Back in the Swing of Things

Today was my first day back to work in a week. I had such nerve to skip my morning coffee. My brain feels like mush. I spent an hour doing something in excel that should have taken me 15 minutes. It’s funny how there’s such an adjustment period to getting back in the swing of things. Whether I’m returning from time in Massachusetts, a beach vacation or sightseeing, I still need a day or two to get back on the ball.

Of course, I was well rested until about 10AM. Now, not so much. We have a few last minute projects for the year and everyone is on level ten. I was just telling girls at home that things had been a little slow at work. “Who’s investing in hedge funds in this market?” I guess I spoke a little too soon! Thankfully our firm has been fortunate in terms of losses. Still, in this market, I don’t know any firm whose door is being beat down with potential new investors.

Honestly, I prefer work when everyone is upbeat and working to get something done. I find in downtime, I don’t work as productively and time drags. I know that most of my friends feel this way. The energy when there’s a goal to be reached is like adrenaline. I work more quickly, make less mistakes and am in a great mood. While I enjoy down time, I certainly need to be going more than relaxing. I’ve always been like this, though. Nonetheless, every now and then (let’s be honest, once a day) I consider what it would be like to not work. There’s the - I just hit the mega millions fantasy which is so much fun. There’s also the - I have two kids at home thought process. If I were fortunate enough to have the option to stay at home, in the end, I don’t know if I’d take it. This week off was wonderful, I enjoyed spending time with friends and family, but I also felt like I needed projects. Going to the mall can only sustain me for so long!

I don't have any friends who do not work, but I do have a few who recently had children this year. Let’s be honest, for some going back to work was less demanding than staying home. Maternity leave is intense! So while it's not the same as choosing to stay at home to just chill, it is the first time for many of them to consider whether or not to go back to work.

My girlfriends run the gamut in terms of returning to work. Many would prefer to stay at home, but quite a few rushed back to the office. Those who went back to work all had different reasons for doing so. One simply enjoys her job and wanted to get caught up. She has help at home and could swing it. At our young age, many found it hard to justify staying home. They figured that a few more years of dual income would benefit their family best in the long run. I have another friend ready to deliver in the next couple weeks. She figures that she would like to go back to work once the she and baby are adjusted, but probably not to the same career.

It’s such an exciting time to see how they are all adjusting and what direction everyone is going in. It’s also interesting to see some who thought they would prefer staying home, wishing that they had something to go back to a couple times a week, and visa versa. After my week off, I wonder what would be best for me. Right now, I think I’ll focus on winning the mega millions!