Life Lessons from an Entrepreneur – Work Can Wait – It Really Can

I’ve always been big on promoting and encouraging a work environment with an even work-life balance.

If all you do is work, and nothing else, although you may get an ‘A’ for effort, eventually you’ll burn out. And who wants to work with someone that doesn’t have a life outside of work?

After years in the corporate world, now that I’m doing my own thing and running my own show, I still have problems living up to my own work-life balance ethic.

As I write this, it is Tuesday evening, a little past 6pm. I’ve been working straight since 9am. Well, okay, not quite – I took about 10 minutes to go to the corner pizza place and grab a couple of slices for lunch.

But I rushed back to my desk, and began chomping as I worked. Napkins and wet naps are every office worker’s savior.

I know – I’m your classic over achiever. And like most classic over achievers, I’ll probably end up in the hospital with a coronary.

I blame Mother Nature for today’s post. After a brutal winter, and not much of a spring so far, as the close of the working day came, the sun began to shine, and I looked out my window and saw some kids kicking a ball to each other as they scooted past.

As I watched the kids kick on past, the streets and sidewalks filled with people leaving their offices for their families and friends. I began thinking about work-life balance.

Especially, as I heard the hum of my computer, almost begging me to come back and finish the never-ending work that needs to be done.

Even as I type this, Mother Nature continues her torture. Now the streets and sidewalks are filled with people doing things other than work.

Some guy just walked by with his dog, a handful of joggers strode past, and cute couples are snuggling down the street for a night on the town.

Meanwhile, I am typing at my computer, surrounded by my papers, my phones, my work.

Work can wait – it really can.

End of the day, whatever isn’t done, can be finished tomorrow.

“Go home,” I’d tell myself, if I were on my team. “You’re no good to us if you’re burnt out. Go home.”

So why am I still sitting across from the glow of my computer screen, hammering out this piece like there is no tomorrow?

I enjoy what I do, perhaps too much. Perhaps that’s the problem?

Though I also enjoy listening to and watching podcasts, catching up with friends, and enjoying the fresh air and sunshine which Mother Nature continues to flaunt in my face.

Mother Nature may be wise.

Instead of taunting and tormenting me, perhaps she’s trying to lure me away from my work, so that I don’t burn out, and become a dreary tired drone.

Wouldn’t that be ironic?

Most people start businesses for professional and personal freedom. They take the leap necessary to become an entrepreneur, so that they can work the hours they want, earn the money they want, and live the life outside of work they’ve always wanted.

However, it’s now 6:18pm and I’m still on my butt, typing away.

While the sun is getting low in the night’s sky. Eventually, it will be dark.

Don’t worry – I won’t sleep at the office.

I’m done for today.

That’s it!

I’m out of here.

I’m about to listen to my own advice, and get some fresh air and sunshine.

Because work can wait – it really can.