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Simple Strategies to Never Working Another Friday in Your Life
Decades ago, when I got my first full-time job and thought I was finally a grown up, I made a decision: if I ever worked for myself, or had the opportunity to create my own hours, I would never work another Friday in my life. I firmly believed then -- and still do now – that there’s something magical and liberating about a 4-day work-week married with a 3-day weekend. Moreover, I would also only work the hours I wanted. Essentially, I envisioned a future in which I worked on my terms completely, leaving me with more time to engage in leisurely pursuits.
Fast forward 30 years, and this is how my life is, for the most part.
I work Monday to Thursday, 9 am – 3 pm.
I don’t work evenings (obviously).
I don’t work weekends.
I have a steady, abundant income.
I spend time reading and writing both for work and for pleasure (in other words, I do what I love, whether I’m working or not).
I have time for my family and friends.
I have time for me, myself and I.
And to each of these sentences, you can add the caveat: “More Often Than Not”
I add this because I think it’s important to have a bit of flexibility. Because I’ve created a life where I work less so that I can experience more, such flexibility is actually possible. I’ve got TIME to be flexible. To adapt. To be nimble. To say yes to what I want, and no to what I don’t.
In short, I am creating my own life, exactly as I want to.
I know that for many, this may seem like a luxury. I have heard folks say that the reason I am able to do this is because I am an entrepreneur, self-employed, and unaccountable to anyone but me.
I get it. And I agree – but only to a point. Because here’s the thing: if the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us anything it’s that the limits we think exist around how we can work and operate in the world are self-imposed to a greater degree than we realize. They may be imposed by our COLLECTIVE thinking – and they’re still shiftable.
Many, many people were able to work from home during the pandemic.
Many occupations pivoted and found ways to do what they need to do – virtually.
Folks adjusted their work hours to accommodate having to balance family and work commitments.
In short, we found new ways to work in the world. And these new ways open up possibilities.
So, as we move out of the pandemic and into whatever is next, both individually as well as collectively, here are 8 simple strategies I want to invite you to use, if you’re at all interested in working less, so you can experience more.
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