Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our work that we forget that it isn’t the whole world. People with kids tend to be a bit more aware of this (though occasionally they get stuck in their own “life with kids” world, but that’s another story), but for creatives especially, it is often hard to stop the hyper-focusing.
Then something in life rears up and slaps you in the face.
We had this happen overnight when serious illness struck a family member. A 1AM phone call gets your attention fast. All that worrying about which paper to use for a portfolio or whether the Flash loads fast enough suddenly goes, quite simply, poof.
It is hard for creatives to keep the balance between working hard at their businesses and the rest of their lives. Long hours happen more often than any of us would care to admit and the family members often have to simply accept that your repeated absences are just a part of who you are. But that is not a good thing.
Like anything in life, there are times where you just have to work your butt off–extra hours, etc. But for many of us, those times are not as often as we make them. Our priorities get screwed up. For example, if your significant other is saying that the relationship is in trouble, you might want to consider taking some time off to deal with that…now. Or if you haven’t been out to a movie or dinner or something in weeks, do it. Or gone to a museum or played with the kids or spent a day in bed with your significant other…make the time to do these things.
Today is Friday–the weekend is upon us and often that means if not work-work, then home projects. Consider taking some time to relax and just live instead. That’s your “assignment” for this weekend–live.
The work will always be there. Life, not so sure.
Oh, and in case you were wondering: the relative is hospitalized, but it seems that the proverbial bullet has been dodged and we are hopeful for a good recovery.
That is so true. I’ve lately been thinking of rebalancing my life. I spent a very large portion of my week on photography – either researching, marketing, promoting or somthing along those lines. The fact that today is Sunday and I’ve been in my office for most of the day should be a sign to me that perhaps it is time to re-think this.
Funny how this came along at the same time I’ve been thinking about it. I’m taking that as a sign.