Ironically, our master bathroom renovation became a symbol for what was wrong with my schedule.
The bathroom workman was an employee of the design store we chose. We quickly decided he was trustworthy, and I didn't think twice about leaving the house when he was there. The first time I left a door unlocked because I had to be at work before he arrived I stopped and thought about all the scheduling issues I've had over the past three years working at the mall Customer Service desk.
I only work 20 hours a week, spread out over four days, but if you count commuting time it's closer to 26 hours (because I always allow longer to get there to allow for traffic issues). That doesn't sound like a lot However, the shifts broke up my day so I never had long blocks of free time. I've had to turn down innumerable invitations from friends to meet for lunch or a cup of coffee because I had to be at work. Other meetings were stressful because I had to keep an eye on the clock.
There is a whole list of projects that aren't getting done around the house. Starting with the almost-finished new bathroom. It needs to be painted, which is on us. We have two choices. I could easily do the job, but it would take having a free day. Or we could hire the work out, which would be more expensive and we'd have the issue of not knowing if the painter was trustworthy.
In addition to the bathroom, there are several more rooms that could use a fresh coat of paint, and for several years I've been saying I'll update the light fixtures. For the second year in a row the lawn and garden renovations (which in our area is best done during September) didn't get done because we couldn't get to it.
After mulling the issues over it over and talking with Hubby Tony, I decided to give notice at my job. I typed up an official letter of resignation, and gave it to the Boss. Two weeks from today will be my last shift. I'm going to miss the job, and many of the people I've met over the three years I've worked at the mall, but I'm excited to think about all the new projects that await..
Of course the downside of not having a job means the paychecks will disappear. To make up some of the loss. I'm going to be doing more independent marketing research.
Five years ago today: California Dreaming
A friend who recently quit her job in order to have a life told me she felt like she won the lottery. Let us know.
ReplyDeleteEvery time I think about the changes coming my way I get positively giddy!
Deletewell good for you Kathy, has it been 3 years already? Good luck with the marketing research..you're an inspiration. At this stage, it's all about doing what you love. Well maybe that's for any stage.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words, Christine.
DeleteIt will be nice to actually have time to do things that you want when you want.
ReplyDeleteMy list of things to do is getting longer every day!
DeleteWish I could give notice ...... that's the problem with owning! Sounds like you will be busy doing things that are not only necessary, but fun!
ReplyDeleteI also hope to have time for traveling and day trips....maybe able to do things like stop by the Kampground next time I'm driving by.
DeleteNow you will have time to write a book about all the wacky things you saw and experienced over the last 3 years at the mall!
ReplyDeleteHa!
DeleteI know you've had some other changes in the past so I'm wondering how long it will be before you get restless and decide to go back to work. Your customer service desk schedule does sound too intrusive to doing other things. Not full time but annoying for part time.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if your boss would be willing to let you work just one or two days a week, all day, since you seem to be very good at what you do and well respected by the mall management.
I threw out the idea of cutting back my hours a couple of months ago. Because of the other desk employee's schedules ( a couple of them have 'day jobs' and are only interested in working nights/weekends), there wasn't anyone to pick up the slack.
DeleteThe Boss already told me that I could come back at any time :-)
I'm going to miss the mall happenings, but there should be some interesting stories in the marketing field. Much luck with it.
ReplyDeleteFor some reason I always seem to see the funny and strange side of things. I'll do my best to share.
DeleteYou did have such interesting things happening at your job. However, now you'll have interesting things happening at home. Funny how when I retired, I found I often didn't have enough time for the things that needed to get done.
ReplyDeleteI can already see that my schedule is going to be full. However, I'm DETERMINED to fit in some house projects into that schedule.
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