Coffee Talk Tuesday #118

It’s Tuesday! Sure feels like a Monday. Grab a cup! Let’s chat.

If we were having coffee together today, I’d tell you that I was SO READY for a day “off” this week. I say day off, what I mean is from one of my jobs. I still taught two classes yesterday. I work several jobs, and it can be tough to create a moment to breathe. Lately, I’ve been working one of my part-time jobs in a full-time capacity, since I had to make-up hours from our Cuba trip. That definitely reaffirmed that I’m no longer built for a single full-time job. Can we chat about this?

If we were having coffee together today, I’d tell you that I work “full-time” but not at just one job. I create my best work in shorter sprint/spurts. I’m still burnt out from my 10-year full-time job (where full-time often meant 80+ hours a week with no extra pay and no flex time). What I’ve learned about myself as a worker:

• I like project-based work. Have a project that you cannot manage and need it done by a certain time? That’s my speciality.
• I like things with an END DATE. I can push myself through something if I begin with the end in mind, and if I can actually visualize that end date. That’s one of the reasons why I love offering “seasonal” class schedules.
• I don’t need credit for all my work. I love being the person that helps you push a project from good to great. At the end of the day, since it’s project-based work, I don’t often get the credit for doing it. Ten years ago, this would’ve consumed my thoughts and made me upset. Now? I see people using my work all the time, and it’s more flattering than anything. There’s a particular project I started 14 years ago that STILL gets used to this date. I’m so proud of that. Do they know who started it? Very unlikely. But I do.
• I like flexible schedules. I thrive under routine, to a certain point. I like to mix it up. With one of my jobs, I get one day off a week. I used to take Fridays, but now I like mixing it up and taking a Wednesday here and there. I like being able to do this, and thrive under this schedule.
• Even with flexibility, I know I thrive under routine. You are what you do DAILY. If you want to create progress, or start something new, you have to do it every day. I just read a Fast Company article about this that reiterates this and goes through a list of how to build a routine you will actually want to follow daily. Check it out.
• If I lead a project, I’m aggressive about it. I like to get things off my desk as quickly as possible. I don’t create time for procrastination, and do not value it.
• I struggle with working on a team. I can be part of a team, and function individually. The moment “group project” is announced, I freeze. I don’t like working in a group, mostly because of lack of trust in the other individuals. In school, I was a good kid, and was placed with “distracting kids” on group projects, with the hope that I could influence them. What almost always ended up happening? I’d do all the work myself anyway. I prefer working alone, as a contractor. I get more done and stress a lot less. I believe in myself and trust myself to do an excellent job.

Do you think about what you value as a worker? Which conditions are best for you to perform? I realize this is a luxury, to think this way, and I’m grateful that I have the opportunity to explore multiple paid gigs. I believe that you can earn what you are worth, it takes time and dedication. If you are committed to your personal development and growth, you can achieve what you visualize for yourself.

This realization took time! And I’ll admit, I am still learning. I often find myself working at the pace of a full-time employee on a part-time paid status. I recommend having a mentor, or a close advisor that can help you create check points to see your progress, and to make sure that you’re not overwhelming yourself. Ultimately, YOU are the person who has to live with your work life every day, so it’s important to create self-checks, too. I realize that a lot of people work certain jobs because they have to, and I’m right there with you! I take on seasonal jobs, extra contracting work, etc., to live the lifestyle I want and need. It’s about recognizing what you want and visualizing that life, and then making it a priority.

Would LOVE to talk more about these ideas with you. Please share your thoughts – and I’m open to grabbing coffee to talk more in person! As long as you promise not to put me in a group project. Then, no dice.