I just looked at the calendar and figured out how many completely open weeks without work-related events I have this summer.
Four weeks. Just four weeks. When one considers that my work calendar ended on June 9th and doesn't start again until August 8th, four weeks doesn't make sense.
I've done this to myself. I'm going to work today, as I did yesterday and will do through Thursday, because my library is nowhere near August ready. (If it's not done by Thursday, though, it's not getting done until August. I'm putting my foot down!)
I signed up for the three-day iPadPalooza conference, hoping I can get more ideas for iPad use in the library. Then there's the one full day and three half days of district-level workshops (also tech-related), and the half-day presentation I'm co-presenting (which will take a few days to put together prior).
Add that to my to-read pile of Bluebonnet and professional books....and this entire summer is laced with work. Unpaid work, except for the presentation I'm doing.
Yes, I chose to do these things, because I am a lifelong learner. I also love my job.
I do not want my job to become my life, however. That happened before, as a young teacher, and I was burned to a crisp after six years.
I'm going to keep that in mind when I plan next summer. Something's gotta give.
I always like to think about which things are truly something I could live without. Like, can you get out of the iPad thing? It'll be fun, but sitting on your porch reading Bluebonnet books might be better. :)
ReplyDeleteI can't, especially since they made an exception for my late sign-up. :-\ I'm a glutton for PD, it seems, and forget to look at the calendar when I'm signing up. I'll remember that next summer--and make the most of my PD-free days for the coming month. :-)
DeleteWe have 'death by PD' in my location, so it is really easy NOT to sign up for summer PD. I have professional books that I want to read this summer, to begin requirements for next year, my choice. If we didn't have PD 35-40 times a year in morning meetings, then perhaps...best wishes. the iPad training sounds interesting. Maribeth
ReplyDeleteI can relate to your comment, Maribeth...need to remember that next summer, when I consider all the PD I do during the school year! This will be my second iPadPalooza, and the first since I got iPads into the library. I'm hoping to get a bit more out of it than I got as a newbie last year.
DeleteI think we find a way to find balance. Summer work is optional and on an "as needed" basis, as far as I am concerned. I hope you are able to carve out time to refresh and relax.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tara. That is exactly what I am seeking. I don't want August to roll around and feel like I haven't had a break.
DeleteI struggle with summer being purely summer as well. I find myself almost every day reading about new ideas on Twitter, on blogs, in PD books. I've done one online course and I'm signed up for two more. I'm blogging about teaching. It's never NOT on my mind. Mine isn't nearly as packed as yours, but I wish I was better at compartmentalizing my school work during the summer so that I could fully relax on my real, designated "off" days. Good luck! Enjoy your summer!
ReplyDeleteAs soon as I get through Thursday, I'm going to sit down with the calendar again and carve out three solid "no work-related activities allowed" days! I'm glad I'm not the only one who has trouble compartmentalizing!
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