Back in the mainstream...just like the normal people...

[harker]

I'm barely keeping my eyes open right now but I want to post this before they close completely and the light goes off in my brain. I am tired because I have started full time work again. It's the first time I have had a Monday to Friday working week for three years. After ten months of treatment in 2007 I did start back two days a week, then up to three after a few months. That went on until the other week when I decided I had some things to gain by giving up my Tuesday and Friday off each week. What on earth was I thinking? Goodnight.

[samex]

All I can say is good luck!!!and yes, what were you thinking!!!! I can still only manage 4 days. Hpe that your work mates are being kind to you. S

[Sailor]

Exactly Harker What were you thinking! Still I hope that it works out and that you don't get too knackered! Cheers Sailor . . . there is nothing more enticing, disenchanting, and enslaving than the life at sea. Joseph Conrad, Lord Jim

[Jules2]

Hey Harker ... when i grow up i just want to be just like you 😄

[harker]

wait for me to grow up first, OK.

[Jules2]

OK, Harker if i must!! I might raise you one yawn in the meantime.

[harker]

Bored? Here's a tip. Go out and make a mistake and learn from it. I've found that's kept me occupied for 55 years so far. I haven't been bored waiting to grow up. Not yet, anyway. The "I'm grown up" bus should be along any minute now. I think. Oh dear, I've spent my fare. H

[Jules2]

Not bored ... i was tired ... haha Very rarely bored here and yes i know that bus, travel on it quite frequently. 🙂

[WishingStar]

Hi Harker, I know how you feel! I hope your employer lets you be flexible, and that if YOU feel you have taken on too much in a week or two you can go back to your previous arrangement! I think we have all been there! Hope you have a relaxing - and lots of sleep over the weekend, Nicole

[samex]

I think I missed the bus. At least I hope so!! S

[CATS]

Harker you are either diligent or delusional - either way I hope you are content with your decision. I for one do not want to go back and be with the 'normal' people, although the money would come in very handy.

[harker]

I'm content with it, Cats. Just tired as well. I did need to do it although it does mean reworking the writing time into the week somehow. That's the space I'm losing. Time will tell. H

[Jules2]

Hey Harker Is it kind of like claiming back some of the old you?? Course the financial thing is just that and we can all relate to that. This has got me thinking on my motivation to return to work - apart from the fact i enjoy working for the most part. Thanks! Julie

[harker]

Hi Julie I don't think it's claiming back. It doesn't feel like that to me. I have been on new territory for two years or so, ever since one of the Cancer Council staff found me crying in front of the brochure wall at Rathdowne Street. So 'returning' to working full time isn't going back anywhere. I do have a new agenda for myself and don't have a sense I need to reclaim anything. There were pratical considerations about deciding to work full time. I didn't want to lose an opportunity that came up by staying part-time, that's all. But it does eat into my blogging time, which is extremely inconvenient. I feel I'm rambling and I don't know if I've answered your question at all. By all means think about your motivation to return to work. I'm embarrassed to say it took cancer for me to do it...know what I mean? H

[Jules2]

Hi Harker Yes i do know what you mean and also can relate to being tired and not sure if i am rambling, even though as with you i havent done so. 🙂 Ok, i am not going to admit to those times i do ramble. haha Its interesting how we all have such a commonality (cancer) and yet we are quite different in how we relate etc... I say interesting because i find it so, i love reading about how others cope and different strategies they put in place. Some of it sits right with me and sometimes it doesnt. All of it is ok and just interesting. For me going back to work is like returning to somewhere normal and yet i am still the "new me". Financial is certainly one very good reason i want to return but also because i enjoy it. I am sometimes thankful that i have had cancer. sounds strange i guess and yet like you it has motivated me to do things that i would not have done before. My goal is to return to work and then study full time (law ... have wanted to do it for years). I can almost hear you saying "know what i mean" with a very strong english accent. :) If you get one of these new techno pad thingies you can blog in your lunch hour! Thanks Julie

[samex]

Hi all, The returning to work was regaining a sense of normalcy in a way but I found that my response to others and the way they went about their lives changed. I was no longer concerned with the trivialiites. (I have written about this before.) I made promises to myself not to work as hard and make more time for me but I really think that I have slipped into my old patterns - in fact going in to work tomorrow (in my hols) to work with yr 12 kids. Perhaps, however, this is what gives some meaning? Harker I still don't know what you were thinking, though!I hope it is going well. S

[Jules2]

Hey Samex Thats very admirable that you are going in on your holidays to help out the year 12's. I am sure that they and their parents appreciate you a lot! To me that sort of thing is a "feel good" moment and outside normal working hours and just feels different and i enjoy it. Well done you! Julie xo

[harker]

Julie Do you mean as in Eric Idle "know what I mean, know what I mean". If so, then: "always look on the bright side of life". So there. H

[Jules2]

Hey Harker He's not a naughty boy, he's the mesiah? Julie