So I'm in the middle of a year off. Yay. A particular set of circumstances mean that I have the option to extend that unpaid leave and have 2019 off too. I am a bit stuck on what decision to take. Here are the factors:
Pros
- My outlook on life and mental wellbeing has skyrocketed this year while away from work. I was morose, depressed, and quick to get angry. My wife says she has noticed and is enjoying the difference.
- I am spending more time with our kids, am more involved with them, and happier to do this.
- I am doing some study this year towards an area of interest, and would spend next year getting a qualification that I've been interested in for some time.
- I am able to invest more time in my marriage and do things with my wife on a weekday that she has off and the kids are at school.
- I have increased my fitness regime and am fitter than ever before.
- I am able to pursue other interests as well as do jobs around the place that I've been meaning to for years.
Cons
- We have plans to go abroad as a family and live/work there. Taking time off will delay this.
- We have land and plan to build a house when we get back from abroad. Taking time off will delay this.
- There is obviously a financial sacrifice we will need to make by forgoing a year's salary. This will mean not having some niceties in life.
- While I can obtain the leave at work, obviously life goes on and opportunities are missed by taking time off.
So yer. The reality is it is win-win and choice between two good situations. I long to continue living the simple life that I am now, but it does not come without sacrifices. The circumstances making this opportunity possible ends at the end of 2019, so it is a one-shot thing.
How far would you go to simplify your life and improve your quality of life?
Submitted June 15, 2018 at 02:23AM by iheartchemtrails https://ift.tt/2t0wRKr
