Thank You, Uncle Sam

Since this blog began I’ve been noting observations on my progress with balancing graduate school with the rest of my life. I have yet to achieve success in every area, but when it comes to balancing work, I don’t really have any issues. There is no juggling act, because work time is work time – everything else falls outside of the work realm and thus is balanced separately (school, social, volunteer work etc.).

Actually, it’s fairly easy to compartmentalize my professional life right now due to my current job situation. Earlier in the year, I began life as a government consultant which was a major departure from my jet-setting life in the corporate world. I no longer travel 4 days a week. I’m no longer responsible for managing a team. The pace is a bit slower, and for the most part, I’m able to control the exact amount of time I spend in the office each day. I still work hard, but in my contract the government has capped my hours 43 per week. Nowadays, I can complete my projects, impress my client, leave work before 7 p.m. and still get home in time for homework.

Government consulting is a pretty good gig, and for the moment it represents a pocket of true balance. I know it won’t last. I should be grateful.

So allow me to take my star-spangled top hat off to you, Uncle Sam, and thank you for helping me maintain equilibrium (in at least one area of my life) during these time-challenging times.

Number fifty-six