Just like most of you reading this, I work hard.

I am driven, am responsible, have rules for myself to getting the most return on investment for my work hours, have commitment to excellent results, and spend many hours getting the job done.  My friends know that for socializing, I am most likely to give a “yes” to before or after hours.  This system and diligence and boundary setting has brought me extraordinary success.

Last week, a thought crept in.

As Jeff Meilbeck said at his retirement/rebootment party, “I’ve never had a new idea that I didn’t like”.  I’m the same.  In the vein of boundary setting and efficiency and systems creation and maximizing opportunities, I thought with excitement, “Might it be possible to have 4 day work weeks and still get great professional results?”.

On a hike with an old friend I hadn’t seen in ½ a year, I posed this question, not really looking for him to answer.  Then after 5 minutes of monologuing, I turned the conversation over to him.  “So that’s what’s been on my mind this morning.  How have you been?”.  And to my shock, he told me about the cancer and operations he had been experiencing.  As my heart swelled with empathy, I realized that he had also graciously provided me with my answer.  Life is short.  Play hooky.

So I’m not ready to go whole-hog, but I am selecting 2 days in April do just that.  2 personal wellness days, even without email.  Don’t get me wrong; I love my job.  But I am going to experiment with temporary detachment, that’s not filled with taking kids to dance competitions, or to ski team, or laundry or taxes.  So here’s to hooky and joy and trying new things.  Who’s with me?

Best, Julie Lancaster