Financial Freedom + Self Care

SnowBallBunny

Self Care at work:

My inbox: I created a personal folder in my work inbox and whenever I recieve a positive comment via email, I put it in there so I can refer to it and remind myself that my work has value and I'm doing a good job.

My work is very administrative, organisational and uncreative. Eventually I'd like to change that. I've done unenjoyable uncreative work for so long that it can be very disheartening. I am glad to have a job during this time, I am grateful but I also feel this way. The inbox folder is an effort to shift my mood.

Colleagues: The rude colleague I mentioned before has been passive aggressive from the beginning of the year. It may seem small example but we left a meeting once and I was walking behind her, rather than holding the door open she just let it slam in my face. In that moment I knew that I wouldn't treat her or anyone at work like that, whether or not I liked them because it's pathetic. We attended another meeting a few days later, she was behind me and I held the door open for her, she's been less negative since then. I only interact with her regarding specific work related tasks. I haven't worked with someone who is so unpleasant for a long time.

I think that's something to be grateful for too, the fact that I've worked with so many good, kind and pleasant people. I've also had lunch with colleagues. There's a member of the team, I'll call him Greg. He always invites everyone out for group lunches, I'm glad because he helps to bring us together. He's also upbeat and good to talk to.

Career Exploration: I'm considering working in Marketing/Branding later on as it could be a good way for me to use my creative skills at work. I've even seen roles that have been advertised that combine Project Management and Marketing. I'm focussed on getting a job that pays well enough but today I wanted to take small steps to learn more about Marketing and the opportunities within that field. When I spoke to the Careers Advisor, he encouraged me to talk to people who are working in fields that interest me so in a way, I'm following up on that. I sent an email to a friendly colleague in the Communications team for our department. I also sent an email to the Director of Communications in another department - we have nice chats in the kitchen but today I took a step and reached out for some guidance and advice. The Director sent me a detailed email and offered me the opportunity to write some content for her department's website.

Job Applications & Interviews

I have another interview on Monday: Project Coordinator role within a beauty company. 12 month contract. Not sure how much they pay but the role looks like a good opportunity.

Two Job Applications due on Monday: One for a Senior Administrator within a Legal organisation, well paid with annual travel to company events. Permanent role. Second one is for Project Officer role, a well paid contract with a council.

Finishing off my job application for tomorrow for the Art Project Officer role.

I requested feedback for the role I didn't get at the Uni.

SnowBallBunny

Impatience: I have to work on being more patient about this situation. My impatience and stress has really affected my sleep. I want to reset my sleep cycle naturally, instead of getting sleeping tablets from the Doctor. I haven't slept properly since November, only 2 - 3 hours per night.

I'm budgeting weekly and based on my current progress I should be able to do the following in January.

Self Care
I worked from home today as I had to be home to wait for an Electrician to check some sockets. It was good to be home today. I did a bit of cleaning and cooked a nice Black Bean Chili, brown rice and spinach at lunch time.

January 2018

2nd February - Complete Baby Step 1 and set aside £900 - £950 It'll be good to have this money to hand as this would cover a month's expenses. If I start a new job at the beginning of the month and only get paid at the end of the month, those expenses will be covered.
9th February - Pay off Library fine £90
23rd February - Pay off Tax Bill £450
Interviews: 4

Creative
I want to do something creative. What, I haven't decided but a project would be good for me. I put everything on hold in November 2017 when I had my LBM. I could record some songs or do some creative writing. Not sure just yet. But I need to do something enjoyable that isn't connected to job hunting.

MeenaM

well done with the baby step 1 and you're well on the way with baby step 2 , i am finding listening to dave ramsey everyday is keeping me motivated

SnowBallBunny

MeenaM wrote: »

well done with the baby step 1 and you're well on the way with baby step 2 , i am finding listening to dave ramsey everyday is keeping me motivated

Thanks Meena, glad you're feeling motivated by Dave Ramsey.

SnowBallBunny

Update:

My sister's offer on the house has been accepted. She plans to move when her current contract ends at the end of March.

I've been feeling so anxious and depressed about this whole thing and I just want to let that go and look at the good/positive in this situation. I feel down, stressed and exhausted but it's a wake up call, an uncomfortable one but I can learn something from this.

SnowBallBunny

Tax Refund

I'm due a tax refund of £767.00, I should recieve it in February. As soon as I recieve it, I'll use it to pay off debt.

CoffeeCakeYarn

I just wanted to pop in and say thank you for your diary, I've just read from the start. By halfway down the first page you reminded me that self care is important, so I've just had a lovely hot bath, all the candles lit and classic on in the background.

We both had our LBM around the same time. I can completely empathise with being consumed by it. My creative projects have fallen by the wayside in the main, I think partly as some sort of self punishment. I'm almost thinking 'this isn't making me money, why am I doing it'. But I've decided now that I'm going to set aside at least one evening a week to craft. No gym, nothing else, just craft. Because although it may feel it, out debt isn't us, we are still a person and should not let it define us.

You have so many achievements already to be proud of. Read back from the start and see. And I promise you, this diary is helping other people. My mind has been so busy these past few weeks, but because of you I've just silenced it this evening and it feels lovely.

You should be proud.

SnowBallBunny

CoffeeCakeYarn wrote: »

I just wanted to pop in and say thank you for your diary, I've just read from the start. By halfway down the first page you reminded me that self care is important, so I've just had a lovely hot bath, all the candles lit and classic on in the background.

We both had our LBM around the same time. I can completely empathise with being consumed by it. My creative projects have fallen by the wayside in the main, I think partly as some sort of self punishment. I'm almost thinking 'this isn't making me money, why am I doing it'. But I've decided now that I'm going to set aside at least one evening a week to craft. No gym, nothing else, just craft. Because although it may feel it, out debt isn't us, we are still a person and should not let it define us.

You have so many achievements already to be proud of. Read back from the start and see. And I promise you, this diary is helping other people. My mind has been so busy these past few weeks, but because of you I've just silenced it this evening and it feels lovely.

You should be proud.

Thanks Coffee. I have tears in my eyes. I honestly didn't know that this diary could help someone in that way. I had a hot bath earlier too, but your candles and classic music are a great enhancement for all of us to note. Glad to hear that you are setting aside time for crafting, one evening a week is a small and powerful step to take.

I really empathise with what you've said about self punishment. I think that's part of the reason why I'm not sleeping and maintaining my usual self care practices consistently. And it's also why I've been trying to reach out and connect with people more and just improve how I treat myself - as challenging as that feels at the moment.

I can't continue like this for the next year and I don't feel strong enough to resume all the self care practices I usually do all at the same time. I'm considering choosing an art project to work on for the next year, something I can focus on outside of work, something I can enjoy.

I will re-read this thread, perhaps I'll gain a different perspective from doing so. My cousin told me that I've already achieved a lot so it's funny that you've said something similar. Thanks again Coffee. All the best with your craft.

SnowBallBunny

I have a funky song for you all, it's been stuck in my head for two weeks, enjoy.

Behold a Lady by Outkast

CoffeeCakeYarn

You're more than welcome, and sorry if I upset you that honestly wasn't the intention.

I get exactly what you mean with not being able to do everything at one. I had a really tough time last year, and went from a positive, upbeat, healthy, motivated person to someone who couldn't be bothered to get out of my pajamas and shower for days on end. I'd just come through an illness and I completely lost my way. The old faithful saying of small steps really did help. I started by picking up my crafts again as that had always been an escape. Then once that became normal made a pact to shower and dress every day. Then start eating a piece or fruit and some veg each day. It's been about six months now, and I'm still trying to pick up the last few habits I had that made me feel 'together'. Exercise is the hardest one but probably the biggest as it has such an impact on my energy, sleep and mental health. Stick at it, chose one that's not debt related and start. Just one, and make it a habit again.

Sorry for rambling so much on your diary, just wanted you to know you're not alone.