My partner just finished telling me I have been working too much. I was tempted to say "That is a big improvement over your last boyfriend who was a lazy freeloader" but thankfully I used restraint of pen and tongue (although not keyboard cuz I'm writing it now) and I agreed pretty much.
Making money is a new obsession I suppose. My current job pays well for overtime. I guess I am blessed with this luxury problem but I do know my quality of life is suffering cuz I do not say no at work. At least I'm not resentful though cuz I get paid for it. Lots better than past jobs.
Balance would be nicer though. I'm wondering what the "normal" value is for how hard I should work cuz, like I said in another recent post, I don't know moderation at all.
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Keep coming back. It works if you work it. So work it. You're worth it!
Im having the same issue! I'm addicted to making $$.. Though, I must admit there are many bills and 'necessities' that I had neglected to give any attention to while drinking (see vacuum post lol.. I'm 36 and just purchased my first vacuum hahaha). Seeing as I'm only just over 4 months sober, I feel work is a healthy stabilizer for me, so I guess I'm in a different position than you. But balance is a concept I certainly have to become more familiar with:) I figure working too much beats sitting in a bar all day!
Hey Mark.......I have worked for over 55 years(paperroute at 10 after school,helper) until this April right before we moved here to Lizard LAND..since I've arrived in Florida I am now addicted to not working. Although Social Security isn't going very far and I'll probably have to find something part time, FINANCIALLY AND BECAUSE I NEED TO DO SOMETHING TO KEEP MY MIND OCCUPIED...I am blessed at the moment to not be working.I sure do miss the income but Im finding time to smell he flowers(and gettin allergies :)Guess you gotta make hay while the sunshines but yeah balance can always be an issue.I know going from full blown employment to a dead stop has been quite an awakening.....I know one thing I will probably not work at something I don't want to do, I DID THAT FOR MANY YEARS.......the question is what do I want to do when I grow up???? Im thinkin selling drumsticks at Sam Ash,,now thats a thought
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Selfishness-self-centeredness! That, we think, is the root of our troubles.
Funny Pappy. I can relate, Mark. Everyone works too damn hard. Let's face it, though; setting more time aside for leisure is not always easy. Sometimes it requires actual work...funny how that sounded. I try to balance my time effectively between work and pleasure so I don't become a dull boy. That's just how I operate. Vacations though, are something completely different. I take at least three good vacations a year. That's my minimum. It's called...my time. Maybe we all need more of that...my time. Something to ponder.
I'm in the same boat, but you got to eat when the buffet is open. I took a demotion a few years back to get on the overtime train, so this is of my own making. I have barely a social life and its tough getting to meetings so sites like this is a Godsend.
With two kids in college, the extra money will enable my wife and me be able to get our kids through school with no debt, so it's worth it. Sometimes, you just got to work hard to get what you want. Being sober has given me the ability to make that choice.
If your partner doesn't feel enough love, and you have enough food on the table... hmmm quality or quantity... I struggle with this for my kids and husband. I usually find there has to be a balance of both, and you have to have time for both to concentrate on what you're doing when you're not with them better. Not worried about what they're doing or thinking. I don't like driving home with a pang in my stomach... it's all to familiar from my drinking days, and being "found out". Same feeling - different reason - not why I'm in the program.
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Thanks for everything. Peace and Love on your journey.
My sponsor keeps reminding me of the 11th step, how my ideas and opinions don't matter anymore. If I pray ONLY for knowledge of His will for me, I can assume that in all things, I am to do it with love. With work, I think it's important for me to do what I love, to do what fills me with joy, but not to do it for the money. which would be making $$ my higher power. Been there, done that. Lately, I'm working to think of work (and anything else I do) as an attempt to just spread more joy and love in the world.
This week, I can barely walk. and I'm thinking it's not a good sign, lol! I think my character defect of "over-doing it" kicked in and I'm still trying to figure out Balance too. thanks for the post.
My immediate thought went to Maslow's heirarchy. Specifically that point where vocation and avocation meet. Wondering if perhaps you are simply doing what you love.
Yes, I agree with Odat too. I can assess my current situation till the cows come home but it is not going to change any time soon. How do I make a decision. How do I know if its right. Well, I should not do any of these things until God reveals it to me. I have no idea when that will be or how it will happen. Until then each moment of my busy day is to do his will. Be the best teacher I can be. In service to my students and the people around me in the kindest way possible. Pray for everyone. I was at a meeting recently and the speaker mentioned the pray to St. Francis. It doesn't matter much if you are not religious, but it sends a cool message.
Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury,pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen
God brings us whatever we need when we put our reliance on Him. This is one of the hardest areas of trusting Him.
I have a friend, older guy in his 70s, 35 years of sobriety who was my greatest sponsor...he has done 2 meetings a day and given freely of himself in sponsorship all that time. He is great at carpentry and building and remodeling. Through all those years he never worked at a company per se or for anyone else although he has partnered with others in projects.
All those years, God has brought him work and financial opportunities as he has needed it. He's Italian. He said to me once in his booming voice, "I've given away everything I have 3 ("TREE") times and stuff keeps flyin' at me, I can't even stop it! Jobs, Lexuses, Girls, condos...I can't even believe it!!!"
