After getting my finances in check. I’ve finally found balance with my job that requires long shifts.
On paper I work 12 hour shifts (7am-7pm) with 2 hours of paid breaks. I get $18/day for lunch allowance as well. However, we start cleaning up by 5:45pm and usually leave by 6pm. It’s a small perk that the upper management doesn’t know about.
Regardless of these perks, it still takes a toll working these hours. I have no life during the week. I don’t have the energy to do anything, let alone trying to maintain my workout routine.
So, the balance that I’ve created and now have found happiness with my job and most importantly myself.
For the last 2 years I’ve been taking 4 months off work. During this time I collect unemployment. I’m union and my work just lays me off when I want time off. Though, unemployment pays pennies; $500/w. Its just enough to keep me going without dipping into my savings too much.
Just finished doing my taxes and I made $94,139.43 (8 months of work with 4 months of unemployment) with a small tax return of $1530.
Sure, during my 8 months of work I have to make sure to save enough to allow myself the luxury of taking such time off, but I’m now able to fully enjoy life without feeling like a slave to my job.