. But the article did touch a nerve, because as you know, I'm starting to plan for retirement and looking what makes me curious sounds like a great way to find what comes next.

I hope you are able to find what makes you curious/happy. Love the photos, I wonder if there isn't something you could do on that front?

Take care!
The Cat Guy said…
Good to be grateful than focus on resentment. Gratitude for 35! I like the black kitty!
Kea said…
When I am no longer supporting special needs cats, I might be able to work less, but not now.

I'm really glad you were able to find a better option for yourself--I remember when you left your old job. And I love that you're making your old boss "pay dearly" for those tax returns. Revenge is sweet. :-)
Poppy Q said…
I totally understand. Sometimes I stand at work and just try and get through it hour by hour. We love your photos too Kim , we enjoy seeing your little trips and beautiful flowers and birds.

Julie and poppyq
xxx
Kea said…
Oh, I know the things that I'm curious about, like the nature of the universe and "god," human evolution, pre-history and so on. :-)

And what brings me feelings of happiness and joy? Traipsing through the meadows taking pics of all the critters and flowers. LOL. I refer to that as my Disney life. :-)
Kea said…
Oh, I'm not going to be resentful! I don't have a university degree, I'm damned lucky to have this job and I know it. I'll stick with focusing on "only 35" as the week progresses. :-)
Kea said…
Thanks, Julie. Yes, sometimes it's hour by hour or even minute by minute. Tuesdays are better than Mondays for me, though. :-)

Take care.
John Bellen said…
I like that last photograph. Anything that looks like calm, peaceful nature, I like.
meowmeowmans said…
Great photographs, Kim! And thanks for sharing that bit of wisdom ... I really needed that! :)