Back story:
End 2016, I completed the purchase of my current house. I interviewed 6 different contractors for the job before I decided on my renovations. It is a major overhaul of the entire unit, down to my exact specifications. The contractor I hired did an amazing job because he has decades of experience in this line and he was able to coordinate very well with the carpenters, the electricians, the plumbers, the furniture and appliances delivery people, the window makers, the painters, basically every different group of people needed for the entire job. (PM me for his contact, if you are interested)
Most people do not work less after purchasing a property but I was lucky to be able to take a short breather.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I made a crazy decision today.
I streamlined my workdays and decided to focus on the classes that I enjoy teaching and feel that I value-add the most to.
That said, hello to a 3day workweek for 2017.
While salary will drop in the interim, I think what it means for me is more time to pursue:
1) Swimming
I am now learning backstroke, having learned freestyle, breaststroke, and water threading since starting swimming lessons in April 2015.
2) Bible studies and self development
The Old Testament introduction I took for the first half of 2016 was nothing short of amazing and I think the Book Ecclesiastes is part of the reason for my leap of faith.
If we love life and we love God, I think it is up to us to live life fruitfully. While work can be meaningful, sometimes it is important to take a step back, appreciate life and to express gratitude simply for being alive.
3) Philanthropy
One of the goals I set for myself this year is to commit to donate a small percentage of my income to charity every single month. I think next year, with more time, I would like to step up to volunteer time with a charitable organisation.
4) Friends and family
I've been working so much over the past few years that I have slightly neglected my friends and family. Come 2017, I hope to be more present with my current friends and family and forge more meaningful friendships which I keep for many, many years to come.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it."– Steve Jobs
P.S Work wise, I got my 5 year long service award!
