Do you have a chaotic work life?
Recently, I started working as a support worker, working with young people with an experience of trauma and, in some cases, mental health conditions.
The job itself is not for the weak. It is consuming and at times quite emotionally draining.
If you would like to know about the importance of support workers, click here!
During my interview, I was asked if I would like to work part time or full time.
I opted for a full-time position. I haven’t worked a full-time position in so long, so I thought, let’s get back into it.
And boy oh boy, full time it is.
Initially, I thought that a full-time position would consist of working hours between 40-50 hours per week. The shifts are 12 hours long, working 4 days a week which equals 48 hours a week. Sounds feasible.
When I first started the job earlier this month, I worked 37 hours across 4 days during the first week. That was what I thought I’d continue to do once until I completed all my online training to ensure that I am competent in my role. I was clearly mistaken.
The following week, I worked double the hours I worked the previous week. Yup, you read that correctly.
I worked 73+ hours that week.
Was it planned? No. But working in such a field, you have to expect the unexpected.
Incidents may occur, which will mean that you will not finish on time as you may be needed to support individuals.
It has happened a few times since I started working and honestly, I am kind of used to it now.
I am passionate and I enjoy my job for the most part. I do not look at it as, “oh why am I still here?”
I give my all and I believe helping people as it is my purpose so I help because I can and I care to.
As I have been putting time across this short time period, I have struggled to do much of anything else besides work.
This has taught me that I need to be more mindful of my free time and to use my free time wisely.
Below are some tips I have used and what I will use going forward:
Tip 1: Use your day off to plan
Since I’ve started, it is rare that I have two days off together (hoping to get my weekends off soon!). Therefore on my days off, I try to plan for the following week. Let me give you an example.
Last week, I worked Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. On Tuesday, I made sure that I planned and wrote my to-do list for the week.
Usually, I do this on Sundays but I don’t always have Sundays off so I use the weekdays to do this.
Aside from work, I write and run my blog and Youtube channel, so I need to ensure that I stay on top of everything as I post one blog post and one youtube video a week. Subscribe to my channel if you care to.
I have to plan my posts on my day off and sometimes I record 3 maybe 4 videos for my channel.
Personally, I prefer to record a batch of videos as it saves time in the long run.
In addition, I also plan my content for my Instagram, which doesn’t take as long, but I like to know what I post beforehand.
Writing to do lists have helped me tremendously and I’ll definitely recommend to do so.
Tip 2: Meal Prep
As I mentioned, I work crazy hours. This week alone, I have worked 37 hours so far (as of today’s date, 25/6/21). Sometimes, I work 36 hours across 3 days which is exhausting. As I get home quite late, I don’t have the energy and the time to cook dinner each evening for the following day.
On my days off, I meal prep. I’ll give you another example.
My days off were on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. I am then working the next three days, so I made sure that I cooked my meals for those 3 shifts then worked 3 shifts in a row. Not only does it save time at home, but it also saves time at work. There is an option to cook at work, but that will take some time which I don’t always have. In addition, meal prep is a good way to track my calories as well.
Tip 3: Have a routine not just on workdays
Regardless of how hectic my work schedule gets, I will always have a routine that consists of some much needed TLC.
Working out is a staple in my life. I have had an active lifestyle for several years now, and I am very consistent with it. Working out has so many benefits both physically and psychologically, plus it has done wonders for my confidence. If I had to skip the gym to give my body some rest, I would make sure that I work out at home or even go for a jog.
There are always ways to schedule in time for a workout; even if it’s for 20 minutes, something is better than nothing.
Besides, on my day off, I try to go to sleep and wake up simultaneously. I got into this routine during the lockdown, and it helps with my productivity and sleep routine. If you can’t tell by now, I am very much type A personality; I like to be organised.
Tip 4: Try to schedule in some social time
If I am honest, I haven’t done this! I need to! I have been about work and work alone. I need to make it a point to meet up with my loved ones. It is important to have a routine, get some good sleep and plan for the week ahead.
Take Away
As of late, I have been all work and no play! I need to find a balance and I will.
I am paying my dues right now and I truly believe that this work will pay off.
I really do enjoy my job and I am passionate about it.
Over time, I will ensure my boundaries are intact and say no to protect my well-being from being the best I can be for my role.
Thank you for reading.
I hope you are staying safe and take care.
XO
I could relate and agree with all your tips. With 3 full time jobs, work and a family, I have to meal prep and schedule everything to stand a chance.
wooow! 3 full-time jobs! I take my hat off to you! That is insane. I hope you can schedule in some much needed ‘me’ time as well! Thanks for reading.
That is pretty exhausting, thanks for the tips. It’s really hard to find time to spend with family if you are already tired from work and your work requires your attention most of the time. So I really grab whatever chance I can to spend some time with them.
It is most of the time. I am with you! Thanks for reading.
thanks for the tips and tricks shared.
my mom and sister would love this!
Great! Thank you for reading!