Life and Balance

Hello!
 
So I was thinking about this life/work balance thing this morning. I use to be so good at managing many many things (well I think I was) and I feel as though maybe its time and age that makes it more difficult, or just that its different things to balance.

It may just be that I balance differently now. Being married and living apart brings a whole new challenge, which is manageable but demanding in different ways. Having a jack russell that wants to come along and doesn't understand that I don't work a job I can take her to, or that by leaving her with friends when I fly - that its better for her (as I imagine kids sometimes feel a lack of understanding too).

I weigh the options between taking a full weekend, or trying to work a bit here and there at the old job. Honestly I feel as though at this point my time and energy to play with the dog, clean the house, organize life, and balance working out - I am best to call it quits at that job (for my sanity and theirs of wondering if I am ever going to pick up enough shifts each month - the short answer being no)

But then its nice to have the option to work more if needed. I think maybe it would be different if Kristopher was here and Ruby had someone to entertain her and stimulate the brain cells - and I had someone to split keeping up the house with. Is this an excuse? As truly I am managing a house only I am living in? Not sure... however taking at least one day to myself and the house and the dog has become a standard I am willing to sacrifice a work day for. (I am also realizing that I truly have ended up with a actual 2 day weekend 2 times in the past month due to putting weekends together to be able to travel to see family/ have Kristopher visit and spend time with him, etc) so in reality I am having 1-2 weekend days a month still, regardless of working extra - and thats a balance all its own.

Bless my job though - it has given me the income I need to make ends meet and afforded me the time I need to take care of life, love, sadness, family, and maintain employment, which is not something I can say for other jobs I have had.