When I was making my seachange I thought I’d planned pretty well. And – for the most part – I did.

Within a month of finishing work (this time, five years ago) I’d sold my city apartment, bought my beachside apartment and moved.

So it won’t surprise you to know that I’ve been pondering my next ‘life’ change. (Well, hardly a life change, but lifestyle change, if you like.)

As I mentioned in last week’s post, despite vowing I’d never work full-time again, I am – in fact – starting a full time job next week.

I made the decision for a range of reasons (set out in that post), but it’s interesting that I’m expecting (going back to full time work) to be hard and horrible. Which is good, as (in typical me fashion) I’m expecting the worst. I’ll be very surprised if I cope with it all okay and don’t feel resentful that my ‘me’ (free) time has been stolen.

But… because I know what a catastrophising bitch I can, I’ve been doing some planning.

But, just a reminder for those playing along at home… my job of the last 18mths has involved working 5 days a fortnight. My new job is full time AND is based in a nearby town; in my childhood hometown (where my mother still resides) about 30mins drive away.

Avoiding grumpiness and exhaustion

I’ve talked to my mother about the idea of staying with her 1-2 nights a week to cut down on my driving. Not that the distance is excessive, but in all honesty she lives about 2mins drive from where I’ll be working. If we weren’t heading into summer I’d think about walking to work each day.

I tend to visit / stay with my mum on a weekly basis anyway and weekday visits (sleepovers) allows us time together while keeping our weekends free for frivolous stuff (in my case, sleeping and eating).

Health and fitness for my mind and body

As her town is kinda smaller and more condensed I’ve already talked to one of my school friends about her exercise regime. For ages I’ve been meaning to do something ‘extra’. As I work part-time and live just out of town I find myself far too lazy to drive into classes on my days off or in the evening.

I’ve no desire AT ALL to go to bootcamp or similar but I would like to perhaps add in a yoga / pilates class and a higher-energy exercise class. My friend goes to Zumba twice a week and said she doesn’t mind me tagging along so I’m thinking – if work commitments permit – I’ll coordinate to stay at my mum’s that night / those nights and head to Zumba with them. Or yoga. Meaning, I’ll build exercise INTO my weekly routine. If possible.

 

Blogging and writing – ie. living creatively and saving my sanity

I actually doubt my reading will suffer much (as I don’t currently ‘allow’ myself to read during the day anyway). I’m okay with the idea of it dropping back a little (maybe I’ll aim for just 2 books/week), but I’m a tad worried about my blogging. I’m scratching around for ideas but figure – those mornings I stay at my mother’s I’ll spend time on the blog.

I’m also pondering using a voice to text app for my phone so I can perhaps dictate some book reviews during the commute. #maybe

I must admit the writing I love doing the most are my personal blog posts (like these) rather than the book reviews, so perhaps I could consider different platforms for reviews: podcasts or perhaps short Facebook videos.

I probably should also admit, in the past I’ve occasionally been more productive when I’ve been busy, so less free time may bode well. I tend to skulk a lot around the house and flopping on my bed feeling bored and directionless when I have too much time on my hands.

Outsourcing and the preciousness of time

When I last worked full time (although I earned more money, worked long hours and had a lengthy commute) I outsourced as much as possible – I had a cleaner, mowing company and did my grocery shopping online etc. And I didn’t feel guilty about it. In my professional and personal life I’m more than happy to recognise when I don’t have the time / skills I need for certain things. So I’m thinking that won’t change.

Plus I’ll hopefully be able to afford to get someone to fix my verandah balustrades and my rotting porch floorboards! 🙂

And yes, I know… you can’t exactly plan for success or happiness. Unexpected crap always pops up and sometimes the unplanned stuff is the best, but I figure IF I go into this new gig with some ideas it’ll help. Surely.

Any other suggestions? 

The Lovin’ Life team includes:

* Both pics adapted from pexels.com