Finding My Balance

Well, over the last few weeks I’ve dropped a couple hints that some things were shuffling around in my life, and some exciting changes were happening. A few weeks ago, I made the transition into working from home – that’s right, I am no longer an office administrator! Now,  I am a Social Media Strategist! These are some exciting times, my friends!

I have been an office administrator pretty much since getting out of high school. As an organizational freak, someone who pays close attention to detail, and enjoys working with customers, being a admin was something I thrived in. But, the funny thing no one tells you is: just because you’re good at something, doesn’t mean you like it. For the most part, I wasn’t too crazy about my day to day duties as an office administrator – checking inventory, faxing, scanning, answering phone calls, scheduling meetings – the list goes on.

But frankly, for years, I didn’t know what I wanted to do – and so doing what I was good at seemed like the obvious choice. After High School I went to college to learn ASL (a beautiful language) and I had dreams of being an interpreter. But, after that year I realized that wasn’t going to be my path. Working towards something and realizing it’s not for you can leave you kind of lost, and so I got a job as an office admin.

outfit details: Wondrous Floral Embroidered Maxi Dress, Ever New Sandals

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It really wasn’t until I started my blog that I realized there were other options out there for me. There were other things I excelled at, and best of all: I enjoyed them. Social Media was the main thing I discovered I loved, and so I set my eyes on one day becoming a social media strategist.

While it may seem like a small goal, it was something I wanted to work towards and make a point of reaching in my mind as I don’t have formal education to help me get there. If I was going to land a job in this field it would have to be through a proven record rather than formal training.

So… What’s it like working from home?

It’s a balance. The last few weeks have been both a dream, and quite stressful. Perhaps it’s because my brain is so stuck on my previous work schedule, but when I see an email or get  request I feel the need to do it immediately – even if my time for the day is supposed to be finished. I think it takes a sort of calmness and self control to not get stressed (and not immediately go work on it) when you see an email fly in at 11PM – this is something I have yet to master.

The first month at home has been one with a lack of balance, and that’s something I am now looking to change. I would like to have a bit more piece of mind, feel a bit more organized, and get ahead with some of the projects I had planned on working on more now that I am home. So, have any of you gone through this? Any advice for maintaining a balance while working from home?