Janet Posted August 1, 2008 Share Posted August 1, 2008 Hi All Have finally had to come to a decision about life, work balance. As some of you know I returned to work on a phased return last June and gradually increased the hours worked to 30 a week. I have been working the 30 hours since November but it has been a struggle as most weekends are just spent recovering ready to face the next week. This latest bout of fatigue has made me realise that it can't continue, I hardly have a social life at all due to tiredness and haven't been able to get to the gym much at all this year as am too tired to go after finishing work for the day. Physchologically this has a big impact on me as I have difficulty trying to loose weight at all but at least when I was managing to make it to the gym I felt better about myself. So wish me luck everyone because when I go back into work Monday I will be asking to reduce my hours I'm hoping to cut back to 24/25 hours a week instead. This has been a hard decision to make and something Morris and I have discussed he has bless him been nagging me for months to reduce the hours I work. I am obviously very stubborn and its taken me a while to admit defeat and acknowledge the fact that I can't continue with the way things are. Janet x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen Posted August 1, 2008 Share Posted August 1, 2008 Hi Janet, Good for you! Don't see it as defeat though ...... you've done really well with work and deserve some decent free time, rather than playing catch up ..... there's no way I could work 30 hours per week and see to the house and all that it entails....... Good luck on Monday! ...... xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donna79 Posted August 1, 2008 Share Posted August 1, 2008 I hope it all goes well Janet xxxxxx I will be working 24 hours a week and keep that on review i have a very understanding boss and i love my job xx I'm sure it will be ok we didnt ask for this to happen so why should we suffer x x GOOD LUCK HUN x x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skippy Posted August 1, 2008 Share Posted August 1, 2008 Hey Jan Like Karen says - don't see it as defeat. Until we moved I was working 40 hours a week and now I work 30 - and I'm happier about it. There's no point in doing too much so that you don't have anything left for anything else - remember we work to live not live to work!! Good luck and I hope your boss understands. See you soon Love Skippy xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janet Posted August 1, 2008 Author Share Posted August 1, 2008 Thanks everyone I know it probably wont be a problem but I'll let you now the outcome after I've discussed it with work. Janet x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vivien Posted August 1, 2008 Share Posted August 1, 2008 Janet, I think you are brave to have realised that you need to work less hours, it is not defeat but being positive about what you want your life to be . ( Hope that makes sense ) Vivien x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sasbo Posted August 1, 2008 Share Posted August 1, 2008 Hi Janet You've made the right decision and bless Morris, he's a treasure and probably knows you better than you know yourself at times! (I know Fiona does with me but I still have to battle against it!). Skippy's right, we work to live, not live to work so go for it girl, you need it and you deserve it. Good luck on Monday Sasbo xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina Posted August 1, 2008 Share Posted August 1, 2008 Hi Janet Good for you, you need to do what is right for you, and have a balance that you can cope with. I wish you luck on Monday, take care xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne Fleming Posted August 1, 2008 Share Posted August 1, 2008 Hi Janet yes it's true, you want a balanced life rather than one in which work takes up all your energy. My hours have crept up to full time again though I don't think I will want to do it long term as I find it exhausting. However I will very likely be made redundant in November this year so am trying to hold on until then. I'd like to work less time and have time to do other things I enjoy. On the weight issue, I no longer enjoy most food due to taste distortion (though it has improved a bit) and I lost a lot of weight following my SAH. Now I've got used to things tasting bad and find that I eat too much to keep myself going as am so tired. eg a cup of tea and chocolate to give me a boast in energy. Has anyone else found this? Good luck on Monday. Anne xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 Hey Janet Sorry its a bit late but I'm with the others on it all good for you realizing that its too much (do hope that makes sense) I used to do a Friday am class at college but after 2years gave it up because I was just no good on the Sat/Sun & by Monday Ronnie was back to work its no fun..... hope it goes well when you explain, sending you hugs Louise.xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janet Posted August 5, 2008 Author Share Posted August 5, 2008 Hi Everyone Just to let you all know I have been able to reduce my hours to 25 and if necessary will be allowed to reduce them further. My new hours start immediately which is great Thanks Louise I did understand what you were saying. Janet x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen Posted August 5, 2008 Share Posted August 5, 2008 That's great news Janet! ...... bet you feel really relieved ...... xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Shiree Posted August 6, 2008 Share Posted August 6, 2008 Thats awesome news janet!!! Good for you 'hugs ' Shiree Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted August 6, 2008 Share Posted August 6, 2008 Great Janet...... L.xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vivien Posted August 6, 2008 Share Posted August 6, 2008 Great news Janet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sasbo Posted August 6, 2008 Share Posted August 6, 2008 Hi Janet That's fantastic news - good on you girl! Sasbo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donna79 Posted August 6, 2008 Share Posted August 6, 2008 That must have put your mind at rest love x x x where are you from janet you never know we could meet up for de caf coffees if we live near each other and be doing same hours Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janet Posted August 6, 2008 Author Share Posted August 6, 2008 Hey Donna would have been nice but I live in Birkenhead, Merseyside bit far too come for a coffee but thanks for the offer Janet x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leo Posted August 7, 2008 Share Posted August 7, 2008 That is such great news. I haven't started back at work yet and am dreading it as if I have a good (nearly normal) day, it takes me about two days to recover and start again! I only hope my employers will be as understanding as yours! - oh and congratualtions on recognising that it was an issue and being brave enough to ask for what you needed. It isn't always easy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cal Posted August 7, 2008 Share Posted August 7, 2008 Hi Janet, That is great news that you are able to cut your hours. Jim is still working only 20 hours a week and he is still very tired with that. Congrats! Cal XXXX Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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