Sustainable Work Life

Sustainably Sadie

Sustainable Work Life

Carol Delisi of Facilitating by Design suggested on Facebook a ‘Sustainable Work Life’ as topic of discussion.  I have been following the Facilitator on Facebook and her daily tips for the workplace are inspiring.  Delisi commented, “I think a sustainable work life is one that prevents burnout.  You can manage it in a way that keeps you enthused, productive and efficient in your work. It's sustainable from a mental and physical perspective. It means being able to do your best work at a constant rate because you know your skills and knowledge and how much you can handle.” 

We have to work to pay the bills.  We work to keep busy and to have purpose in our lives.  In the course of a lifetime, a person can experience several career changes.  My husband and I are among many who are not using their 4-year college degrees.  Knowing at 18 what you want to do or be for the rest of your life is a tricky endeavor and I applaud those who were able to make it happen.  I also congratulate those who are able to walk away when a set-upon path is no longer fulfilling.  What you do to pay the bills should be rewarding, not soul-crushing. 

Also included under Education on my resumé is my Yoga Teacher Training.  I am grateful for the experience as it is something that I can use for the rest of my life, no matter where we live.  Yoga and writing are the closest claims I have to any sort of career.  And when our family needs it, I fall back on cleaning houses.  I have always been able to find work cleaning; cleaning at local fly fishing lodges was where I first made money as a teenager.  Working for Merry Maids in Missoula was my first job after I graduated from college.  It is not something that I want to do 40 hours a week, but it is something that compliments my Stay-at-Home-Mom gig. 

I’ve been trying not to take offense when people ask me “What are you going to do now?” when we talk about having the coffee shop kiosk up for sale.  I find myself having to explain further than “I’m staying at home, raising kids.”  I tell of the patchwork of writing these articles, developing my blog, teaching yoga, and cleaning.  It is not easy for Moms to decide between work and kids.  “Mom” doesn’t count as fulfilling career; I am okay with not having a defining career as long as whatever it is that I am doing, I am doing as well as I possibly can…to the best of my ability.    “Live to Work”/ “Work to Live”/ “Do What You Love”/ “Love What You Do”—and to live where we love here in SW Montana, sometimes you have to be a Jack of all trades.   Make sure to enjoy your time off and take vacation time. 

What tips do you have for a sustainable work life?  Join the conversation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SustainablySadie.  Post comments at www.sustainablysadie.blogspot.com or email sustainablysadie@hotmail.com.

Twin Bits

Reminder:  The Twin Bridges landfill accepts clean plastic for recycling.  The plastic must have a #1 or #2 symbol on it.  No lids or rings.  Please rinse the containers.  They do not accept plastic grocery bags, but they could be reused and then dropped off at Wal*Mart. 

There will be a special TBCA meeting at the MT Room in Twin Bridges, Wed Feb 13, 7 pm.  “The meeting is scheduled to be a brain storming session and planning forum with representatives of area civic organizations... we will be looking at the root causes of why our organizations are struggling and what we can do to change for the future.

The Rotary Club will have light refreshments.

We look forward to this being an enlightening and engaging evening and hope to see you there!

If you have questions, please feel free to call Paula at The Old Hotel at 684-5959 or contact Jack Leber at Prudential Montana Real Estate.”

Support Local Art:  If you missed Donna Nolte’s book signings here in the valley this past weekend, you have another opportunity for the author to sign her book, Hazel, at the Book Store in Dillon, Saturday Feb. 16, 1 pm to 3 pm. 

From TBS Calendar:

Thurs Feb 14:  VFW Mtg @ MT Room, 7:30 pm; FCCLA Valentine’s Day Balloon Sale

Feb 13-15:  District Basketball tournaments, Boys & Girls @ Butte MAC

Mon Feb 18:  No School, President’s Day

Tues Feb 19:  JrHi BBB @ Ennis, 4 pm; School Board Mtg @ MT Room, 7 pm

Sat Feb 23:  FFA attending State

Feb. 20- 23:  Divisional Basketball tournaments, Boys & Girls @ Hamilton

Wed Feb 27:  Spring Picture Day; Madison County Spelling Bee @ Alder Community Center

Feb 28- March 2:  State Girls’ Basketball Tournament @ Belgrade

March 7- March 9:  State Boys’ Basketball Tournament @ Bozeman 

I am here to promote activities and events in the Ruby Valley.  Please contact me at the above Sustainably Sadie address, call me at 684-5222 or snail mail: P.O. Box 491, 59754.