When I first started in my career I worked 4 days a week. It was perfect when the kids were young. A few years later and I was working full time and then I moved into a management position which was, frankly, more than full time a lot of the time. But I love my job and believe in the work that we do.
A few months ago I was given the opportunity to work less hours. After some thinking and consulting with Ed I am now back to working 4 days a week. When I tell my friends they comment on how this will help achieve a work - life balance. When I tell my horse friends their eyes light up and they comment on how this will free up my time to spend with the horses. Which is exactly what I thought as well.
My new schedule started at the same time as when I took my vacation so I don't know yet how it feels. I was on vacation until Weds and went to work yesterday. I'm off today and it feels like I'm skipping school. But I'm sure I'll get over that. It will be easier to schedule lessons and horse activities on this schedule and I will be able to get chores done around the farm.
In two weeks Carmen and I are off to a 3 day clinic with Johanna. She helped us so much last year that I'm excited to work with her again.
And because you may be wondering about Irish: he blew an abscess out his heel sometime in the night on Wednesday. He's feeling much better. But he's dropping weight like crazy right now because the grass is starting to grow and he's ignoring his hay. But there's not enough grass for him to maintain his weight. It happens every spring and it drives me nuts. I've taken to scattering hay out in the paddock in hopes that he will graze on it. Once he's over on the grass he will bulk up again. In the meantime I hope no one calls horse protection on me! If Irish was a human he would be one of those naturally skinny people that drop weight easily. I gave him a stomach supplement this morning so that he doesn't get ulcery with his lack of forage intake. Carmen is being sensible and picking at the grass and eating the hay.
My old work used to allow flex days, which I loved! New job is 5days a week and there's been a little grumbling from me about that :)
ReplyDeleteWork-life balance is so hard. I feel like I have to squeeze in my barn time in a two hour window after work while my husband and dog wait at home for me. Sometimes it feels like everyone gets shortchanged.
ReplyDeleteHmmm, a horse who looses weight in the spring....I wish I had that problem!:)
ReplyDeleteWhen we lived in Southern California, I worked from home one - sometimes two - days a week. It was awesome for allowing me to ride consistently. My new position is full time, in the office, often much longer than 40 hrs per week. Like you, I believe in what we do and the work is a big notch up from what I was doing before -- but I do miss being home more. To say I am envious of your new work schedule, would be an understatement. Congratulations!
ReplyDelete4 days a week is pretty awesome. MY current job is flexible thankfully, but I would probably only look for flexible/work from home/ or part-time in the future.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you will have more time with your horses. Your love form them and for riding shines through on every post. I'm glad you got this opportunity.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you--cutting back on my work schedule. I thought it would make it easier to go to work, but sometimes it makes it harder because I so enjoy being with my horses. Still, it's better, by far. Enjoy your extended weekends!
ReplyDeleteOh that will be so nice having an extra day off to ride :) Im lucky that we work from home so I can ride a lot, even for work :)
ReplyDeleteMy horses on grass also drop weight in the spring but they sure gain it back fast enough in summer so I don't worry too much anymore, none are naturally skinny so its good for them
Woohoo for extra riding days!
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