Why I pour all my energy into work and my business
Recently I have noticed I have almost no social life, and i’m completely fine with it! Here’s why:
Growing up, I was taught “The harder you work, the more rewarded you will become.” While I fully believe this, I don’t believe in working yourself to burnout. Luckily, I have a higher tolerance from that due to working in a hospital as a CNA during the peak of covid. 🏥
I just got off a 16 day “bender” of work, with two days off. I am back on the schedule, working through this week, with Friday off, but also working through the weekend. I also have multiple clients after work on a few of these days. I take so much pride in my work ethic and being a good worker has gotten me very far. 📈
Now the reason I have little to no social life is because I CHOSE THAT ROUTE. I’m 23 years old, I’ve experienced the bar life, Vegas, drunk nights with friends, and I’ve quite frankly grown out of it. There is absolutely no disrespect to anyone that still does these things! Have fun, live life, but that is not the lifestyle I yearn for anymore. A lot of my friends still choose this lifestyle so hanging out with them is much harder, as they always want to do something I won’t do. But whenever they just want to get coffee or hangout in the house, I’ll be there if I have free time! 🍺
I believe that if you want something in this life, you HAVE to work for it. I used to have the mindset of “Well that could never happen to me, I’m just your average Joe.” But it can happen! A lot of successful people started from nothing and worked their way up. And i’ll be damned if i’m not one of them!💵
It's a tough question many of us grapple with: why do we sometimes put our careers first, even when we know it might affect our loved ones? I've definitely been there, navigating a demanding work schedule (my calendar often looks like a battlefield of appointments and deadlines!) and trying to keep my relationships afloat. I know firsthand that prioritizing career goals can feel like a lonely road, but it's often driven by deep-seated personal motivations. Beyond simply wanting success, many of us prioritize work for a variety of reasons. For some, it’s about achieving financial stability, not just for ourselves but for our families. For others, work is where we find our deepest sense of purpose and identity. It can be a creative outlet, a challenge that keeps us engaged, or even a way to build a future we've always dreamed of. When I look at my own demanding work routine, sometimes laid out clearly on a corkboard schedule with specific time slots, it's not just about the tasks; it's about the bigger picture I'm building. Addressing the emotional impact on others is crucial, though. It’s rarely easy when friends or family feel neglected because of our intense focus on work. I've found that open and honest communication is key. Instead of just disappearing, I try to explain why this period of intense work is important to me, what I'm trying to achieve, and that it doesn't mean I value them any less. Sometimes, they just need to understand your 'why' to offer their support, even if it’s from a distance. Even with a packed work schedule, a quick coffee catch-up or a FaceTime call can do wonders for maintaining those connections. While I have a high tolerance for hard work, it's also important to acknowledge the potential for burnout. It's a marathon, not a sprint, and even the most dedicated among us need to find ways to recharge. For me, those occasional two days off after a 16-day work streak are sacred. They're not just breaks; they're essential for coming back stronger. Recognizing the signs of exhaustion and building in small moments of self-care, even if it’s just 15 minutes of quiet time, can make all the difference. Ultimately, the decision to prioritize work or personal goals is deeply personal, and what 'balance' looks like is different for everyone. My idea of balance might involve a demanding work routine that some find extreme, but it aligns with my current life season and aspirations. The key is to be self-aware, communicate your choices to your loved ones, and understand that your journey is unique. It’s about making conscious choices that serve your long-term vision, while still nurturing the relationships that matter most, even if it takes extra effort to do so.
