The importance of lifting the load

When it comes to making the mistake of taking on too much, I am not a stranger. I have a hard time saying “no” to people when they ask for a favor. I have a hard time turning down a paid position, a volunteer position and any other position that involves having to muster up the courage to reject it. I hate to feel like I’m disappointing people. In reality, though, by over extending myself, I am letting down the people who are most affected by it… my family.

Yes, being a Girl Scout leader is a good way to serve the community. By the same token, being Room Mom is a noble thing to volunteer for. Serving on the PTA is an ideal way to show your involvement with your children’s education. Sitting on church committees is great. Coaching youth sports is excellent. Put them all together, however, and you’ve left little time for just being the most important thing of all, an available parent.

I was faced with this very problem last month. My writing efforts finally started paying off and I was offered several positions with different companies. I already had volunteered for the PTA and had started a new company with my business partner. I could easily accept more than one job offer, but I’d be sacrificing the quality time that I enjoy with my children. Yes, the extra money would greatly benefit our financial situation, but would it be worth my long hours and absence in the long run? No.

I was then faced with the task of telling some of the people, “No.” I was struggling with letting them down. I tried to figure out a way to fit everything into a feasible schedule. It just was not working. Finally, I made a mental list.  I looked at all of the most important things in my life and then compared it to what I’d be giving up for the sake of not having to say “no.” It was clear that my biggest priorities would inevitable be pushed down the ladder if I did not pare my schedule down and turn down some job offers.

Was it easy? No. I felt awful turning down work in a time of economic hardship. My overachiever side was fighting to gain control over my rationale and force me to accept the offers. My heart, however, knew that my allegiance would have to remain with my family. Like my grandma always said, “Just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should.” I took her advice and it has been a really great decision!

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