I don't think so.
I'm 50 years old this year and I have spent the majority of my days being a wife and mother. Something I thought I would never find fulfilling, I did--and I loved every minute of those years. Now, though, I have been downsized in that job and I've had to find something to do outside the home. I could stay home, but it just finds me bored and getting into trouble. Working part-time is the perfect solution, you see. I get outta the house, make a little bit of money, AND I'm doing fairly well at staying out of trouble.
Do I want more? Nope. I like the challenge of learning new skills, taking on additional responsibilities, and god knows, with two kids in college, it would be nice for more money....BUT....I hate the idea of working full-time or managerial duties. I dread the too-many meetings we have already, and I certainly don't want to attend more. I like that I can leave early in the day and pop on over to the pool on my way home from work. I like that if I miss a meeting, the company does not shut down.
There is something to be said for mediocrity, and at this time in my life, it's okay with me. I'm tired and definitely not on the "career" track anymore--I gave that up in my 20's. What I thought I wanted all those years ago has shifted and it's more about living life and eeking out every bit of happy out of my day. For some reason, that doesn't involve V look-ups and pivot tables on spreadsheets.
So, while I will wear slacks and a nice blouse a couple of days this week, I'm definitely keeping the dressy jeans on the docket as well. I've got a life to lead, you know.
15 comments:
I think you are so smart to have an attitude like that. Life is too darn short not to enjoy some of it. But I guess some people really do enjoy working. So do what you wanna do.
I'm with ya! I took a voluntary demotion a few years ago to gain regular work hours and I don't regret it one iota. Jeans and tees are all I wear!
Happy is better
When you find what's comfortable, there's absolutely nothing wrong with settling in and getting cozy with it!
Wise woman! Know who you are and know what you want and what will make you happy...Your life, your terms (as much as possible!) And I don't think 'mediocrity' is the right word...'Definition of MEDIOCRE: of moderate or low quality, value, ability" I don't think that applies to you at all. do you?
My Mommeh is happy to wear jeans, long sleeved tee-shirt and boots to work every day!
I hear ya. I went through a stage where I wanted to move up and take on more and I actually got there. HATED it and after two years went back to what I had been doing before. Now my goal in life is retirement...lol
I'm with you my friend. You couldn't pay me enough to be a manager. I like my flex time (off at 4:30 pm Mon - Thur and 1:30 pm on Fridays). Though...more pay for what I do would be ok! :)
xo Catherine
oh, good for you! I can't wait until I can work part-time...
Pearl
Pretty sure the "fast track" is highly overrated (and who cares in the end, anyway?) If you are happy where you are in your life - which is the best way to be, if you ask me - then I say hooray ;o)
I think career is way over-rated! I prefer a job that I have normal hours, don't have on my mind once I leave the workplace and like you, don't have lots of boring meetings to attend. I was never into that. I like my secretarial job just fine, thank you very much.
Good for you for recognizing what is important in YOUR life and going for it! Leave the "fast track" to the younger crowd! :)
I'm not on the career track anymore either. And I'm fine with that.
I bless the day I drove my career down the exit ramp from the Expressway. The quality of my life skyrocketed when the management and supervisory responsibilities were left at the exit ramp.
I have kept my work ethic strapped to my hip. That's important no matter how fully engaged one happens to be.
Yes, Its funny how those priorities change as you get older. Maybe its because we finally figure out whats REALLY important in life!
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