Working for myself, at home, is great for having a balanced lifestyle. I can go to the gym while it’s half empty in mid-morning, then make up the working time in the evening. If I have a bad day I can give myself a rest and catch up later. Household chores get done in the breaks between work instead of piling up for the evening.
But that also means I don’t have those clear, distinct periods of rest many people have – evenings and weekends. This weekend is going to be the first one in ages when I’ve completely set aside work, as the Raptor comes to visit. We’ll drink and talk and generally set the world to rights. It’ll probably lead to some great ideas for this blog. But for a couple of days I won’t be working (not even my Saturday blog post – I’m writing and scheduling this on Friday).
This integrated life, without the clear distinction between work and other, feels healthier to me, but it’s also taking some getting used to. Learning how and when to switch off, when it’s OK to take a break, when I need to stay motivated regardless. It leaves me tired or uncertain at times, as my body and subconscious rebel at the loss of old routines, ones learned over many years. But I’m getting used to it, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.