Why I hate the weekends (2017)
&gt; <i>I feel like my whole life is centered around work. Even though I work a (what is considered) reasonable 40-hour work-week, I feel like too much of time is taken away from me. Not only is it actually being in the office but commuting too. My morning are devoted to getting ready for work: dressing up, packing up a lunch and so on.</i><p>As someone who also works a reasonable 40-hour a week job, I cannot emphasize enough how much of a difference working remote has made.<p>I used to commute an hour each direction in the DC area, and (like the author) spent time preparing meals, getting dressed, etc. I have since moved to the NC area to work remote, and quality of life improvement is incredible:<p>- I can get to work immediately with no commute, and when I&#x27;m done, I don&#x27;t have to get in a car to get home.<p>- Lunch break involves making a healthy lunch in my own kitchen, then reading a book while I eat in the comfort of my own home.<p>- I am a coffee enthusiast, and I love being able to make a french press, pour-over, or cold brew right in my kitchen.<p>- Crappy weather and accidents on the roads no longer have any effect on my workday.<p>- I get the exact office setup I want.<p>- I can go work at a coffee shop, an outdoor park, or even at the beach (all of which I have done), if I want a change of scenery.<p>WRT to the central point: I hate the _concept_ of living for the weekend, and have taken intentional and proactive steps to ensure that I don&#x27;t fall into that trap.<p>Just a few examples:<p>- Get up early, and make time for what matters. I like to work out in the mornings, and also make sure to do any hobbies or side projects during this time, as my brain is fresh.<p>- Make yourself stop working at the appropriate time. This will differ depending on your job and your personal preference, but I draw a line in the sand and do not let myself work any later than 6 PM. My personal time is very important to me, and even though I love my job, I will never choose it over my personal time.<p>- Make sure to do things you like during the week, too. This really just involves not allowing yourself to believe that you can only make time for yourself on the weekends. Sometimes I&#x27;ll get up early and meet someone for breakfast at a restaurant, sometimes I&#x27;ll do a fun hobby in the evening, like rock climbing. If your job is flexible enough you could even step away for a quick break during the day to do something outside, like bicycling or kayaking, if that&#x27;s your thing.<p>edit: Formatting