So, you know how life be lifin’ sometimes, right? One minute, you’re out here working your ass off, trying to secure the bag, and the next, you’re completely drained and wondering where the real YOU went. That was me not too long ago. During my most recent trip I had a moment where I looked at my life and thought, this ain’t it.
After a serious case of burnout at my last job, I decided that whatever new role I took, it was gonna be on my terms. I told myself: Four days a week.
But you know how it goes—life had other plans. When I landed my current job, I agreed to a compromise: four days one week, five days the next, just to ease into things. My boss was cool with it at first, but as the months went by, that “every other week” thing turned into a routine. Before I knew it, I was back in the grind, exhausted, and running on fumes.
If you’ve been following me on Instagram, you know I wake up at 5 a.m. every day to have a little time for myself before the world wakes up, just so I wouldn’t completely lose it. But by the end of the day, after commuting and being in the office every day, I had nothing left for the things that truly matter to me: my blog, my crocheting, my social life. Everything that made me feel alive was on hold.
My job was becoming my whole life, while it was supposed to fund my dream. So, during my recent evaluation, I made the announcement, “It’s time for me to go down to four days a week.”
Setting Boundaries Ain’t Easy, But It’s Necessary
Now, don’t get it twisted—my boss wasn’t thrilled. According to her “a lot can be done on the fifth day”. But I kept it real: that fifth day? I was just a shell of myself. I was clocking in, but I wasn’t really there. I had to remind myself that I’m not in my early 20s anymore, running on coffee and vibes.
This decision came with sacrifices, tho. Less work means less money, and that hit me hard because I’m used to living a certain lifestyle. I love spoiling my people and treating myself. And now I have to dial that back? Luckily I have my mom, who’s a whole inspiration. She built her success by making sacrifices, too. Sometimes you’ve gotta live below your means for a minute to build the life you really want. So, I’m taking that leap.
Finding Joy in the Unconventional
Since I made the shift, my energy has changed so much. Those three days I have off? They’re everything. I’m crocheting again, pouring my heart into my blog, and just feeling me again. I’ve got energy for my social life, my creative path and most importantly, myself . I’m not saying it’s all sunshine and rainbows—the financial adjustments still make me a little nervous sometimes. But the freedom? The mental peace? Totally worth it.
I know some people might look at my decision and think, “Is this really the right move?” And honestly? It is for me. I’m done with the grind culture that’s all about giving your entire life to a job that would replace you in a week. I’m choosing me now.
To My Loved Ones…
Your support means the world to me. Thank you for sticking with me while I navigate this new path. I love y’all more than words can say.
And to anyone reading this: If you’ve been thinking about making a change to prioritize your peace and your passion, let this be your sign. It’s scary, but you’re worth it. Choose YOU. Always.
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