This past Sunday I was reminded once again how my goofy world revolves around my computer and the Internet. I had trouble with my PC and while the computer was being fixed--I was miserable. All I thought about was not being able to write this blog and do the other work-related things on my Sunday to-do list.
It occurred to me on Sunday that my computer had taken control of my life. I love being able to work from home, but there's a down side--access to the computer 24-7. I never leave work. When I find myself with extra time on my hands, I head to my computer to check e-mail, or I talk myself into writing another page in my wip, or I get a jump start on my research for the next day and surf the web.
Sometimes I long for the days when the Internet didn't exist--when work was in an office building thirty minutes from my home. Back then when I had time on my hands I took the dogs for a walk. Went outside and chatted with a neighbor. Or sat in my rocker on the back porch and enjoyed the sun on my face. Back then weekends were really weekends--days off work.
It's been months since hubby and I have taken a Sunday drive. I loved those drives when we spent a few hours alone away from the house. We'd talk about what was going on in our kids' lives, our jobs, and home-improvement projects we wanted to tackle. It's my fault the drives stopped--it's me who comes up with excuses about wanting to get ahead in my next book or making up the pages that didn't get written the previous week.
This past Sunday I realized that I need to do a better job balancing life and work. I need to learn to say "No" to my computer--especially on weekends.
How about you--do you have trouble balancing life and work? If not, what are some things that you do to keep your job from intruding in your day-to-day life?
Marin
Dexter: Honorable Cowboy July 2010
www.marinthomas.com
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7 comments:
Hi Marin,
Yes, like you I have trouble balancing my life. I have a day job working from home 8 - 5, then in the evenings try to write a few hours. I'm lost when the internet goes down. My hubby and I IM each other from different computers in different rooms rather than talk most nights. That's sad.
My laptop typically goes on vacation with me. And my husband has walked away from moe than one hotel because they didn't offer internet or it wasn't dependable.
Have we forgotten how to relax and do other things?
Okay, Pam you made me feel a little better :-) At least I'm not the only one who can't control my computer addiction. And to think I tell my kids to quit spending so much time on it??
Marin
www.marinthomas.com
Well, no problem with work and life since my work is actually school and it's just one class at this point. . . but yeah, computer addicted. Hate it when the internet goes down like it did twice this past weekend with the latest nor'easter bit. Didn't loose power, but lost cable. . . so this news and internet junkie was really feeling it! LOL
Lois
Marin, my kids are grown and married and they come in toting their laptops or netbooks. Even my 8 year old grandson who is here this week for Springbreak has been inside playing computer games. I'm chasing him outside tomorrow!
Hi Lois
Weather really impacts the Internet at times. If I know of a snowstorm or thunderstorm heading my way I rush to the computer and do as many last-minute things as I can before having to power down.
Marin
Hi, Marin! Our PCs can easily dominate our lives. The more you make use of them for convenience, work, email, fun & etc, the more you have to feed them with attention! The best way for me to manage my time is to form a somewhat flexible schedule and stick to it as closely as possible. This includes spouses, children, parents, friends and pets! Make sure the necessaries are taken care of and eliminate that worry, then you have more "wiggle room" for unexpected changes. Life cannot be lived as all work or all play. You have to find the balance that works best for your situation. Having said all that, don't forget to be spontaneous and just have fun! That keeps the everyday routine from becoming monotonous. Surprise yourself once in a while, and also let yourself be surprised by loved ones and friends. None of us can ever qualify as life management experts, but we can give it our best shot!
Hi Virginia
Great advice! I do forget to be spontaneous so I'm going to remember that and maybe next time the computer crashes I'll see it as an opportunity gained and not as an opportunity missed!
Marin
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