Letting go
This year has brought with it many changes. I almost can’t remember what my old life felt like. Now it’s busy, full of challenges and I’m having trouble sometimes to find the time to do the things I love to do…..like sewing and blogging and pottering in the garden.
I think, if I’m honest, that I’ve been conning myself that I can sort of stretch time and still be able to do everything.
Ok, deep breath….I can’t. It doesn’t work and I’ve made up my mind that some things have to change.
For the last 9 years I’ve been working part-time from home doing editing, translating and proof-reading for academics – my own little business that I’ve built up from scratch and which ticks along…
…except that now ‘ticking along’ means coming home from work tired and having to do an emergency editing job in the evening, or not being in the garden on a lovely Saturday afternoon because I have a translation to do.
When I went back to ‘work’ in January I kept the editing going mainly because I didn’t know if my job was going to work out and because after so many years, my business is a bit like a fourth child. I couldn’t let it go. It was mine, my responsibility, something I had done all on my own.
But now it’s time. Time to let go. Time to give up and move on. I feel like I’ve taken a big step.
I’ve found someone who I am happy will take good care of my clients, I’ve written to everyone telling them what I’m doing and I’m getting ready to send out my final invoices and write to the social security people.
It’s done. I’ve let go. I’ve claimed back my free time …..
I feel slightly lightheaded and rather exhilarated at the same time.
I hope this means you will be seeing a bit more of me round here. I hope so. It’s been too long….
Helen
September 8th, 2013 at 1:08 pm
Sometime’s it’s hard letting something go and then when we have and life changes for the better, we wonder why we didn’t do it sooner! Good Luck.
September 8th, 2013 at 1:34 pm
Letting go can be really hard, but it sounds like you’re doing what you need to do to take care of yourself. Sending lots of support from my corner of the world. And enjoy your new found time!
September 8th, 2013 at 2:38 pm
Wow Helen! Congratulations on taking such a big step. It is really hard to remember that just because you start something does not mean you can never let it go.
Same goes with kids š
Much love
Lush x
September 8th, 2013 at 3:40 pm
Clearly if you feel better, this was the right choice. I think you are doing great in working on the right balance.
September 8th, 2013 at 6:32 pm
Two years ago I retired from a full-time job doing medical transcription at home for clients, all contract work. It was very rewarding but it was a full-time career always and often consumed 50-60 hours a week, but trailed down to about 30 hours a week just before retirement. So, I know the feeling of having to deal with a workload that was there weekdays, nights, weekends, holidays, etc. Retiring finally is wonderful, but I do appreciate your feeling of letting go in that no matter how much work I did, there was always more in the office waiting in my front room. Like laundry and dishes, it was rarely all caught up. Happy to let go. Somehow I lost contact with your blog with updating my programming when the computer was in the shop. I loved your blog for a fresh look from your perspective on the other continent and still having teens at home. Just a comment, your fireworks quilt is beautiful and I loved your Soay. Here in TX where every place is overly air-conditioned, a short sleeve cardigan is of value as are all the shawls that are popping up. But, if I lived where it snowed a lot, long sleeves would be my choice too. Nice to hear from you, glad I recovered your blog again.
September 8th, 2013 at 7:05 pm
I can understand how you must feel about letting go if you have built this up yourself from scratch. But all good things and all that! Enjoy your new found free time x
September 8th, 2013 at 8:05 pm
It’s that exhilaration that tells you you’ve done the right thing for you. I’ve been in a similar situation and what I found the most difficult and felt surprisingly guilty about (being brought up with a strong work ethic) was actively creating time for me. I’m over that now – took a while. Happy running, quilting, writing and knitting š
September 8th, 2013 at 9:09 pm
Sounds to me as though you have done the right thing!
September 8th, 2013 at 9:39 pm
I really hope we see a litle more of you round here, but much more I hope you find the right balance for you in your life.
September 8th, 2013 at 9:58 pm
It must have been so hard to give it up but I ave to say I have missed reading your thoughts while you’ve been so busy! Hope you’ll have time for all of your hobbies now!
September 8th, 2013 at 10:52 pm
Glad you’ve been able to work out a better work-life balance for yourself, hope you’re all bright and breezy this time next month!
September 8th, 2013 at 10:57 pm
Brave, smart move – here’s to the balance xxx
September 9th, 2013 at 9:39 am
Well done You!
Letting go is the hardest thing to do
September 9th, 2013 at 11:36 pm
Working two jobs is HARD, especially with a family to care for. I hope you enjoy the freedom of knowing that evenings and weekends are free time (well, free from paid work at least!).
September 10th, 2013 at 6:59 pm
change is difficult, but once you make up your mind it is always nice to go forward with a decision And YEAH! for more free time.
September 11th, 2013 at 4:06 pm
You are a brave, smart woman, Helen. Hugs to you… xoxo