By Robert P. Poindexter
Scheduling my time has been a bit of an issue for me lately. In November, I cut my hours at my full-time job in order to be more available for Careertrend.
The problem is, I have had a regular work schedule dictated by my employers for so long that I was unsure of how to set my own schedule. It’s been almost three months now, and I am just beginning to see how important scheduling can be.
For the first few weeks after going part time at my regular job, I was still looking at any day that I wasn’t at the office as a day off and treated it accordingly. That’s not to say I didn’t do anything at all constructive. I helped with the occasional blog post and reviewed a few client resumes.
Jac and I would brainstorm together over a few projects, and I would offer opinions to help out. But I would do these things sporadically. There was no structure, and things that got done, were done in spite of myself. Being new to working from home, I simply was not up to the task of the self discipline necessary to be productive.
I’ve been an early riser for years, so that wasn’t a problem. I still got up and washed my face. I still headed into the kitchen and got the coffee started. I still checked my email while the coffee was brewing in case someone had discovered me while I was sleeping or the weather forecast had changed since the 10 p.m. broadcast.
Once the coffee was ready, I still plopped down in front of the television to catch up on all the latest news and views. The problem was that several hours later, I would still be there. I had the whole day to do whatever I wanted, and since I didn’t have to shower and head to the office, my motivation for getting started waned.
I mean, who knew so many wonderful programs came on back to back to back. When the news went off at nine, Regis Philbin would step in to entertain me. Right after that, Rachael Ray would hold my attention with her recipes and tips for better living. The Price is Right would further keep me glued in place. I mean, what with that whole “the one closest to the actual retail price without going over” thing going on. How could I turn away?
The next thing you know, a housewife from Hoboken, New Jersey was walking away with over $40,000 in cash and prizes, just because she listened to my advice being yelled at her through my TV set for the last hour. This brings us to noon and finds me still in my robe and slippers with the stocking cap I put on every morning to keep the wild mop that is my hair pinned down.
Now, before you start thinking I’m just a lazy couch potato, I’ll remind you that it is winter and almost all of my preferred activities involve the ability to be outside wearing only shorts and a t-shirt. Not being able to do that is extremely trying for me.
Last night, I began reflecting on my slovenly ways, and it occurred to me I needed a schedule. After all, having a scheduled work day at the office made me a more productive member of that team. Why would this new role be any less affected? I have already begun working on a new schedule for myself, and tomorrow morning it will go into full effect.
I’m going to miss you, Regis and Rachael. Drew, I’m afraid your contestants will just have to figure out on their own how to properly release a Plinko chip or whether dishwashing liquid is more expensive than toothpaste.
Kudos to all of you who figured this out long ago and have built successful businesses by adhering to the self discipline that is required to do so.
And if you’re a job seeker who has fallen into this same trap because you no longer have to report to an office, I urge you to put yourself on a work schedule that includes building your resume, taking advantage of interview coaching offers or just brushing up on your own professional skills. Because no matter how many people you may have helped win the showcase showdown, none of them will share their winnings with you.
Love this. I was laughing my way through your day.
It IS easy to become lazy when we have so much time. I struggled with it for a while too when I switched from corporate office to home office. Like you, I would think, “As soon as this is over, I’ll get up and start writing…” Next thing I know, I am working until 2:30 a.m. trying to catch up.
Glad you realized your evil ways. 😉 Do you REALIZE what a PATIENT wife you have? Most women (me) would have started loudly hinting after the first 2 days “get up and DO SOMETHING!”
🙂
Yes, I do realize this. However, she may have also been thinking that as long as I remained inert, I wasn’t screwing anything up. Just sayin’. Anyway, thanks for the great comment and know that I am presently knee deep in resume reviews, and the tv is turned off.
Cheers
Rob
I love the way you write 🙂
The story of your transition to working at home was a great illustration of the importance of setting a schedule (if you want to succeed at getting anything done, that is).
And this is so applicable to the process of jobseeking whether you are employed or unemployed.
An unemployed person runs the risk of wasting his day; an employed person may never make the necessary phone calls, networking contacts, resume changes if he/she does not make a point of scheduling the time to do this.
You are so right,Dorlee. Thank you for the kind words regarding my writing, and for furthering my point on the absolute need for a schedule. Great to hear from you.
Cheers
Rob
Robert,
I, too, had a chuckle, but I can relate, as it’s so easy to get carried away by the TV – (TV for me is news and sports), and of course, the social media trap.
In trying to organize myself, I now dress as if I am ‘going to work’, and move into my real home office instead of my husband’s improvised office in the corner of the bedroom which is close to to a TV.
From a social media perspective, I scheduled my tweets, so am not on Twitter all the times. I am still a work-in-progress, but am getting there.
You will be fine, and am sure @ValueIntoWords will keep you in line.
Regards,
Daisy
(North of the Border)
Thank you, Daisy. There may be hope for me yet,lol. I’m glad you enjoyed the post,but I’m sorry you could relate. As you pointed out, getting dressed truly is half the battle. Have a great day and check in anytime.
Cheers
Rob
Hey Rob, I missed this post and once again you have me laughing! Here’s my tip for you. My oldest son leaves for work at 6am on weekdays. I turn off the TV or switch to my 10-15 minute exercise DVD shortly after he leaves. Then I turn off the TV and to save phantom electricity from leaking, I turn off the circuit breaker. Then I am not tempted.
We never had cable before December 2009 so it would be real easy for me to figure out where Bobby Flay or my other favorite chefs are hiding on the food network, but off they stay. Wish I could tell you I don’t get distracted by anything… oops… gotta go check e-mail, Twitter, Facebook… oops… 🙂
Thanks Julie, I’m so glad you enjoy my ramblings. I appreciate you checking in and providing me with some great tips. I must admit I’ve heard of ghost hunters and ghost busters. There’s the Phantom of the Opera, Phantom ships and phantom pains . But “phantom electricity”? Great,now I have something else to be worried about,lol!!
Cheers
Rob
Rob,
Great post as always. Interesting how you connected your new “ritual” to what most job seekers practice. So true, despite the pressing need to jump start their job search.
I will, however, ahem, objectively say, give yourself a BREAK, man! 🙂
Working from home is a real challenge and you just started doing it. After so many years working a regular schedule it is only logical that Rachel Ray will keep you hooked to the set! He, he.
Plus those amazing post you crafted did not write themselves–eh?
On the other hand, job seekers — You get off your…and call CareerTrend ASAP. A Master Resume Writer on your side will beat any TV show any day of the week!
Great post, Rob.
You rock, Rosa. Thank you so much for the kind words of understanding.
Cheers
Rob