It’s been three months since I quit my job and so time for some reflection on the good, and the not so good of it so far.
The Good:
Time and Freedom. There is now time and freedom. This is by far the best thing to happen. There is now time to enjoy my family and time to enjoy my marriage. Previously my job impacted on me 7 days a week so I didn’t really have any respite. There is also time to cook, read and clear the clutter, but overall the best thing is having time for people and not feeling stressed because I don’t.
Less Stress. It’s taken these twelve weeks but I finally feel human again; I feel relaxed, finally. I still have a phone phobia, from before when it used to ring constantly, however being able to use the silent feature on my pay as you go mobile has helped this.
Getting Healthy. I’m no longer comfort eating. Enough said 
The Not So Good:
Money. I’m spending far too much and haven’t adjusted my mindset enough to account for our one income. I’m mainly talking about holidays, as I don’t really spend on stuff. I need to get a part time job and start contributing towards our future goals.
Laziness. I’ve had days doing absolutely nothing but sitting on the sofa, which was ok for a while and perhaps I needed it, but enough is enough; I’m not a lazy person and I don’t want to become one. I have a big list of house jobs that need completing and big plans for the future. I need to be more productive with my time.
All in all it’s going really well. I haven’t missed my job at. all. and living simply feels right. Now I have to decide what to do next.
{photo credit: KM&G Morris}
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
It sounds like the good far out weighs the not so good!! The good are all pluses and the not so good can be worked on so it looks like it’s a win-win situation.
Teresa x
.-= Teresa´s last blog ..Isn’t this Blogging World Amazing!! =-.
[Reply]
Absolutely teresa. There is no bad, it’s all good. I’m very lucky!
[Reply]
Detoxing from a toxic job can take months. Enjoy the process. It sounds like you are, and that you are listening to your body, and starting to feel the urge to engage a little bit more, and be more productive. But don’t rush it. My advice would be *feel* your way forward rather than *think* your way forward at this stage. That seems to be what you are doing (women tend to be better than men at that in my experience).
Money, money, money. It always raises its ugly head to put the kybosh on things doesn’t it? I guess this is where you are going to get hardcore on this frugal living thing!
[Reply]
Definitely sounds like the good outweighs the bad, Laura – hope you continue to enjoy it x
.-= Caroline´s last blog ..The Secret Post Club =-.
[Reply]
I will be a retired single lady next year after a hurting divorce. I am fed up with my teaching job but as the days go by I begin to fear not to be able to do something valuable withall that free time and freedom. Any help would be much welcomed.
[Reply]
Yes Tony, hardcore from now on in; that sounds so wrong!! and you’re right, as always, de-toxing is taking longer then I thought
[Reply]
Thanks Caroline, I can’t imagine ever going back to the corporate world!
Hi Nicole so sorry to hear about your ‘hurtful’ divorce.
I’ve found that having free time doesn’t always mean that you get lots done; it’s very easy to sit and do nothing. Saying that though, sometimes that is just what we all need to do to decide on our next move; It doesn’t hurt to take some time out and think/rest.
I would recommend making a list of things you would like to do/achieve and start making small steps towards them
[Reply]
Try and get a part-time job you enjoy, and it’ll solve the spending money problem, too. You’ll be too busy working to spend money! (I guess this will happen when you get the Portugal B&B)
[Reply]