Putting Yourself First
Do you live to work or are you working to LIVE? Are you living or just existing?
I work to live. I enjoy work and my contribution to society and the world, but work is not all there is to life. Life is for living and it is important to live life to the fullest.
Few of us are fortunate enough to have the option of not working. Work is just a part of life, but I argue that work should not be life. While a job pays the bills, there truly must be a balance.
If the budget is tight or money management is not great, one can get into the "I need my job" mindset. This is a dangerous mindset because everything you do becomes about the job and survival. Individuals begin to put work first at the detriment of themselves, their health, their families, their relationships and more. While I am grateful for every job I've held and while the income earned allows me to provide for myself, not once have I ever felt tied down by any job.
The point I'm making is that a job, a career, a workplace is important and you should always go in doing your best, BUT it's important to always have your finances in order so that you are in control. Making wise money choices gives you the freedom to make decisions that are in your best interest.
What happens when you're out of personal and sick days, but you feel awful? If the thought of missing one day scares the life out of you for fear of not having enough on the next check to pay your bills, you'll likely make a decision that is not in your best interest in relation to your personal well being. Yeah, you'll go to work feeling like crap, you'll be useless to everyone around you, but guess what...you would have earned a full day's pay at your own personal expense (and the expense of those around you). Congratulations(sarcastically speaking, of course)! Listen, the point I'm trying to make is that you want to put yourself in a financial position where if you miss a day (health/healthcare-related, child's recital, family, personal interests, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, etc.), you should be able to without worry and without stress.
I know someone who has never taken a vacation. She works very hard, multiple jobs, but will not put herself first. She does more spending than saving. She has a giving heart and is always doing for others, buying for others, but just won't do the same for self. Missing work is just not an option, she hasn't put herself in a position of power. Work is in control.
Or on the opposite end of the spectrum, those who never take a vacation. Use your days...they're yours! You'll occasionally come across a person who has so many personal days saved up that it is mind-boggling. I don't care how much you love your career/job, give yourself a break. Even if it's just a staycation, take a little time for you. Again, the work-life balance is important. Everyone knows you're committed, missing a day or two will do you more good than harm in the long run. In the end, I'm sure few wish they had worked more.
How does one get into a position of power? It all goes back to SAVINGS. Are you tired of that word yet? Seriously, what are you waiting for? Savings will SAVE you. While it's not ideal to use your savings for missed workdays, it should be an option if you need it. Before you can even get in that position you must also make an effort to always be current with bills and have little to no debt. Being debt-free gives you so much freedom, so much peace of mind. The fewer obligations, the better. Pay off debt, save your money, and gain control of your life.
I work to live. I enjoy work and my contribution to society and the world, but work is not all there is to life. Life is for living and it is important to live life to the fullest.
Few of us are fortunate enough to have the option of not working. Work is just a part of life, but I argue that work should not be life. While a job pays the bills, there truly must be a balance.
If the budget is tight or money management is not great, one can get into the "I need my job" mindset. This is a dangerous mindset because everything you do becomes about the job and survival. Individuals begin to put work first at the detriment of themselves, their health, their families, their relationships and more. While I am grateful for every job I've held and while the income earned allows me to provide for myself, not once have I ever felt tied down by any job.
The point I'm making is that a job, a career, a workplace is important and you should always go in doing your best, BUT it's important to always have your finances in order so that you are in control. Making wise money choices gives you the freedom to make decisions that are in your best interest.
What happens when you're out of personal and sick days, but you feel awful? If the thought of missing one day scares the life out of you for fear of not having enough on the next check to pay your bills, you'll likely make a decision that is not in your best interest in relation to your personal well being. Yeah, you'll go to work feeling like crap, you'll be useless to everyone around you, but guess what...you would have earned a full day's pay at your own personal expense (and the expense of those around you). Congratulations(sarcastically speaking, of course)! Listen, the point I'm trying to make is that you want to put yourself in a financial position where if you miss a day (health/healthcare-related, child's recital, family, personal interests, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, etc.), you should be able to without worry and without stress.
I know someone who has never taken a vacation. She works very hard, multiple jobs, but will not put herself first. She does more spending than saving. She has a giving heart and is always doing for others, buying for others, but just won't do the same for self. Missing work is just not an option, she hasn't put herself in a position of power. Work is in control.
Or on the opposite end of the spectrum, those who never take a vacation. Use your days...they're yours! You'll occasionally come across a person who has so many personal days saved up that it is mind-boggling. I don't care how much you love your career/job, give yourself a break. Even if it's just a staycation, take a little time for you. Again, the work-life balance is important. Everyone knows you're committed, missing a day or two will do you more good than harm in the long run. In the end, I'm sure few wish they had worked more.
How does one get into a position of power? It all goes back to SAVINGS. Are you tired of that word yet? Seriously, what are you waiting for? Savings will SAVE you. While it's not ideal to use your savings for missed workdays, it should be an option if you need it. Before you can even get in that position you must also make an effort to always be current with bills and have little to no debt. Being debt-free gives you so much freedom, so much peace of mind. The fewer obligations, the better. Pay off debt, save your money, and gain control of your life.
Moment of Truth: You can be a career man/woman and still have time for life outside of work. Put yourself in a position of power by Managing your Money Like a Boss!
