I’ve been working online for nearly 15 years and have seen and experienced a lot in the area of virtual work. I’ve had the luxury of working with a variety of clients and projects, and I’m grateful for the opportunities that have come my way. However, as I grew older, I discovered that my body was unable to keep up with the long hours and graveyard shifts that had formerly come naturally to me.
It all began when my first child was born in 2010. As a new mother, I opted to work online so that I could spend more time with my baby. Initially, everything appeared to be going well. I was able to juggle job and family life while also making time for me. However, as the years passed, I began to notice changes in my body. Migraine headaches, sleep disturbances, vision issues, dry eyes, neck discomfort, tinnitus, and other bodily aches and pains became commonplace in my life.
At first, I ignored these warning flags and kept pushing myself to work long hours and take on new projects. After all, that was the only way I knew how to work: continuously and without rest. But then one day, due to overwork, I became ill and was confined to my bed. It was around this period that I realized I needed to prioritize my health and well-being.
It was not an easy decision, but I realized I needed to make some adjustments in my professional life. I had to learn to listen to my body and care for myself. That’s when I took the painful decision to leave some of my previous clients and focus on self-care. I began exercising regularly, eating well, and taking breaks from work to relax and unwind.
But I also understood I needed to work and help my family financially. That’s when I realized how beneficial part-time job with flexible hours might be. I started looking for projects that would allow me to work less hours and have a more flexible schedule. And, to my surprise, some clients were agreeable to this arrangement.
Now, I can say with certainty that working part-time with flexible hours has been a game changer for me. It has allowed me to focus on my health and well-being while also working and supporting my family. The income may not be as high as it once was, but the perks I have received are priceless.
One of the most significant advantages of working part-time with flexible hours is that it allows me to de-stress. I’m no longer under the pressure to fulfill tight deadlines or work late into the night. I now have more time for myself and my family, which has substantially enhanced my general well-being.
Furthermore, this setup has enabled me to achieve a better work-life balance. As a mother, homeschool teacher, and housekeeper, I already have a full plate. However, with part-time job, I am able to better manage my commitments without compromising my personal time.
Some may argue that working graveyard shifts and long hours will earn more money, but nothing is more valuable to me than good health and the ability to spend meaningful time with my loved ones. As they say, health is wealth, and I’ve realized that this is true.
Choosing part time with flexible hours over graveyard shifts was the best decision I made for myself. It has helped me prioritize my health and well-being, achieve a better work-life balance, and ultimately become a better version of myself. So if you are someone who is struggling with long hours and graveyard shifts, I urge you to consider making a change for the sake of your health and overall well-being. Trust me, it will be worth it in the long run.
