As you can tell from my other posts, I had to learn how to not burn myself out. Well sadly, 2017 got away from me. It wasn't that I regressed, I just had prepared for what to do when what you enjoy also happens to be your job. March was pretty quiet, so I started a few new initiatives at work and only expected 30% of them to work out. Well, they all worked out. I taught 5 classes (one being mostly new curriculum), was asked to help with an analysis that no one really understood the under the hood mechanics of, and my efforts with the cross corporation continuous improvement group were well received and took off.
As a result two... well 3 things happened: I was working Saturdays (some paid overtime - - which allowed me to hire a guy to mow my lawn), and I accrued a ton of unspent vacation time, and... I'm overdue for some time off.
So, last month I asked my boss and told the people I support: I'm taking December off. The plan is to take off for 4 weeks straight. I need to wrap up a few things this week, but as soon as I can - - bam! I'm out!
There will be some resting, but I don't want to stay idle for 4 weeks. Earlier this year, I stopped guitar lessons because I had no time to practice - - well, I'll be practicing. Plus, I want to do some strength training. There have been a few back-burnered house projects, I've been meaning to write some articles (get published), and I might have a fun side job starting up in 2018 that I need to prepare for.
I've never taken off 4 weeks straight, but I have taken off 2 weeks and I know there are phases like: I need to rest, I'm bored, when does work start, and finally this is fun, I don't want to go back (and... I don't think I remember my password or where I put my badge).
So stay tuned for updates on my journey through the stages, what they are like, and what to expect if you temporarily retire or take a sabbatical .
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