Werk (not a typo)
I’m finally werkin’. It took months to get into the groove of things. I mean I was getting work done, what I had to do, but I wasn’t werkin’ it.
In previous posts, I alluded to big plans I had for this year: presenting at conferences, publishing research papers to academic journals, and maybe potential job advancement opportunities. All delayed now.
The mundane. There are tasks that are so monotonous that they only take some work but they make me feel like I’m taking two steps back. Such is the nature of promoting at an organization but not having someone take over previous responsibilities. Quite frankly, it’s the stuff that needs to get done, no one else can do it, so I buck up and say to myself, “at least I have a job right now.” Which I need to be thankful for.
What I have been able to do. I actually did submit a research paper recently and I’m playing the waiting game now. For the systems and processes I manage at my job, I have been refining and werkin’ them so they are more streamlined and/or polished. I’m thinking outside of the box to be more resourceful but also focused. Instead of being a yes (wo)man, I am picking and choosing the projects I find are a) interesting, b) challenging, and c) impactful. I want the experience for early childhood teachers and students/families to continuously improve and I have to keep my eye on that goal.
Personally. I have hit a good work/life balance.
Remind myself why I’m in early childhood education and how I’m making a positive difference.
Log off the computer and accept that if it isn’t done, it will still be there the next day.
Give myself the space to no longer scramble to meet last-minute requests but rather calmly set a respectful deadline.
Attend virtual conferences and professional development in areas I am interested in.
Sleep well by using the “Nothing Much Happens” podcast to fall asleep faster and go back to sleep when I wake up.
Keep working out and eating well. I am in the best shape of my adult life. I’ve never done both working out and eating well at the same time and it actually really makes a difference. So everything they say is true!
It ain’t easy. None of this is easy because of the tumultuous times we live in. Socially, economically, politically there are so many things going on that it’s easy to spiral into depression. Doing your work may be the only thing you’re able to do right now and that is totally fine. I want to take control over what I can and the only way I can do that is by werkin’ and hustlin’. Instead of being sad about what could have been an awesome 2020, I’m setting-up my career for when COVID-19 ends (and it will end!), and by treating my body as temple. It’s a lot of werk.
I hope you can find moments of happiness, werk or work, and have fun!