Saturday, 28 June 2008

Workaholics anonymous

I have been dead busy since my last post and so many things happened that I don't quite know where to start. Apart from my precious baby girl due on 8 Sept, I also have a set of twins due on 14 and 15 August. This pair is my 2 major projects for this year, and frankly, I'm probably giving them alot more attention than I should and at the expense of sleep and rest... Yes, I know I should be resting more esp. given the 'condition' I am in... at the same time, I need to deliver results (and a healthy baby too). For one, I don't believe that work load should be cut or reduced just cos one is pregnant and two, I have no desire to burden my colleagues or share the accolades of a job I know I can do well.

For years, people I work with from different organisations have called me workaholic. I have always resented that because that title just have a very bad ring to it. It means a person who is not only addicted to work, who can't function without work and who will work at all other expense. I do not think I am like that, altho I'm sure people who know me will beg to differ. I like being productive and I take a lot of pride being able to deliver good results. Of course I work for the hope of a better bonus and promotion, but I think even if those are not in sight, I'll still work to my bones to get something done. That's what tax payers (including me) are paying me to do.

But there are priorities that I am very clear about and I do not compromise on those. Unless I absolutely have to, time with Lucas is important to me and that takes priority... so if I have a deadline to rush, I'll complete it AFTER I put Lucas to sleep. I think in terms of priorities... ME usually takes the last position... Which I know is not healthy but something I am quite unwilling to change. In a way, my work defines who I am.

Anyway, I have come to accept the title of being a workaholic... I'm really not too bothered to explain that I don't sacrifice family time... and I doubt anyone would believe me looking at the consistency of post-2 am work emails. That's the time I can actually get work done after I put Lucas to sleep. To some it is ironic that I don't seem to have any Work-Life since I'm promoting Work-Life... but to me, there's no confusion or misnomer- I am able to achieve both by spending less time on myself. And I'm actually happier for it.

From now till 15 August, I have to ensure that the twins are well taken care off so that by 8 Sept, I can set my mind at ease and concentrate on having my long-awaited baby girl and have a well-deserved rest.

No comments: