I am taking the day off.
It’s my birthday; I will not work today.
Oh sure, I’ve made myself available to clients every night, weekend, sick day, vacation day and holiday for the last three years, but not today.
Today I will spend the entire day doing what I want to do.
I will run in the morning. I will read a book in a coffee shop. I might even go shopping for some new birthday clothes. But I will not work.
Ok, I’ll do that one conference call at 9:00 a.m., but only because I’ve been trying to get the guy on the phone for two weeks and this is the only slot he has available all week long. But aside from that? Not working. Nope. Not me.
And there is that presentation that I need to finish, but that can mostly wait until tomorrow except for this really good idea that I want to incorporate before I forget. But aside from that? Not working.
And that urgent RFP that came in from the east coast company at 5:00 a.m.? Yes, I’ll respond to that. But after that? Not working.
I am a freelancer. I am flexible. I can take time off whenever I want to. And I’m going to shut down this computer and walk away for the day.
Right after I answer this email.
With apologies to Samantha Bennett, whose voice grew louder and louder in my head as I wrote this. Please accept this unintentional imitation as the sincerest form of flattery.
Good for you! Hope you enjoy your birthday.
LOL! You made your point, no here’s hoping you were able to truly take the day off!
Seriously though, you make a very real point. Today’s flexible workplace, particularly if you’re self-employed, has us convinced that since we can take time off anytime, it’s okay to slip in a little work on days off. It’s a mindset that makes us us our worst enemy!
happy birthday alisa, have a great day! OFF!
happy birthday, alisa. hope your day off was laptop-free and cake-worthy.