Today was my first day (back) at work.
Last night, I had inexplicable anxiety about facing today. With the way I was feeling, one would think I absolutely hate my job or hate working. But I don’t. After almost 24 years in the university classroom, I’m happy to say that I still thoroughly enjoy most aspects of my work. I dislike meetings, grading marathons, and end-of-semester madness. But I enjoy crafting information and creating content. I love facilitating discussions and watching students evolve, find their voices, and exercise their agency. I love engaging with students, tracking their progress, and keeping in touch with them as they move on from the university and develop their personal and professional lives.
So WHY? Why was I inwardly responding with such trepidation to the “first day back.” I’ve had a productive summer of writing, lots of reading, plenty of relaxation, and completion of a few projects. Then, it dawned on me. That’s the problem with returning to work–the rigid schedule that forces me up and out of the house and “doing” constantly until I fall exhausted into bed each night only to wake up the next morning with too little sleep to do it all over again and never, ever finding time for my own intellectual pursuits. Until next summer, gone are the slow, quiet mornings of sipping tea, spending time with God and watching day break. Until next summer, no playing board games with the guys and binge-watching Scott and Bailey (or some other British drama) with my hubby in the middle of the week.
Summers make me feel invincible, like I can accomplish any and all things. This summer has been particularly productive, so I don’t want to disrupt that productivity. Although I’m excited by the prospect of returning to a routine for my son, I realize that returning to a routine for me means less productivity. Less creativity. Less giving of my time in ways I choose, instead of ways that are mandated or expected.
By the time I drove down the driveway this morning, I was okay. I have two more weeks left before students return and classes actually begin, and in that time, I will be implementing ways to take care of my intellectual and creative self and continue to get my own work done. I’ll also work on getting more sleep. I don’t ever want to feel like the classroom is a trap and a killer of dreams (literally and figuratively).
Pics and Posts 
*sigh* I start back tomorrow. I wholeheartedly agree to all of this content.
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I hope your first day(s) went well. We’ll get through it. We always do. Hugs…
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Not to bad actually. Working on establishing the routines in the work/home balance
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It’s the human interactions that make the grind sparkle. Thanks for watching after our futures, 🙂
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Yes. Love the “sparkle.” Otherwise, it would just be so dull!
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I know exactly how you feel. I went back to work on Monday. Everything is alright but still the mornings are tough.
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Yes–the mornings are the toughest part. And Monday mornings, often unbearable. Inhale. Exhale.
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Best luck for tomorrow morning. 💗
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I recognise this too. Dominique (above) and I both have really productive and creative lives outside of the day job and spending the time there is just so inconvenient!
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Haha! I love the way you express that–“spending time [at day job] is so inconvenient.” So true! At times, it is!
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Totally get this. I have been working on making sure that there is time to do what matters to me. Check out the writer, Laura Vanderkam. She has some interesting thoughts and observations and her ideas have helped me tremendously. Good luck.
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Thanks, Shannan! Checking her out.
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