Everybody’s Working on the Weekend…
June 16, 2010 – 11:28 amRemember that old 80’s song by Loverboy (yes, I said Loverboy); “Everybody’s Working FOR the Weekend?” I was recently thinking about that tune because I can’t remember when I HAD a weekend of no work.
Actually it’s my own fault. Like many telecommuters whose paycheck depends upon productivity, I can’t get away from the work. It’s like an old boyfriend who isn’t good for me…beckoning me to spend “just a few minutes” with it when I should be doing something else.
This past weekend we spent the day at a downtown venue to see my daughter’s dance recital. She was in the matinee and evening performance so the day was pretty much consumed with dance. All the hard work the dancers put into practicing through the year paid off because the performances were outstanding.
Like a hangover on Sunday, I was beat from the heat outside and running back and forth with costume changes and doing hair and makeup. But I had to work on Sunday. I had a deadline on Monday and a client meeting Monday afternoon.
So I had no choice but to put in the hours for most of the day Sunday. If I were working in an office, that project would just have had to wait until Monday. I could have gone into the office first thing and finished the copy. However, knowing that I had two kids home from school, breakfast and laundry to do…I simply wouldn’t have the quiet time to finish what needed to be done.
One of my other work from home friends, whose daughter dances with mine did the same thing…worked all day Sunday. I suppose this is one of the downsides to working where you live…you can’t get away.
I’ve tried a myriad of different strategies. From making office hours to trying to work only certain days during the week. Somehow I always end up doing work every single day. It’s also because our time is divided, whether we like it or not. We don’t have the same autonomy as we did when we worked in an office away from home. We have our kids, pets and chores woven into our financial livelihood which makes finding solid hours of hard core work a little difficult.
How do you plan your day? I’m taking suggestions or comments on ways to avoid working on the weekend and start working “for” the weekend!
Gina Ragusa is a freelance writer and mom from sunny (and sometimes not) South Florida. Her 15 year experience ranges from writing about banking to tattoo parlors.
4 Responses to “Everybody’s Working on the Weekend…”
When you have your own work at home business, we are all working 24/7. If you are passionate about your business, you cannot help it. I don’t consider it work.
By BestWicklessCandles on Jun 16, 2010
I work very odd hours around my family. Hubby is firefighter so weekends have no meaning. Now that kids are out of school, the days of the week are all messed up.
My only true office hours are that I only officially check business emails from 8-4 PST M-F. Other things are scheduled with clients as my schedule changes. I’m doing much better about closing the laptop and ditching the biz when I know everyone will be home.
By Val on Jul 2, 2010
I have to agree with you in this Gina. I’m having the same problem as you. It’s hard to spend time with kids even on weekends. But no other choice left.
By Bargessale on Jul 4, 2010
on weekend,i alwany don’t wants to move ,just wants to sleep!
By vkamobi on Jul 19, 2010