Nearing the Finish Line for 2012

This year, especially the last six months have been tough. I said, 'Yes' to too may 'opportunities'. I have always thrived at work and am good at what I do. I like for that to be recognized and am motivated by new things and recognition. It's fair to say my identify is pretty much tied into my career. When I get that call that there is a new client, or new project that I am the BEST person to assign to, I typically jump at it, whatever the cost to my time. The standard for productive days is 12.5 per month (three per week). I averaged 15 per month, which means I provided a free extra week of revenue to the company every month.

In 2012, two major opportunities consumed any office time I might have had. One was a corporate client who wanted a review of their Medicare practices at seven of their facilities. The engagement added 18 days to May and June, which meant I spent the rest of the year trying to catch up with my assigned clients. The second assignment was to work with a financial consultant on an ongoing contract with a company based on California. This consisted of setting aside at least four days (a four day week) each month and some months two. Squeezing those in pushed my other visits together to create four day and five day weeks. But those visits are fun and I like working with Monica.

I have been pretty outspoken about my frustration with the last few months and the workload I had gotten myself into. I advertised my resolve to change my ways so I can have a life, a family, participate more actively in my church and work on crafts and in my yard. And maybe add to my Blog more often. I know there are skeptical people out there who don't believe I can do it. My commitment is to average 13 visits per month, which will give me back my Friday office days. One week a month I will still work on the California project and that will have to be a four day week.

So this Wednesday I was tested. I got a call that Polaris was sending two people for education about a product designed to help nursing homes decrease readmissions back to the hospital--second week in January a three day session. Then I would be one of two consultants who would be assigned to a contract to provide education to all their facilities to reduce hospital readmissions. Gosh, that would be fun. I would be special and know more than the others! I actually said I would check my calendar and see what I could move around. Keep in mind that I have already completed my schedule through May using my new parameters.

I opened my calendar and looked at the second week in January. That Thursday I have a hair appointment. Tuesday and Wednesday are scheduled for a steady client. I could change that week and move........... But I didn't. I said, 'On second thought' and declined the assignment. I said this seemed like a good opportunity for someone else. I am more excited about saying 'no' than I think I would have been about saying 'yes'.

Tomorrow is my last day to work in 2012 and I will finish the twelfth yearly visit for this client. I am ending the year current with all contracts. I will have four reports to write and then kick back and smell the roses. I am committed to tying my identity to my family and friends. They will be around a lot longer than this job.