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Working The Holiday

Contribution and Vocation, Inspired Living, Work | 0 comments

Working The Holiday

I know that seems like an oxymoron. Having just commemorated our Independence Day holiday in the USA, I have been contemplating work, holidays, and freedom. That made me realize one of the freedoms I have always valued is the ability to work on holidays. And to not work a typical 9-5 schedule.  This started when I worked at corporate jobs and extended into a preference when I built my own business.

I wonder if you have any such “seemingly odd” choices for the way you work?

I also wonder how that idea makes you view your work – as the significant part of life that work is…

Exercising Your Gifts And Choices

To me, work is about your gifts and your life choices – and exercising both in ways most fulfilling to you.

Work is a big subject – and a big part of life. I believe everyone is here to make some contribution. With your uniquely endowed gifts, you are here to do something – creative, constructive, productive, that makes a positive difference.

And I believe most people want to do that, just sometimes get lost in figuring out how best to accomplish it.

That is what I most want for you: to live and work in the most satisfying ways, and fully use your unique brilliance to “do what you came here to do.” (It is the basis for the work I do.)

Working Preferences  

Holidays are days off when we are free to do what we want.

Ever felt you “had to” do certain things just because it was a holiday – because family traditions or even outside societal and marketplace pressures compelled that? That is also work, by the way – sometimes a lot of work filled with resentment and conflicts because honestly, aren’t holidays supposed to be days off when we are free to do what we want…?

Commemorating the spirit of the day with specific traditions or rituals based on what that holiday is about can be simple or it can be elaborate. Which of those do you prefer? Which do you absolutely LOVE?

It’s still work, so best when it can be more about meaning, enjoyment, fun… and less about stuff.

If that sounds good, I hereby grant you permission to re-look at how you spend your holidays – in general or each one as it comes up. (Not that you need that permission from anyone!)

As for me… holidays are a great time to work!

I mean chosen work that seems like an indulgence and a big diversion from my professional or business focus. In my life, that includes gardening, doing big projects at home, clearing clutter, and catching up on things that need to be completed. Completing things is very satisfying.

Sometimes it’s a art or decorating project. Or cooking a lot of great food so we have lots of leftovers

That takes making choices to do the work you have to do, and want to do, in a way that also works for you.

Whether you work in your own business or professional practice, or prefer employment in a corporate or office setting, there are more ways than ever to get all your great work done in a way that also works for your life.

Professional Evolution Illustration

When I was a nurse working in the ICU, I lived alone far from my family. The hospital was an amazing community.

I loved working holidays. Aside from getting paid time and a half which was great to boost my earnings (not the reason…), there was a real feeling of camaraderie among those of us working then. Families had to ‘celebrate’ the holiday with a sick or injured loved one, which was certainly not their preference, and we got to help them make the best of that. It was happier than usual somehow. The cafeteria staff put on a great smorgasbord buffet – so much better than the usual daily fare – and co-workers (and patients’ families) brought in great snacks and desserts.

That is where my preference was born. I also learned that I preferred working weekends and evenings, and having my free time when others were working their traditional 9-5 schedule.

When I was in private law practice in the government regulatory arena, it gave me a day to catch up or even get ahead. When cases were “at rest,” I could better manage projects and any looming deadlines – since the office was quiet and my government colleagues were not working.

The Benefits Of Designing Work And Life

Making conscious choices about when and how to work felt like it gave me a leg up.

Choosing when to work in that way allowed me to better express and build my life activities around it. I get more done in all arenas and am more effective

Having that freedom, gave me something else I value – the ability to avoid crowds. More efficient at the grocery store, and way more pleasant for nature outings like hiking and skiing with fewer people.

I discovered working virtually as a direct result of needing to be away from the office to tend to family matters. I did it with my own business, so I didn’t need anyone’s permission, but it still took coordination with others.

Currently, operating a business virtually, mobile-ly or in ‘location independent’ fashion is even more possible – whether in your own business or applying a virtual approach in a more traditional workplace. A business owner or entrepreneurial mindset can be applied in any setting to make your work-style and lifestyle successfully work together.

It just takes the coordination I mentioned, along with some negotiation. But it’s best to start with some evaluation.


Just like knowing how you prefer to spend your holidays, how you prefer to work is an important subject can harbor resentment and conflicts with the other people at work or at home, and confusion for yourself and how to approach it. That is why designing your life, to include everything important to you – including your work – is THE key sort of evaluation to do before you DO anything else.

And that’s why Masterful Life Redesign was born. You are a master at many things. (You may not even realize what they all are). They are wanted and needed in the world. You will bring your best if you work with your preferred interests and skills in a way that brings you joy. Finding where they are most valued will provide financial remuneration if that is important to you for the work you do. That combination breeds success.

Also, this is your life we are talking about – and there are many areas of life to consider and address in addition to ‘going to work’ when, how or where you do it.

Maybe it’s time for a redesign of all that… so it really works for YOU.

If so, together we can make it happen faster and easier than you would on your own, without confusion, disappointment, or regrets!

If that sounds attractive to you, let’s have a chat about how to make it happen!

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